In the wild, animals instinctively know what they should consume to stay healthy. Zoopharmacognosy is a remarkable natural phenomenon which gives us humans an understanding of how animals have the intrinsic ability to seek out and ingest medicinal plant substances that have therapeutic effects. A common example that we have probably all witnessed is how domestic dogs and cats eat grass and often purge to clear their stomachs afterwards.
Animals living in captivity do not have access to many (if any) of these natural resources, such as appropriate plants, minerals, clay and soils. While captive environments offer shelter, essential care and allopathic medicines, our mission is to bring high-quality plant compounds and minerals to these animals and allow them to self-select that which they require.
These substances can relieve or prevent a variety of physiological and psychological imbalances for animals in captivity and our methods are based on extensive research and years of experience in varied captive animal environments. Our work differs from bringing regular food to these animals.
Food vs medicine: Why animals choose what they choose
Zoopharmacognosy is a holistic approach to animal wellbeing. It’s not just about treating specific problems; it’s about giving animals a variety of natural remedies to help them maintain their general health and wellness, as well as alleviating stress, boredom and isolation, all of which are prolific problems within captive environments.
Presenting these remedies could help animals prevent the onset or worsening of various physiological issues, as well as manage numerous other complex emotional problems that are often amplified by captivity and isolation such as loss, inability to trust, grief and past trauma.
Food is based upon primary metabolites; animals consume these to grow, repair and reproduce. These include carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes and lipids that provide energy for their immediate requirements, or to be stored for later use.
The essential oils and plant materials in our ‘kit’ are referred to as secondary metabolites, which often have medicinal qualities. These plant compounds, minerals and naturally occurring substances are only consumed by animals for therapeutic purposes and cannot be stored as fat or energy. They provide no metabolic purpose, so animals only seek to select these medicinal compounds when they really need them.
Unlike food, animals will stop ingesting secondary metabolites once the smell or taste changes to them, which indicates whether these compounds are needed or not. Even “greedy” animals who tend to overeat nutritive substances will stop consuming these secondary metabolites once their needs have been met.
Zoopharmacognosy and allopathic medicine: A collaborative approach
The power of zoopharmacognosy stems from its capacity to supplement traditional allopathic medicine. While allopathic medicine is essential for treating specific illnesses and injuries, zoopharmacognosy takes a preventive and holistic approach to animal health. By giving animals alternatives that improve their wellbeing, we may be able to lessen the need for traditional drugs and their negative effects, and help save the resources of welfare organisations. It is a win-win situation!
At the Captive Animal Enrichment Project, we collaborate with animal sanctuaries and caregivers to provide novel approaches to enrichment in captive environments. We do research to understand which plants and natural materials have medicinal elements for a variety of animal species. We then create enrichment programmes that give these possibilities to animals in a safe and regulated setting, allowing them to choose based on their requirements.
A future of choice and well-being
Zoopharmacognosy is a fast-expanding field with enormous promise to enhance the lives of animals in captivity. By allowing animals to engage in self-selection, we can create a more natural and fulfilling environment that promotes both their physical and mental health.
The Captive Animal Enrichment Project is dedicated to continued research and collaboration to realise the full potential of zoopharmacognosy and provide a better future for animals in human care. If you share our enthusiasm for animal welfare, we encourage you to get involved. You can help fund our projects, volunteer your skills or simply raise awareness about the importance of zoopharmacognosy.
Together, we can shape a future in which captive animals can be offered the choice and opportunity to heal themselves. Please contact us today if you’d like to donate or get involved.
