African lions in human care display activity patterns and feeding behaviours that closely mirror their wild counterparts when fed whole animal carcasses on a feast-and-fast schedule, according to a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Researchers from Adelaide University and Monarto Safari Park in South Australia monitored three adult male lions to evaluate how intermittent whole-carcass feeding alters carnivore welfare.
Whole-Carcass Feeding Replicates Wild Lion Behavior Cycles
Wild lions do not eat on a predictable daily schedule, according to lead author Lesia Hryhorenko from Adelaide University’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. Instead, wild populations experience natural periods of feasting and fasting dictated by hunting success. To test this dynamic in a controlled setting, researchers introduced about 200 kilograms of whole animal carcasses to a group of adult male lions every nine days at Monarto Safari Park.
During the three-month experimental phase, the study utilized eight infrared cameras to capture around-the-clock video monitoring. According to the findings, the lions spent nearly three times longer feeding on carcass days than they typically did under standard routines. Feeding bouts occurred more frequently and lasted longer as the animals actively tore, pulled, and manipulated the food.
Did you know? Providing whole carcasses gives zoo-housed carnivores the opportunity to engage in natural tearing and pulling behaviours over extended periods, changing much more than just the nutritional content of their diet.
Post-Meal Resting Patterns and Fasting Rhythms
Following heavy carcass consumption, the lions spent significantly more time lying down and resting. As the multi-day fasting period progressed, physical movement gradually increased again. This creates a distinct behavioural rhythm that closely mirrors the natural feast-and-fast cycles documented in wild lion populations.
Researchers also tracked pacing, a repetitive action often linked to anticipation in zoo-housed carnivores. While pacing increased slightly over the course of the study, it did not steadily escalate during the fasting windows. Data showed that pacing peaks aligned more closely with routine keeper arrival and habitat-shifting times rather than biological hunger.
Furthermore, the research team observed no increase in aggression or social instability among the male lions during carcass feeding events. Co-author Associate Professor Alexandra Whittaker noted that the study underscores the value of continuous, long-term monitoring.
“Many zoo studies focus only on what happens immediately after food is provided,” Associate Professor Whittaker said. “Our results show that feeding schedules can influence behaviour for days afterwards, making it essential to look at behavioural patterns across the entire feeding cycle.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How often were the lions fed whole carcasses during the study?
Researchers introduced approximately 200 kilograms of whole animal carcasses every nine days to a group of three adult male lions at Monarto Safari Park.
Did the feast-and-fast schedule increase aggression among the lions?
No, the study observed no increase in aggression or social instability around carcass feeding events.
What effect did the carcasses have on the lions’ daily activity?
Lions spent nearly three times longer feeding on carcass days, followed by extended periods of resting and digestion that gradually gave way to increased movement as fasting progressed.
Stay Updated on Wildlife Research
Explore more articles on animal behaviour, conservation science, and zoo management by subscribing to our research updates.
Worth a look