In my report I will be answering the following questions,

1. What is  enrichment all about 
2. why is enrichment important to our animals most especially the primates in captivity.

    To begin, the term enrichment is use to describe a means by which animals such as primates, reptiles, aves, are being occupied or stimulated. Enrichment improves psychological wellbeing and also allow captive primates to show behavioural similarities as animals in the wild. Enrichment is often used most especially in Zoos to reduce stress and aggression as well as to improve overall health and encourage activity.

        Why is Enrichment Important Animals in captivity 

The difference between the wild and natural environment primates live in and their life in captivity is undeniable. In the wild, primates live in complex and diverse habitat with few boundaries, they exhibit a wide range of species-typical behaviour and can make their own choices such as sleeping, foraging, mating, bathing etc. As they wish. Whereas, those in captivity or being confined, they are restricted to enclosure and boundaries minimizing the amount of choices in the activities they are free to make. Their range of activities depend mainly on the human caring for them and their schedule.The following points are the benefits which enrichment provides for captive primates:

-   Enrichment reduces stress, aggression, and boredom.

- It offers animals with choices and control over what they do.

- It encourages natural behaviour and instincts.

- It provides mental and physical stimulation.

-It prevents abnormal and stereotypes behaviour.

- It provides nutritional supplements to animals daily diet.

  

NB: CHOICE AND CONTROL ARE KEY ELEMENTS FOR THE ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY WELLBEING, ENRICHMENT ALLOWS THE ANIMALS TO CHOOSE ,WHEN ,HOW, AND WHERE TO INTERACT BUT STILL ALLOWS THEM NOT TO IF THEY PREFER. Part 2 is coming soon....