There are complexities that hinder the thriving of animals in both natural and artificial environments. This chapter provides a detailed examination of the obstacles animals face and the strategies employed to mitigate these challenges. Barriers to thriving can be classified into two main types: environmental challenges (the multiplier) and internal challenges (the multiplicand). Environmental challenges include adapting to or changing an environment, while internal challenges focus on species-specific and individually specific causes. Significant emphasis is placed on the concept of the ‘Sordid Six’, which represents key environmental obstacles that animals face in captivity. The chapter also discusses mitigation strategies, termed as the divisor, which are essential for reducing the impact of these barriers and enhancing animal welfare.