Most zoos and aquariums are privately owned not-for-profits or rely on donations and memberships to supplement their limited budgets. Animal Enrichment Systems builds these devices at no cost to the facilities. Animal Enrichment Systems (AES) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit . We are 100% volunteer-operated, so all donations go directly to providing enrichment to the animals that need it. You can help by donating here to help us continue to provide safe, quality enrichment that the animals need and enjoy! Thank you for your support.
Have you heard the old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”? That’s true in the animal kingdom as well! We all need enrichment in our lives! Humans of all ages from infants to seniors are constantly seeking ways to make life interesting.
Animals are no different. Animals in the wild spend most of their time foraging for food and fending off predators which provides most of the enrichment they need. For animals in human care, those two primary activities aren’t a factor for survival. But the instincts that shape those behaviors are still present for all species.
It’s easy to walk into your local pet store and buy toys that enrich your domestic pets’ lives and provide exercise for them at the same time. Sadly, there’s no national or local hardware store, pet store, or toy store where you can walk in and buy something for most animals in zoos and aquariums. You can’t order them online, either.
(click on any animal photo to go directly to their page)
Click on the link to check out our latest project for the Florida Black Bears at Brevard Zoo:
https://animalenrichmentsystems.org/black-bears/
Brody and Cheyenne exploring their habitat. Brody showing off his tongue
That’s where Animal Enrichment Systems comes in. Zoos and aquariums have evolved over decades to create habitats that replicate natural environments as much as possible. Enrichment devices like the ones we build at Animal Enrichment Systems help keepers and caretakers provide activities that simulate the animals’ daily, natural routine. Our enrichment devices let the animals make choices to receive rewards like food, a water spray, ice cubes, etc.
On the ground, in the air, in the water, our devices provide safe and creative puzzles for animals to solve that are mentally stimulating and physically challenging. At the same time, they provide entertainment and education for visitors. They are all custom made based on the individual species and their unique natural behaviors.
Animal Enrichment Systems 