A vida sobre 3 patas: análise da implementação do Programa de Bem-Estar em Onça Pintada (Panthera Onça, Linnaeus, 1758) Cativa

Abstract

n, some animals live in enclosures with limited resources and without stimuli, causing psychological and health problems. The welfare of animals in confinement is essencial, and one of the viable ways to achieve it is through environmental enrichments, adaptations in the structures of the enclosures, among other interventions. This study aimed to analyze the behavior of a female Panthera onca kept in captivity during the implementation of a welfare program divided into three phases (before, during and after implementation), totaling 60 hours. The analyzes lasted 20 hours in each phase: the third phase was divided into 10 hours of observation on the same day of enrichment application; and 10 hours of observation, after completely withdrawing from the program that consisted of applying environmental enrichment, adapting the enclosure to current needs and stipulating a schedule for social interaction with humans. The implementation of the welfare program notably decreased abnormal behaviors such as pacing. The analysis of the third phase indicated an increase and return of abnormal behaviors, demonstrating the importance of applying methods that improve the welfare of captive animals.