What is the purpose of environmental enrichment for animals in research facilities?

The purpose of environmental enrichment for animals in research facilities is to promote psychological well-being by allowing natural behaviors. Providing an enriched environment helps meet the physical, social, and psychological needs of animals, enabling them to express species-specific behaviors. This is essential for their overall welfare, as it reduces stress and promotes healthier, more normal behavior patterns.

Environmental enrichment can take many forms, such as providing toys, social interactions, varied habitats, and opportunities for exploration. These elements encourage animals to engage in activities that are natural to them, ultimately leading to enhanced mental and emotional health. As a result, animals are less likely to exhibit signs of stress or stereotypic behaviors, which can have an impact on the quality of the research conducted.

While other options touch on aspects relevant to animal care, they do not address the primary purpose of environmental enrichment. For instance, reducing care costs or ensuring compliance with regulations may be beneficial, but these are secondary to the primary goal of enhancing the well-being of the animals themselves.