The impact of carcass feeding on captive wildlife park lions (Panthera leo)

Abstract

Captive lions often experience less ideal environments, including predictable feedings. We tested whether a carcass-based, non-daily feeding regime could elicit more naturalistic activity while maintaining welfare. At Monarto Safari Park (Adelaide, Australia), we monitored two groups: a normal feed group (two females aged 5 and two males aged 3) and an experimental group (three males aged 9). The experimental group was switched from daily processed meat to a 9-day fast-and-feed cycle with 200 kg carcasses, day 1 being the feed day. Using eight cameras, we conducted instantaneous scan sampling every 5 minutes over 24h periods for three months (1 month Baseline, 2 months treatment, 2160h total). We coded five behavior classes and 15 focal behaviors, then compared groups across conditions with two-way ANOVAs and examined Month x Cycle-day effects in the experimental group with linear mixed models.

Groups differed at Baseline, so treatment effects were interpreted primarily within the two groups. Across time, behavior was driven mainly by condition. In the experimental group, activity increased from Baseline to Month 1 and remained above Baseline in Month 2, consistent with carcass manipulation and exploratory locomotion. The normal feed group showed no change. Abnormal behavior increased across conditions in both groups, with pacing in the experimental group rising from 10.9% of scans at Baseline to 21.1% in Month 2. Mixed-model results indicated that locomotion varied by cycle day and was higher in the later days, whereas foraging, lying down and standing showed no significant effect of the month or cycle-day.

Carcass feeding appeared to have successfully stimulated naturalistic activity, but the predictable fasting intervals also amplified pacing. We recommend keeping feeding carcasses while shortening and randomizing the fasting periods, thus balancing natural foraging engagement with stereotypy mitigation. Findings underscore how feeding schedules alone can strongly impact captive lion behavior and should be central to husbandry planning.