Feeding may seem routine, but in wildlife parks, zoos, and rehabilitation centers, animals rely on caretakers to replicate the natural diets shaped by evolution, requiring precise knowledge of species-specific nutrition and behavior. This blog series will offer practical, science-based guidance to help improve welfare, prevent nutritional issues, and support conservation through better feeding practices.
Behind these daily practices lies a broader truth: proper nutrition is the foundation of animal health, welfare, and conservation. In the wild, an animal’s diet is shaped by instinct and availability. Lions consume nutrient-dense prey, giraffes browse selectively at heights unreachable to others, otters rely on fish to meet their high metabolic demands, and deer adjust their intake according to seasonal plant changes. Every feeding decision in nature is guided by millions of years of evolution.
In captivity, however, animals depend entirely on humans to make those decisions. Their survival and wellbeing rest on how accurately we can replicate natural diets within controlled environments. This requires a deep understanding of digestive physiology, species-specific feeding behaviors, and the nutrient requirements that support growth, reproduction, immunity, and longevity.
We are starting a blog series to bring together scientific evidence and practical field experience to guide appropriate nutrition for a wide range of wildlife and domestic species. From carnivores and herbivores to birds, reptiles, and pets, each section will outline essential feeding strategies, life-stage considerations, and health-focused recommendations. By aligning captive diets with natural biological needs, we not only improve animal welfare but also strengthen conservation outcomes, prevent nutritional disorders, and support sustainable management practices.
Effective nutrition is more than a routine—it is a critical component of responsible animal care. This blog series aims to support that responsibility with clarity, accuracy, and practical application.
