With our observations, we wanted to verify how two cheetahs use available space in relation to the ecological parameters and how different combinations of enrichment objects influence their behaviour. We’d observed their use of space throughout the seasons and confirmed the hypothesis that they spend the least amount of time in more wet areas of the outer enclosure (Sven 30 %, Svea 0 %) and that the pond is an unused space (0 %). Most of the time they stayed in the central part of the outer enclosure where there’s a lot of shade and is away from the visitors: Sven (56,7 %) and Svea (80 %). Behavioural patterns of cheetahs were recorded for 5 weeks, 3 of which included various combinations of enrichment objects. Every week, on the 1st, 2nd and 6th day, we made 3 about half an hour long recordings per day for both individuals. The hypothesis, which says that new enrichment objects will trigger more active behaviours, where we did not take into account interactions with these objects, was partly confirmed with Svea in week 5, when there were two Jolly balls with oregano in the enclosure, one on the floor, the other one hanging from a chain. The latter also increased the percentage of duration of active behaviours with Sven (by 12,56 %) and Svea (by 14,29 %). The percentage of the duration of social behaviours increased by 5,53 % in both individuals during week 4 of observation, when a watermelon, 2 pairs of large cardboard boxes with and without chilli and cinnamon, and bloodsickles were introduced, mainly due to a joint running towards enrichment objects, joint smelling of objects, and watching each other interact with said objects. Sven had the most interactions with a combination of enrichment that included: a watermelon, cardboard boxes and spices, and Svea with Jolly balls with oregano. We have determined that the dominant specimen is the female Svea.
|
