Date of Award
Summer 7-13-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
July 2026
Department
Biological Sciences
College Granting Degree
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Department Granting Degree
Biological Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Sarah Milton
Abstract
Captive care provides important opportunities for rehabilitation and public education but may contribute to elevated stress in animals due to confinement and human interaction. Environmental enrichment has improved welfare in other taxa but remains understudied in reptiles. This study evaluated stress behaviors and enrichment engagement in captive sea turtles by examining changes in stereotypic behavior frequency and interaction with enrichment devices. Enrichment activities reflected natural sea turtle tendencies, including foraging, tactile stimulation, and environmental exploration. Behavioral observations assessed changes in stereotypic behavior, movement, and engagement across enrichment activities. Enrichment influenced behavioral expression and increased movement-related behaviors, although stereotypic behaviors were not consistently reduced across individuals. Feeding enrichment generally elicited higher engagement than non-feeding enrichment, while responses to enrichment types and colors varied between turtles. Turtles housed in relatively larger enclosures exhibited lower stereotypic behavior frequencies. These findings support individualized enrichment and enclosure considerations in captive sea turtle rehabilitation and management.
Recommended Citation
McCardell, Sarah Y., "EFFECTIVENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT AS A STRESS MANAGEMENT TOOL FOR SEA TURTLES IN CAPTIVITY AS MEASURED THROUGH BEHAVIORAL RESPONSE" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 391.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/391