BearBubbles: Interactive Olfactory Enrichment to Encourage Foraging in Zoo Animals

Enrichment is critical for zoo animal welfare. Commonly used food-based approaches have limitations in terms of sensory diversity, agency, redundancy, time budget, and nutrition. Building on research into agency-based technologies, choice-driven enrichment, and species relevant sensory engagement, we developed an interactive proximity activated scented bubble system for two American black bears (Ursus americanus). This project integrates behavioral intervention with HCI methodology to create animal-controlled olfactory enrichment. Over a three-week deployment, we assessed (1) enrichment potential through system use, behavioral diversity, and habitat use; (2) usership via engagement patterns with the bubbles; (3) sense-making and agency through anticipation behaviors; and (4) human stakeholder perspectives via visitor and staff surveys. Results show the intervention increased target foraging and locomotive behaviors compared to post-feeding baselines, generated rich multi-modal interactions, and received positive stakeholder feedback, illustrating how technology can promote animal agency while supporting zoo welfare and educational missions.