Researchers changed the feeding regimen for zoo lions, offering whole carcasses on a feast-and-fast schedule instead of regular prepared meals. According to a report from ScienceDaily, the shift appeared to bring out more natural behavior in the animals.
Observations showed that the lions spent nearly three times as long feeding. They also engaged in more tearing and manipulating of their food, and rested more heavily after meals. Following that rest, their activity levels increased.
These findings suggest that the way captive carnivores are fed can have a significant impact on their behavior. While the report describes an apparent shift toward wild behavior, it does not specify the number of lions or the zoo involved.