# Linking Personality and Performance in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) During Computerized Cognitive Enrichment

## TL;DR

This study explores how personality traits in California sea lions affect their engagement with computerized cognitive games, suggesting that personalized enrichment could improve animal welfare.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach linking trainer-assessed personality traits to objective gameplay metrics in marine mammals using computerized enrichment.

## Key findings

- Personality traits in sea lions were associated with differences in response speed and task efficiency during gameplay.
- Certain personality groupings correlated with changes in performance across multiple sessions.
- Computerized enrichment systems can reflect individual differences and support personalized welfare strategies.

## Abstract

Cognitive enrichment can improve the well-being of animals in professional care, but not every animal is motivated by the same kinds of challenges. In this study, California sea lions were assessed to see whether differences in personality were linked to how they engaged with a computerized game. Trainers who knew each animal well rated their personalities using a list of common traits, and the animals then interacted with a computerized device that recorded measures such as response speed and the number of button presses used to complete tasks. The analysis showed patterns suggesting that personality was related to style of play. Some trait groupings were associated with faster responses or greater efficiency, while others were linked with changes in performance across sessions. These findings suggest that enrichment can be personalized to align with the preferences and tendencies of each animal. Although based on a small sample and limited data outputs, the results indicate that tailoring cognitive activities to individual differences may support enrichment design and overall animal welfare.

Cognitive enrichment is increasingly recognized as an important component of marine mammal welfare, offering animals opportunities for choice, problem solving, and sustained engagement. Personality research has also shown that stable individual differences can influence how animals interact with enrichment, training, and their environment. This study examined how trainer-assessed personality traits related to interaction patterns with a computerized enrichment system in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Using validated personality surveys, reliability testing, and hierarchical clustering, trait structures were derived and compared with objective, system-generated gameplay measures. Analyses revealed meaningful associations that emphasize the value of considering temperament when designing enrichment and welfare programs. By integrating personality assessment with technology-based enrichment systems, this work demonstrates how individualized approaches can enhance welfare and provide new insights into enrichment design and animal cognition. Although limited in scope and sample size, the findings suggest that computerized enrichment has potential as both a welfare tool and a research platform, with value in considering personality and individual variation for broader applications across species and settings.