>probably because they don’t have to fend for themselves and defend themselves against predat?

Exactly, he doesn't have to worry about other predators, or looking for food or anything, his life is sorted hahaha


>bred in captivity be someday released back into the wild? would they be able to survive if they never have to worry about food? is it responsible of humans to do so?

I've seen some documentaries about it, and I remember one where I think some lions starved to death because they couldn't adapt, and others were killed by other wild lions for failing to adapt. It was a complete failure, just like the famous whale Keiko (I think she's the one who inspired Free Willy), who also couldn't adapt.

Animals learn by instinct and are taught by their mothers and other animals in the herd, and when they're in captivity, that instinct is "switched off."

probably because they don’t have to fend for themselves and defend themselves against predators?

but you made me think of a question: should animals bred in captivity be someday released back into the wild? would they be able to survive if they never have to worry about food? is it responsible of humans to do so?

cryotosensei

I remember seeing a study a while ago on stress levels in animals living in their natural habitat and in captivity, and the animals living in captivity have absurdly lower stress levels compared to those living in the wild.