Environmental Enrichment

Environmental Enrichment is a dynamic process for enhancing animal environments within the context of the animals' behavioral biology and natural history.

Using various forms of environmental enrichment, we give our animals opportunities to participate in species-approved behaviors to meet their behavioral needs and improve their overall wellness.

Enrichment allows animals to exert choice and control, and engage in a variety of behaviors they’re motivated to perform. Enrichment overall is meant to keep an animal active in body and mind to keep them physically and psychologically healthy.

Enrichment can take on a countless number of forms. Enrichment can be found in an animal’s habitat, with trees, coral, and other structures that offer them the choice to climb, hide, rest or other behaviors. Enrichment can also be found in their social groupings. Other animals that share a space with an animal – whether of the same or a different species – offer an animal the chance to interact and engage in species-behaviors during a 24-hour period.

Enrichment can also be created through the introduction of “environmental enrichment devices” (EEDs), which Animal Care staff prepare for each animal based on their knowledge of the individual and species. Puzzles, special diets, ice, plants, and other items, or the introduction to a new environment can all pose a stimulating challenge to an animal to keep their minds busy and allow them to make use of their natural abilities and instincts.

Environmental Enrichment in Action

Otters are notoriously curious and active animals, and Merlin and Arrie in “Otter Creek” at the Texas State Aquarium are no exception.

To keep these intelligent and playful animals active, Animal Care staff utilize a number of environmental enrichment devices to allow these otters to engage in natural behaviors.

On a regular basis, staff will introduce items to Merlin and Arrie’s exhibit that replicate their environment or challenge the animals to “problem solve” as their wild counterparts might have to. Palm fronds that are trimmed from trees on the Aquarium’s property are placed in Otter Creek, giving Merlin and Arrie a more naturalistic habitat and another way to interact with their environment. Some of the otter’s favorite treats can often be hidden under or within seashells, coconuts, or even Frisbees to encourage the otters’ natural foraging and hunting behaviors and giving Merlin and Arrie a chance to explore their environment, solve problems, and make decisions. On their birthdays, Merlin and Arrie even receive some special enrichment treats that can include ice cakes and gelatin!

These enrichment practices engage these otters mentally and physically and maintain the best possible animal wellness standards. As a bonus, seeing these otters tackle their enrichment items can be a special treat for our guests!