S.P.I.D.E.R. Framework

The approach to enrichment presented here is that enrichment is as integral to animal care as veterinary and nutrition programs. As such, planning, structure, and accountability are necessary for success. This web-site contains a framework that can be used to develop and maintain an enrichment program at a zoo or aquarium. The framework is made up of six separate, but interconnected, program components (Setting goals; Planning; Implementing; Documenting; Evaluating;
Re-adjusting).  Since the first letters of each of these components spell the word ‘spider,’ we will refer to this framework as the ‘SPIDER’ framework.

Implementing Your Own Enrichment Program


Building on decades of commitment by aquarists/keepers, curators, veterinarians, and scientists at zoos and aquariums around the world, the initial content of this web site was compiled and developed at Disney’s Animal Programs. We are currently in the process of implementing this program and offer this information for our Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) colleagues to use and to build upon. The web site is designed in such a way that any interested zoo or aquarium can download the information, modify and enhance the content, and build its own specific program. You will see references to husbandry training within this enrichment section. We have found that both enrichment and training are integral parts of the larger picture of good animal care and that both training and enrichment are tools for finding solutions to husbandry challenges. A parallel program that provides a framework for husbandry training can be found at www.animaltraining.org. Both enrichment and training are important to ensure that the animals in our care experience good welfare.