We are excited to share that this week we donated and delivered large tiger balls to three tiger facilities in Thailand, supporting their efforts to enhance the welfare and well-being of their tigers. These facilities have over 50 tigers between them, all of which need enrichment to improve their quality of life in captivity.
What Are Zoo Balls?
Enrichment balls are specially designed tools that serve to engage animals in physical and mental activities. For tigers, these balls offer a chance to explore, play, and interact in ways that simulate their natural behaviours. Whether it’s pouncing, rolling, or clawing, these activities are vital for maintaining the tigers' physical fitness and mental sharpness.
Why are these Large Balls Great for Tigers?
Tigers need regular enrichment to keep their bodies active and their minds engaged. Without appropriate stimulation, captive tigers can develop behavioural issues such as pacing, lethargy, excessive grooming and so on, all of which are seen in environments lacking enrichment opportunities.
Large zoo balls such as the ones we have donated are specifically designed to withstand the strength of the tigers bite and claws, offering numerous benefits:
1. Promote Physical Activity: In the wild, tigers have to hunt, stalk, chase and so on, when hunting their prey. These balls help to promote similar behaviours encouraging the tigers to jump on, grabble with, and chase the balls as they roll around. This encourages exercise resulting in better overall fitness, the improvement of muscle strength and can help prevent obesity and other health issues.
2. Stimulate Mental Engagement: Tigers are intelligent and have to learn and problem-solve in the wild. In captivity, enrichment encouraging mental stimulation are often few and far between. Providing challenges such as how to manipulate the ball, investigating new textures and colours, helps to keep their brains active, reducing boredom.
3. Reduce Stress and Stereotypic Behaviours: Lack of stimulation can lead to stress and repetitive behaviours like pacing. Engaging toys provide an outlet for their energy, contributing to better overall mental health. Not only that, but the tigers are more likely to display positive behaviours and appear more relaxed, as the items encourage play and exploration.
How the Tigers Use the Balls
Already we have seen that each tiger has a different reaction to the balls. There have been a number of creative interactions already including:
· Stalking
· Grappling/hugging
· Pushing
· Rolling
· Pouncing
· Licking
· Kicking
Tiger balls like these can also be placed in water as they float. This encourages a whole new level of fun as the tigers will splash and jump on the ball as well. This option helps shake things up providing more physical exercise. And, it’s a great option for these water-loving cats.
A Collaborative Step Forward
By donating these balls, we aim to support the teams caring for tigers in Thailand, providing them with a versatile and durable tool for enrichment. Proper enrichment is key to improving welfare and ensuring captive tigers have meaningful, stimulating lives.
We are thrilled to be able to work with these facilities and hope to see positive changes in the way these tigers behave and interact with their new enrichment toys. Stay tuned for future updates as we continue supporting tiger welfare in Thailand.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We’re honoured to play a small role in enhancing tiger welfare, but this mission is far from over. If you’re passionate about supporting captive tiger welfare, consider donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the importance of enrichment in animal care. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of these tigers.
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