WILD ANIMALS IN CIRCUS
Abnormal Behaviour
What leads to abnormal behaviour?
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Captivity
When animals are kept in the circus under unnatural conditions, their daily natural activities are prohibited. Although training the correct way may improve psychological welfare of wild animals due to mental stimulation that is provided. There is still wide range of evidence that shows how captivity leads to deleterious effects on animal behavioural patterns. The methods that are being used are not appropriate since it not only causes mental suffering but can also lead to many health problems (Mason, 2006). Also, when animals are tied up for extended period of time, this increases abnormal behaviour, indicating that the animals are also suffering by being kept in confined and inappropriate conditions.
What is Stereotypic Behaviour?
Stereotypic behaviour is defined as a repetitive, invariant behaviour pattern with no obvious goal or function (Mason,1991)
The reason as to why animals exhibit these behaviours is because they are unable to adapt to their environment due to confinement or specific restrictions (Mason 1991)
Rocking, head-bobbing, swaying.
Sign of psychological distress
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Stereotypic Behaviour
Stereotypic behaviour is extremely common in circus animals which includes swaying from side to side, rocking back and forth, route-tracing, head bobbing, and pacing (Harris et al., 2008). The result of stereotypic behaviours ultimately states that the animals are unable to cope with their environment and suffer tremendously during their time in captivity. Increased lack of movement can also lead to physical problems such as obesity, skeletal disorders, cardiovascular fitness, and problems associated with their feet from standing for long period of time (Mason, 2006). For example, elephants which are shackled or picketed tend to head nod more than elephants who are kept in paddocks (Schmid, 1995). This states that stereotypies are increasing when movement restraint is high.