The behavioral response of a captive female Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) to mixed- species exhibition with two Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus)

TY - JOUR

T1 - The behavioral response of a captive female Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) to mixed- species exhibition with two Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus)

AU - Fugl, Annika

AU - Lindberg, Sissel

AU - Shou, Severin

AU - Mescic, Babara

AU - Pertoldi, Cino

AU - Olvido Perea García, Juan

AU - Jensen, Trine Hammer

AU - Alstrup, Aage Kristian Olsen

PY - 2024/3

Y1 - 2024/3

N2 - 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 Asiansmall-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) on a captive female Bornean orangutan’s (Pongo pygmaeus) behavior, as an intervention to enrich the environment with novel stimuli for improving the welfare of the orangutan. The orangutan’s behaviors were recorded from 04:30 to 21:00 for 21 days. These days were split into a first period without otters and asecond period with two otters in a shared enclosure. We found a significant increase in activity after the 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 the welfare of captive orangutans. However, more animals are needed in future studies.

AB - 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 Asiansmall-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) on a captive female Bornean orangutan’s (Pongo pygmaeus) behavior, as an intervention to enrich the environment with novel stimuli for improving the welfare of the orangutan. The orangutan’s behaviors were recorded from 04:30 to 21:00 for 21 days. These days were split into a first period without otters and asecond period with two otters in a shared enclosure. We found a significant increase in activity after the 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 the welfare of captive orangutans. However, more animals are needed in future studies.

U2 - 10.46325/gabj.v8i1.377

DO - 10.46325/gabj.v8i1.377

M3 - Journal article

VL - 8

SP - 1

EP - 21

JO - Genetics and Biodiversity Journal

JF - Genetics and Biodiversity Journal

IS - 1

ER -