The behavioural response of a captive female Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) to mixed- species exhibition with two Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46325/gabj.v8i1.377Keywords:
Primates, Zoo, Activity budget, Reaction norms, Enrichment, Surveillance, Environmental conditions, Translocation, Animal welfareAbstract
Recent years have seen a surge in the interest in improving the conditions of zoo-housed animals. Mixed-species enrichment interventions have the potential to improve animal welfare. This study examines the effects of two Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) on a captive female Bornean orangutan’s (Pongo pygmaeus) behaviour, as an intervention to enrich the environment with novel stimuli for improving the welfare of the orangutan. The orangutan’s behaviours were recorded from 04:30 to 21:00 for 21 days. These days were split into a first period without otters and a second period with two otters in a shared enclose. We found a significant increase in activity after introduction of the otters. Given that lethargy is among the main indicators of distress in captive orangutans, our results suggest that this mixed species enrichment has the potential to improve welfare of captive orangutans. However, more animals are needed in future studies.
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