Behavioral Variations in Ara Parrots in Response to Enrichment in Individual Dormitories: A Case Study at Ambue Ari Rescue Center

This study investigates the behavioral changes in five macaws (Ara ararauna and Ara severus) at the Ambue Ari rescue center in Bolivia. Six types of enrichment items were tested both individually and in combination within the birds' dormitories. The study aimed to assess the effects of these items on the most commonly expressed behaviors and to evaluate overall behavioral changes. Key findings reveal that the combination of two enrichment items significantly increases engagement and interaction time compared to a single-item setup. The results also provide valuable insights for refining the management routines of the captive parrots at the rescue center, highlighting the animals' preferences and the influence of the tested items on specific behaviors.