Zoo Psychology

Zoo psychology is the study of the mental and emotional well-being of animals kept in captivity. It focuses on understanding how living in a zoo environment affects animals’ behavior, stress levels, and overall health. By applying psychological principles, zoo professionals can improve enclosures, enrichment activities, and social groupings to promote natural behaviors and reduce stress. The goal is to ensure animals are mentally stimulated, comfortable, and thriving, mimicking their natural habitats as much as possible. This field helps enhance animal welfare and supports conservation efforts by fostering healthier, more resilient populations.