Introduction of live prey into a large flight cage is an excellent way to train young raptors and predatory mammals to hunt and kill prey.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not recommended
• D. Only after release

Answer: (A)

Introducing live prey into a large flight cage provides a realistic, controlled setting for young raptors and predatory mammals to practice the full sequence of hunting—from detection and pursuit to grasping and killing. This hands-on practice directly builds the natural behaviors and physical conditioning those animals will need in the wild, improving their ability to find and capture prey after release and reducing the risk of failure due to an inability to hunt on their own. It also offers a way to gauge the animal’s hunt drive, stamina, coordination, and overall readiness for wild survival.

If done thoughtfully, this approach supports welfare and rehabilitation goals: prey should be appropriate for the species, the scene should minimize unnecessary distress or injury, and trainers should monitor the animal’s progress and adjust the training accordingly. This method is typically part of the pre-release preparation, not something done after release or as an alternative to proper conditioning.