Environmental enrichment: The key to species care at xcaret

Learn how we care for animals at Xcaret

At Xcaret, caring for our animals goes beyond providing them with a safe space. We ensure they live in an environment that keeps them active and healthy, fostering natural behaviors they would exhibit in the wild. We achieve this through a technique called environmental enrichment, which is key to their well-being.

What is Environmental Enrichment?

When you visit Xcaret, you will discover that each animal receives very specific care to ensure they can enjoy a fulfilling life. An essential part of this is environmental enrichment, a set of physical, social, and cognitive stimuli that help keep the animals active, curious, and relaxed. This includes everything from placing objects in their habitats for climbing or playing to challenges that encourage them to solve problems or interact with one another.

The goal is clear: to replicate as much as possible what animals would experience in nature, so that they feel comfortable and can develop natural behaviors. This not only keeps them in good physical condition, but also gives them mental peace, avoiding boredom or stress.

Also read: Getting to Know the Pumas and Jaguars of Xcaret

How Do We Adapt Enrichment for Each Species? 

One of the most interesting aspects when exploring Xcaret is seeing how each species receives care tailored to its needs. Not all animals interact with their environment in the same way, so the enrichment process is personalized.

How Do We Do It? Here’s How We Explain It.

Objective: First, we define which natural behavior we want to encourage or maintain.

Planning: Then we select the materials and decide how to integrate these elements into the animal's habitat, ensuring it fits their characteristics.

Implementation: We place the enrichment in their habitat.

Documentation: We observe and document how the animals interact with these new stimuli to verify if the enrichment meets the objective and to ensure the specimens are safe.

Evaluation and Adjustments: We analyze the results and make changes if necessary to improve the animal's experience.

This process allows us to offer each species unique care, ensuring their well-being while they live under our care.

What Enrichment Activities Can You Observe When Visiting Xcaret?

As a visitor, you can witness some of these activities during your tour of the park. For example, when you pass by the macaw area, you'll see how they interact with each other on the wooden perches. These elements not only provide them with a comfortable place to rest but also help keep their beaks healthy by naturally wearing them down.

You may also be interested in: Protecting the Scarlet Macaws: Success Stories from Partnerships and Companies in Mexico. 

Additionally, if you stay at La Casa de la Playa, you may have the opportunity to learn more about environmental enrichment through educational talks or guided tours, where our specialists explain how we care for the animals.

How Do We Maintain Natural Behaviors in a Controlled Environment?

One of the most common questions visitors ask is: how do we ensure that animals maintain natural behaviors in an environment like Xcaret? To achieve this, we follow a model based on the Five Domains of Animal Welfare, which helps us ensure that each species receives everything it needs:

Nutrition: We provide a balanced diet.

Health: We have a veterinary team that constantly monitors their well-being.

Environment: We design their habitats to closely resemble their natural surroundings.

Behavior: We encourage natural behaviors through environmental enrichment and habitat design.

Mental State: We ensure that animals are free from stress and enjoy an environment that makes them feel good.

Additionally, our work is supported by organizations such as the Latin American Association of Zoos, Aquariums, and Parks (ALPZA), which guarantees that we meet the highest standards of animal welfare.

A Commitment to Conservation

If you are passionate about animals and nature, at Xcaret you will have the opportunity to see up close how we work to protect and conserve species. It’s not just about providing a space, but about offering care that allows each animal to live in harmony, respecting their natural behaviors and ensuring their well-being.