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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Donna Lu

EXPLAINED: Animals bred in captivity develop physical changes that may hinder survival in the wild research finds | Rare Historical Photos

Lion cubs explores the African Savannah enclosure with their mother 'Maya' at Taronga Zoo
Global research shows ‘everything from butterflies to elephants’ is affected by being bred in captivity, with lions developing a weaker bite force. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Animals bred in captivity experience significant physical and behavioural changes that may disadvantage their survival chances once released into the wild, a wide-ranging research review has found.

Analysis from the Australian National University shows “captive environments drastically alter selection pressures on animals”, with documented differences in many species.

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