what are the abnormal/stereotypical behaviour of wild cats in zoos, particularly tigers, leopards, cheetahs and ocelots?
Answer Dear Beth Thanks for your question. i also wish to thank the authors of the websites I used. First of all, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereotypy says that stereotyped behaviour includes repetitive or ritualistic movements, postures or utterances. In captive cats, this includes pacing up and down or in the same path in an enclosure or making repetitive roars etc. This often occurs in cats held in small enclosures with little opportunity to engage in more normal behaviors. These behaviours may be maladaptive, involving self-injury or reduced reproductive success. http://www.onevoice-ear.org/english/campaigns/china/zoos_report.html says that captive animals that are inadequately housed or lack stimulation may resort to repetitive, apparently pointless behaviour in an attempt to numb themselves to their predicament. This stereotyped behaviour indicates poor welfare. Some of the animals paced relentlessly, some repeatedly licking the walls, others swinging their heads dementedly si
