Victoria Noyes

Conference Abstract
Enrichment is a vital part of taking care of captive animals. Without enrichment, animals
can begin to exhibit stereotypical behaviors and decline in health. In this research, my group
conducted observations of injured Sandhill Cranes in captivity before and after a type of
enrichment, a marsh, was added to the enclosure. Looking specifically at space use, we analyzed
the differences in the behavior of the cranes from before the marsh was in the enclosure and after
its addition. Data is compiled from a week of hour-long baseline observations of behavior and
space use before enrichment and observations of the same nature after enrichment. The
observations are all recorded via animal studies apps on iPads for ease of data recording and
extraction. The conclusions drawn will attempt to supplement the argument that enrichment for
animals in captivity is crucial to the physical activity and well-being of the animals.