Scientists changed how zoo lions eat. Their wild side came out
Giving zoo lions whole carcasses on a feast-and-fast schedule appears to bring out more natural behavior. The lions spent nearly three times longer feeding, engaged in more tearing and manipulating of food, and rested more heavily after meals. Their activity then increased gradually during the fasting period, closely resembling the rhythm seen in wild lions.
Key points
- A study by Adelaide University and Monarto Safari Park found that zoo lions showed more wild-like behavior when given whole carcasses on a feast and fast schedule.
- The three adult male lions spent almost three times as long eating on carcass feeding days and rested longer afterward.
- Pacing increased most around predictable events like keeper arrivals rather than as the lions went longer without food.
A new Australian study suggests zoo lions behave more like wild lions when given whole animal carcasses as part of a feast and fast feeding schedule. The research, published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, was conducted by Adelaide University and Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.
Scientists studied three adult male African lions after animal care staff added whole carcasses every nine days to an existing feeding routine built around periods of eating and fasting. Continuous video monitoring over three months showed the lions spent much more time eating when carcasses were provided, rested longer afterward, and gradually became more active as the fasting period continued.
What the researchers found
During the experimental phase, the three lions received approximately 200 kilograms of carcasses. The food was left available for as long as three days, after which the lions entered a period of rest and digestion. Eight infrared cameras recorded the animals continuously, producing one of the most detailed 24 hour datasets yet assembled for African lions in human care under a carcass feeding regime.
The lions spent almost three times as long eating as they typically did on carcass feeding days. They also fed more frequently and for longer stretches as they tore apart, pulled at, manipulated, and consumed the carcasses. The researchers found no increase in aggression or disruption to the lions' social stability during these feeding events.
Wild lions don't eat at the same time every day. They experience natural periods of feasting and fasting depending on hunting success.
— Lesia Hryhorenko
Pacing and feeding routines
The team also tracked pacing, a repetitive behavior in carnivores often linked to anticipation. Pacing increased slightly over the study period, but it did not consistently rise as the lions went longer without food. The largest increases occurred around predictable events such as keeper arrivals and times when the animals were moved between areas of their habitat.
Lead author Lesia Hryhorenko from Adelaide University's School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences said the study provides new information about how feeding routines can shape the behavior of carnivores living in human care. Co-author Associate Professor Alexandra Whittaker said the findings show why animal behavior needs to be monitored over longer periods when researchers evaluate zoo management practices.
