Animal Quote by Jessica Pierce
““A common misconception is that pets have easy lives. They don’t have to do any work to find food and shelter or to protect themselves from harm. But making life easy for captive animals doesn’t do them the great favor we might imagine. Providing them with appropriate challenges affords them opportunities to put their functional competencies to work, to engage in their full range of behaviors, and to engage their intelligence.1 And, in fact, various studies show that animals like to work and will engage in work for a reward, even if the reward is otherwise available for free. “Agency” has recently entered the vocabulary of animal welfare science and captures an important element of what animals in captivity need.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Animal welfare science journal, 2023
Providing challenges to captive animals promotes agency, mental health, and natural behaviors, contrary to the myth of easy lives.
In simple terms: Animals need challenges, not just comfort.
Key Takeaway
Offer enrichment to support animal agency.
Themes
animal welfare
agency
behavioral health
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
educational
advocacy
When to use this quote
- zoo management
- pet care
- conservation programs
Key Concepts
ethology
psychology
enrichment design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance safety with challenge?
- What simple enrichments can be added daily?
A Different Perspective
Resources for enrichment may be limited.
