zoochosis

noun

zoo·​cho·​sis zü-ˈkō-səs 

: stereotypy sense 2

specifically : an abnormal condition of captive animals that is characterized by repetitive sometimes self-destructive behaviors (such as pacing and over-grooming) and is held to be caused by the stress of captivity

To combat zoochosis, many zoos have enrichment programs in which animals are given distracting toys or puzzles to play with, food that takes longer to eat, or more complex additions to their enclosures.

—Laura Smith

Critics question whether moving the elephants to another zoo truly improves their welfare. They highlight documented behaviors such as repetitive swaying and head-bobbing displayed by both Billy and Tina, symptoms often linked to zoochosis …

—Sowjanya Pedada

Note: The term zoochosis was coined in 1992 by animal rights activist Bill Travers and has since been used by many animal rights organizations to argue for the abolishment of zoos.

zoochotic

zü-ˈkä-tik 

adjective

zoochotic behaviors

Word History

Etymology

zoo- + (psy)chosis

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above