Outdoor cages for wild animals should provide which features?

• A. Access to sunlight and rain, protection from the elements, adequate space for exercise, and stimuli for eliciting natural behaviors.
• B. Protection from the elements only, with no outdoor variation.
• C. No access to weather or stimulation.
• D. Very small cage with no ventilation.

Answer: (C)

Outdoor cages should support the animal’s welfare by offering access to daylight and weather, while also providing shelter from extreme conditions, enough space to move and exercise, and enrichment that encourages natural behaviors. This combination helps maintain physical health, reduce stress, and promote appropriate behavioral expression during rehabilitation. The option that includes sunlight, rain, protection from the elements, adequate space, and stimuli best meets these needs. Choices that restrict weather exposure, offer no stimulation, or create very small, poorly ventilated spaces fail to support welfare or natural behavior.