Children of a Lesser God: Environmental Enrichment in Lynxes—A Scoping Review, an Observational Study and Beyond

Evidence-based standards on environmental enrichment for lynxes under human care remains limited, despite their importance for the welfare of these wild cats and its recommendation by zoological associations. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the scientific evidence available to guide practical decisions on lynx enrichment in controlled environment within an Evidence-Based Practice framework; and (2) examine enclosure enrichment structures use and social behaviour in a group of Eurasian lynxes. A total of seven relevant publications (3 on Lynx rufus) were identified, five of which through a scoping review. All studies reporting quantifiable outcomes indicated positive effects from at least some forms of environmental enrichment. We observed three Eurasian lynxes (Lynx lynx) housed at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, using the facility’s live-streaming webcams. Enclosure furnishing use by the lynxes was assessed from two-hundred opportunistically recorded instantaneous scans, while social behaviours were assessed from 200 minutes continuous recording. Lynxes used structural enrichment in more than half of the scan samples, and engaged in intra-specific affiliative behaviour. The use of the wooden turret was lower from sunrise to 12:59 pm than during other time periods (p< 0.001). Further species-specific research is needed to evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment on lynx behaviour and welfare.