The influence of an environmental enrichment programme on the searchin
g behaviour of separate groups of male and female bush dogs at Edinbur
gh Zoo was evaluated. The enrichment programme involved hiding food in
specially constructed wood-piles and other appropriate places in the
bush dogs' enclosures. Behavioural data were recorded morning and afte
rnoon for 20 consecutive experimental days and were compared to pre- a
nd post-enrichment programme data, representing basal conditions. Data
were collected over a 10-day period for both pre and post enrichment
phases. Activities were recorded under seven behavioural categories. T
here was no significant difference between sexes in the proportion of
time spent performing searching behaviour so data were pooled. The enr
ichment programme appeared to cause an increase (P<0.01) in searching
behaviour fro om initial basal conditions of 2.7 per cent to 6.1 per c
ent of total recorded data points. There was a subsequent decrease in
searching behaviour (P<0.01) to 2.5 per cent when basal conditions wer
e reinstated. All dogs showed increases in searching behaviour when en
richment and basal data were compared. The effectiveness of the enrich
ment programme in terms of increasing the proportion of rime spent in
searching behaviour showed a significant decline (P<0.005) over time,
probably relating to the dogs increasing proficiency at finding food.
It is suggested that the enhanced levels of searching behaviour repres
ent an improvement in welfare.