A new study from the University of Adelaide and Monarto Safari Park in South Australia has found that feeding zoo lions whole animal carcasses on a feast-and-fast schedule brings out significantly more natural behavior, closely resembling patterns seen in wild lion populations. Published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science on October 7, the research monitored a group of adult male African lions over three months of continuous video recording.
The results were striking: on carcass-feeding days, the lions spent nearly three times as long eating compared to their regular feeding routine. They engaged in more tearing, pulling, and manipulating of food — activities that mimic wild feeding behavior. After feeding, the lions rested for considerably longer, and their activity gradually increased during the fasting period, matching the natural feast-and-fast rhythm documented in wild populations.
Crucially, the study found no increase in aggression or disruption to social stability during whole-carcass feeding. Pacing — a repetitive behavior often linked to anticipation — increased slightly but was tied to predictable events like keeper arrivals, not to hunger. The researchers received approximately 200 kilograms of carcasses over the experimental period, and the food was left available for up to three days before fasting began.
Lead author Lesia Hryhorenko noted: “Wild lions don’t eat at the same time every day. They experience natural periods of feasting and fasting depending on hunting success.” The study offers practical guidance for zoos seeking to improve carnivore welfare through more naturalistic feeding protocols.
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