The keeping of animals in captivity for purposes such as conservation, research, and entertainment has become increasingly common. However, captivity can have negative effects on animal behavior and welfare, leading to stress, boredom, and abnormal behaviors. Environmental enrichment is a strategy used to improve the lives of captive animals by providing them with stimulating environments that promote natural behavior. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on the impact of environmental enrichment on animal behavior and welfare in captivity, with a focus on the veterinary science aspects of providing optimal care for captive animals.