Designers are being asked to assist with technological innovations to ongoing problems faced by the behavioral enrichment team. The aim of behavioral enrichment is to encourage species-typical behaviour in the animals; to encourage physical exercise and mental stimulation. Animals in captivity have had the need to hunt and defend themselves restricted. Without enrichment animals could become inactive or bored.

ò Encourage natural behaviour. ò Be non toxic. ò Consider animal ergonomics. ò Be robust, washable and user friendly to both the animals and keepers (e.g. the materials be non-breakable and the edges smooth) ò If it is to be happily 'destroyed' during the animal's enrichment, it should be safe (e.g. edible, no splinters or sharp pieces). ò Comply with the zoo's animal ethics policy and regulations regarding the keepers. ò Contain an interesting scent. ò Make a noise that will engage, but not frighten the animal. ò Look naturalistic.

After extensive research, designers are asked to: òò Create concepts of a form of behavioral enrichment specifically for chosen animal. òò Make models & prototypes supported with documentation to get keeper feedback, through e-facilities such as s, chats, VR., video conferences, etc.. ò ò Modify a prototype in light of keeper feedback. ò Manufacture a final product. Good behavioral enrichment requires extensive knowledge of the animal's dexterity, locomotion, original habitat, species interaction and preferred foods.

Browse Branches of trees or bushes placed in enclosures for animals to eat Behavioral enrichment Item used to encourage natural behaviour in captive animals Research Investigating to find out facts. This could be by reading, watching videos or interviewing people. Design Plan. This could be notes and sketches. Prototype A working model of your design ­ can be reduced size to the real product. Modification A change to your design or prototype to improve its function. Final product The full sized working behavioral enrichment. Production and process Developing a systematic way to make items. Enrichments which will only be used once and may need their production streamlined. Enclosure design This is the design of the animals entire home and not what this project is about. some of the common words used in behavioral enrichment Glossary