What does the term 'environmental enrichment' refer to?

The term 'environmental enrichment' encompasses a variety of strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for laboratory animals by improving their living conditions and stimulating their natural behaviors. This concept is rooted in the understanding that animals, when placed in enriched environments, exhibit less stress, improved welfare, and more naturalistic behaviors.

Improving the physical environment of the animal is an integral part of environmental enrichment. This can include providing varied spaces such as climbing structures, hiding places, and different substrates that allow animals to express natural behaviors that are often curtailed in standard housing conditions.

Providing social interaction is another critical component of environmental enrichment. Many animals are social creatures and benefit from interactions with their peers. Social housing or pairing certain species can promote natural social hierarchies and behaviors, which are essential for their mental health and well-being.

Offering feeding variety also plays a significant role. This can mean introducing different types of diets, foraging opportunities, or feeding methods that encourage animals to engage in natural foraging behaviors. Such variety can help to satisfy their curiosity and reduce boredom.

By integrating all these components—enhancing physical environments, fostering social interactions, and diversifying feeding options—environmental enrichment aims to create a more stimulating and fulfilling environment for laboratory animals. This holistic