Educational Outings A Source of Enrichment for Our Animals

Why do Éducazoo animals participate in educational activities? Can outings contribute to animal welfare? How do we choose the animals that go on the road?

At Éducazoo, an outing is never planned simply because an animal “has to work.” On the contrary, our educational activities with animals are part of a carefully planned routine in which periods of stimulation and periods of rest complement each other. Most importantly, this routine is not the same for all our residents.

In this blog article, the Éducazoo team explains how Éducazoo animal outings can be a form of enrichment, how we adapt their frequency to each individual and why a quiet day at the sanctuary is just as important as a day on the road.

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Stimulation is also part of animal welfare

When we talk about animal welfare, we quickly think of an appropriate diet, veterinary care and a suitable habitat. But behavioural and mental needs matter too. This is where environmental enrichment comes into play: providing an animal with appropriate opportunities to explore, interact, think or simply experience different forms of stimulation.

Animal welfare research shows that environments offering novelty, opportunities for exploration, choice and a certain degree of control can promote positive behaviours. Enrichment can be food-based, sensory, physical, social or cognitive, depending on the species and the individual.

For our residents, outings contribute to this stimulation. Safe transportation, new smells, different environments and interactions with our Naturalists and the public all add variety to their daily lives.

But be careful: more stimulation does not necessarily mean greater welfare. Stimulation must be adapted to the animal. This is precisely why two animals of the same species can have very different schedules.

An active animal doesn't have the same needs as a quieter animal

Some of our residents are particularly active, curious and seek out stimulation. For them, Éducazoo educational outings may be more frequent. Others are naturally quieter or show less need for novelty: their schedule therefore includes more days at the sanctuary.

This individualization is essential. In the science of animal behaviour, we know that temperament and preferences can vary from one individual to another. An effective enrichment strategy must therefore take into account not only the species, but also the animal in front of us.

At Éducazoo, some residents may therefore go on the road regularly, while others will do so much less often. We aim to maintain an appropriate level of stimulation for each individual, while preserving enough periods of rest.

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​Jaco, quieter (left) and Zazou, more active (right)

How do we choose the animals that go on the road?

The selection of animals for our educational activities is planned according to several criteria. Our biologist in charge of selections considers factors including temperament, general condition, activity level, stimulation needs, planned feeding, outdoor temperature and the type of activity.

A selection planned in advance can also change that very morning. An animal that shows it needs some quiet time can remain at the sanctuary and be replaced by another resident. The program adapts to the animal, not the other way around.

The weather is also taken into account. An air-conditioned indoor activity and an outdoor activity in the middle of summer obviously do not involve the same conditions. Our decisions therefore take into account the biological needs specific to the different species in order to preserve their comfort and safety.

This is an important distinction: participating in activities never takes priority over the other fundamental needs of our residents.

Meanwhile, what happens at the sanctuary?

A day at the Éducazoo animal sanctuary is different. It is an opportunity for the animals to spend more time in their habitat and enjoy quiet periods and rest. This alternation helps avoid constantly seeking novelty or stimulation.

Rest is an integral part of exotic animal welfare. A stimulating environment can have positive effects, but the scientific literature also reminds us that enrichment must be evaluated and adapted: inappropriate stimulation is not automatically beneficial.

This is why we aim to find a balance between the two. A stimulating day can be followed by a much quieter day when the animal's needs call for it.

Even meals influence outings

Our animal outing schedule is also organized according to the feeding schedule. The dietary needs of each animal are always taken into account when planning outings. Depending on the species and the type of meal, feeding may take place at the sanctuary before or after the activity, or even during the presentation when appropriate. For animals whose meals require a quiet period afterward for digestion, the outing schedule is adjusted accordingly.

Take our snakes, for example. Depending on the species and the individual, some of our residents eat every 7 to 10 days, while others are fed every 10 to 14 days. A specific day at the sanctuary is therefore scheduled for their meal, after which they receive at least 24 hours of quiet time before resuming activities. This period is adapted to Éducazoo's snakes, their diet and the size of the prey they are offered.

This is a good example of how we build our schedules: the animal's needs never adapt to the activities. The activities adapt to the animal's needs.

So, are outings actually beneficial for the animals?

For individuals for whom they are appropriate, as is the case with sanctuary residents specifically selected based on their need for stimulation, outings can be part of an enrichment program for exotic animals by bringing variety and different forms of stimulation to their daily lives. Animal welfare science notably highlights the value of allowing exploration, species-specific behaviours and opportunities for choice and control.

But it is precisely because we consider these outings a potential form of enrichment that they must be individualized. The goal is not to have every animal go out as often as possible: it is to find what works for each individual.

At Éducazoo, our Naturalists meet the public with the animals, but behind every activity is an entire process of selection and monitoring. Observing their behaviour, respecting their pace and adjusting their schedule are all part of the daily work of our animal care and scientific team.

Because ultimately, a good day for an animal can be filled with discoveries… or spent quietly in its habitat.

Are outings good for exotic animals?

They can be a form of enrichment when they are adapted to the species, the individual and its needs.

How does Éducazoo choose the animals for its activities?

The selection takes into account factors including temperament, general condition, feeding, temperature, activity level, need for stimulation and the type of activity.

Why do animals need enrichment?

Animal enrichment notably provides opportunities for exploration and encourages the expression of various species-specific behaviours.

Do all Éducazoo animals go on outings equally often?

No. The frequency is adapted to each resident according to their individual needs and stimulation level.

Do the animals have rest days at Éducazoo?

Yes. Periods at the sanctuary allow residents to enjoy their habitat and quieter periods according to their needs.