Zoo Lion Feeding Change and Wild Behavior Study

A study published on August 13, 2026, in Applied Animal Behavior Science by researchers from Adelaide University and Monarto Safari Park investigated how a simple feeding change affects zoo-housed lions. By introducing whole animal carcasses every nine days to create a feast-and-fast schedule, the research team found that adult male African lions significantly altered their natural behaviors to mimic wild counterparts. The authors emphasize that captive carnivores often experience overly predictable routines, which fail to stimulate natural physiological and behavioral cycles. Implementing irregular intervals with whole carcasses successfully encouraged natural patterns of tearing, feeding, extended resting, and gradually increasing activity levels during the fasting phase. During the three-month experiment, keepers provided approximately 200 kilograms of whole carcasses that remained available for up to three days. Continuous 24-hour video monitoring via eight infrared cameras revealed that lions spent nearly three times longer eating when carcasses were available, followed by prolonged periods of rest and a steady rise in movement over time. The findings offer vital insights for zoo management and animal welfare enhancement, demonstrating that long-term continuous observation across entire feeding cycles is essential. Furthermore, the study noted that repetitive behaviors like pacing correlated more strongly with predictable keeper routines than with actual hunger levels.