There are no compulsory rules describing how an
enclosure should be designed. However, the wellbeing
of the animals should be a priority. The best way to do
this is by using the natural environment of the species
in the wild as a reference. A well-designed exhibit
provides enough space and possibilities for the animals
to express their natural behaviour (see chapter 4.1.4).
For every species that is kept in zoos, you will find
several colleagues that have specific expertise on the
keeping of that species. Within EAZA, TAGs have
developed several husbandry guidelines for the keeping
of certain species (Chapter 4.1.2). But again, these do
not include strict rules, but rather recommendations to
get started.
First of all an enclosure should be safe for the
animal to live in, there should be no risk of injury or
stress. The animals should be able to hide if they feel
stressed or should have the ability to flee or get out of
sight from group members if there is a conflict in the
group. Next to this the enclosure must allow animals
to shelter from weather conditions like sun, rain, snow,
cold etc.
The materials that are used should be strong
enough to resist damage inflicted by the animals. The
design should keep in mind the specific needs of the
species that will be housed in an enclosure.
For example places for nesting, perching, a den for
animals living in holes, vegetation or special feeding
places may have to be provided. Husbandry guidelines
have been produced for a number of species and can be
obtained through the EAZA Executive Office.