News > Keeping Large Mammals in Zoos and Aquariums Damages Their Brains

Keeping Large Mammals in Zoos and Aquariums Damages Their Brains

Research indicates that living in an impoverished captive environment physically damages the brain. It is easy to observe the overall health and psychological consequences of life in captivity for animals.

Many animals try to cope with captivity by adopting abnormal behaviors. Some develop “stereotypies” which are repetitive, purposeless habits such as constantly bobbing their heads, swaying incessantly, or chewing on the bars of their cages. Big cats pace their enclosures. Elephants rub or break their tusks.