Enhancing the Hunt: Innovative Feeding System for Lions, Tigers, and Snow Leopards

The Zürich Zoo in Switzerland has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to animal enrichment with the introduction of a high-speed food delivery system in its new “Panthera” enclosure. This innovative system, featuring cable cars that zip through the habitat at speeds of up to 40 km/h, aims to replicate the challenges and rewards of hunting in the wild for its big cat residents.

Simulating the Natural Struggle for survival

Zoo spokesperson Dominik Ryser explains the rationale behind this novel approach: In the wild, big cats are triumphant in only about one in ten hunting attempts. Our food cable cars are designed to simulate this natural stress, providing the animals with a more authentic and stimulating experience.

the system involves attaching pieces of meat, and occasionally entire prey animals, to the cable cars, which then traverse the enclosure at varying heights and speeds. This forces the lions, tigers, and snow leopards to actively pursue their food, honing their hunting skills and experiencing the satisfaction of a successful chase.

Balancing Challenge and Success

While the primary goal is to replicate the challenges of hunting, the zoo acknowledges the importance of ensuring the animals’ nutritional needs are met. The system is designed to allow zookeepers to adjust the difficulty level, ensuring that the big cats experience both the frustration of failed attempts and the reward of a successful hunt.

A Growing Trend in Animal Enrichment

The Zürich Zoo’s innovative feeding system reflects a growing trend in animal enrichment, with zoos worldwide seeking new and creative ways to stimulate their animals and promote natural behaviors. According to a 2024 study by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), enrichment programs that mimic natural challenges can substantially improve the physical and psychological well-being of captive animals.

Enrichment programs that mimic natural challenges can significantly improve the physical and psychological well-being of captive animals.

Association of zoos and Aquariums (AZA), 2024

Swiss Engineering at its Finest

The cable car system itself is a testament to Swiss engineering, having been developed by a company that typically specializes in building ski lifts. This expertise ensures the system’s reliability and safety, while also providing a unique and engaging experience for zoo visitors.

A New Era for Zoo Experiences

The “Panthera” enclosure and its high-speed food delivery system represent a meaningful step forward in zoo design and animal care. By providing a more stimulating and challenging surroundings for its big cats, the Zürich Zoo is not only enhancing their well-being but also offering visitors a more authentic and educational glimpse into the lives of these splendid creatures.

Reinventing Mealtime: The Cable Car Carnivore Cafe

Zurich Zoo has unveiled a revolutionary feeding system designed to stimulate the natural hunting instincts of its big cats.Forget the traditional bowl of meat; these predators now engage in a high-speed chase for their meals, thanks to a sophisticated cable car system.

Simulating the Chase: How the System Works

The system propels chunks of meat through the enclosure at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, mimicking the unpredictable nature of a real hunt. This innovative approach not only provides the cats with physical exercise but also stimulates their minds, promoting psychological well-being. The goal is to provide animal enrichment and encourage natural behaviors.

Dominik Ryser, from Zoo Zürich, explained the dual-mode operation:

The system has two different modes. In ‘success mode,’ the meat stops in the middle of the enclosure. In ‘stress mode,’ the meat whizzes back out of the enclosure if it isn’t caught.
Dominik Ryser, Zoo Zürich

Unpredictability and fasting: Key Elements of the Feeding Strategy

Adding to the challenge, the zoo’s keepers do not adhere to a strict feeding schedule. The launch of the meat-laden cable cars, whether for the large cats or the smaller ones, is triggered randomly, ensuring that each feeding is a surprise. This unpredictability is crucial in maintaining the cats’ alertness and hunting prowess.

Furthermore, the zoo embraces the concept of occasional fasting, stating that fasting is part of a big cat’s everyday life. If a cat misses its prospect to catch the speeding meal, it simply goes without, mirroring the realities of hunting in the wild. According to recent studies on feline behavior, intermittent fasting can improve metabolic health and cognitive function in big cats, aligning with the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare.

Beyond Feeding: A Commitment to Conservation and Education

Zurich Zoo’s innovative feeding system is more than just a spectacle; it’s a testament to the zoo’s dedication to animal welfare, conservation, and education. By creating an environment that stimulates natural behaviors, the zoo aims to enhance the lives of its animals and inspire visitors to appreciate and protect these magnificent creatures.

As global conservation efforts intensify, zoos are increasingly playing a vital role in preserving endangered species and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity. Zurich Zoo’s forward-thinking approach sets a new standard for animal care and enrichment, paving the way for other institutions to follow suit.

“Panthera”: Ein neues Konzept für großkatzen

Eine neuartige Anlage namens “panthera” hat ihre Pforten geöffnet und präsentiert ein innovatives Konzept für die haltung von Großkatzen. Der Name “Panthera” leitet sich von der wissenschaftlichen Bezeichnung für Großkatzen ab, einer Gruppe, zu der majestätische Tiere wie Löwen, Tiger, Jaguare, Leoparden und Schneeleoparden gehören.

Strategische Fütterung gegen Gewohnheitseffekte

Ein Schlüsselelement des “Panthera”-Konzepts ist die strategische Fütterung. Ziel ist es, die Intelligenz der Tiere zu berücksichtigen und Gewohnheitseffekte zu vermeiden.

Raubkatzen sind schlau, sie durchschauen einen regelmäßigen Essensrhythmus.

Zoodirektor Severin Dressen

Diese Aussage unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit, die Fütterungszeiten und -methoden zu variieren, um die Tiere geistig zu fordern und ihr natürliches Jagdverhalten zu simulieren. dies trägt nicht nur zum Wohlbefinden der Tiere bei, sondern fördert auch ihre kognitiven Fähigkeiten.

Vier Bereiche für abwechslungsreiche Nutzung

Die “Panthera”-Anlage ist in vier separate Bereiche unterteilt. Dieses Design ermöglicht es, die drei verschiedenen Großkatzenarten abwechselnd in den verschiedenen Arealen unterzubringen. Diese Rotation soll für Abwechslung sorgen und die Tiere stimulieren. studien haben gezeigt, dass eine abwechslungsreiche Umgebung das Wohlbefinden von Zootieren deutlich steigern kann. Beispielsweise ergab eine Studie der Zoological Society of London, dass regelmäßige Veränderungen in der Gehegegestaltung das Aktivitätsniveau von Großkatzen um bis zu 30% erhöhen können.

Besucherinformationen

Die Anlage “panthera” ist von März bis Oktober täglich von 9:00 bis 18:00 uhr geöffnet.