Effects of Environmental Enrichment in 3 Species of Parrots at Cappeller Zoo: Ara ararauna, Trichoglossus haematodus and Amazona leucocephala

My experimental thesis aims to analyze the effects that some kinds of environmental enrichment exert on three species of parrots at Cappeller Zoo, more specifically Ara ararauna (blue-and-yellow macaw), Trichoglossus haematodus (Rainbow lorikeet) and Amazona leucocephala (Cuban amazon). The introduction of enrichments is generally aimed at stimulating and maintaining the species-specific characteristics of animals, promoting the physical and psychological welfare and consequently foreseeing eventual negative stress conditions (“distress”). The experimental observations took place at Cappeller Zoo (Cartigliano, VI) from August 16 to October 8, 2021. The observed subjects are: 2 individuals of blue-and-yellow macaw (a male and a female), 9 Rainbow lorikeets (4 males and 5 females), and 2 Cuban amazon (a male and a female). The materials chosen and used for the enrichment are: Sisal ropes of different dimensions according to the species, positioned to be “stimulating” for the animals, like in areas in which most activity occurs; Bowls of water, made of stainless steel and of different adequate dimensions. Water was changed every day and offering more interaction through playing, bathing and drinking. They were presented together with ropes; Small coffee spoons of stainless steel (2 tight together) hanging on the branches, to simulate the jingling sound of bells through the interaction with parrots. They were presented together with food bowls; Fruit and vegetable bowls of stainless steel changed every day, of different dimensions. Food was cut in very small pieces and separated in small groups to allow parrots to decide which food to pick. The methods of observation took place from Monday to Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 and from 16:00 to 18:00, and on Friday from 8:30 to 10:30 and from 13:30 to 15:30, for a total period of 7 weeks. The first week was dedicated to preliminary observations and to the identification of individuals, while the following two weeks to the habituation of parrots to the various enrichments. From the fourth weeks the effective experimental period started, in which ropes and water bowls were presented alternatively in a week, and spoons and food bowls in the following one. During the subsequent weeks the enrichment types were alternated in the same way. An analysis of data was then carried out to determine the results, with the general aim of defining the effects that these kinds of environmental enrichment had on the three examined species.