Zoochosis: Escalator

Zoochosis: Escalator

 

 

 

 

What is Zoochosis?

Zoochosis is a sad phenomenon which has been spotted in zoo animals.

A polar bear on a tire in a zoo.

 

Zoochosis is a word used to explain the stereotypical behavior of animals in captivity.

 

The stereotypic behavior is described as an invariant, repetitive behavior pattern with no apparent goal or function.

 

Animals in zoos and other forms of captivity suffer from stress and depression and display unusual behaviors. These habits are not displayed by animals roaming in the wild which means that confinement has detrimental effects on the health of animals.

 

The condition was identified by Bill Travers in 1992.

Zoochosis is displayed through behavioral disorders such as circling, pacing, bar biting, excessive grooming, addiction, and self-harm. Zoochotic animals also portray eating disorders such as anorexia.