Primates are very intelligent animals and need to be stimulated to prevent boredom and for general well being. Providing mental stimulation and physical activity can encourage primates to exhibit natural behaviours such as foraging for food and prevent unwanted behaviours such as self-mutilation. It is important for primate keepers/handlers to try and mimic the natural environment and encourage natural behaviours.
Enrichment Ideas for Captive Primates
Enclosures should include many trees and leafy branches, perches, and constant supply of water, swings, toys and inside areas where they can escape to for some quite time, if possible. Social behaviour for most captive primates is similar to behaviour in the wild. Some initial fighting occurs when new animals are introduced until a hierarchy forms, and then many hours are toiled away grooming each other, playing and hugging.
Fresh fruit and vegetables need to be supplied daily as well as many enrichment sources for some fun, stimulation and to prevent boredom. These can include, but are not limited too, a variety of foods, such as seeds, peanuts, coconuts, popcorn, meal worms and cereal which can be hidden around the enclosure or cage, wrapped in newspaper, inside cardboard boxes, in sawdust or straw to encourage foraging, inside food/pellet dispensers and many other objects. Longer lasting enrichment can be in the form of huge ice-blocks filled with food and other treats and flavored with cordial. Enclosures also include toys, balls, swings, climbing ropes and poles, and should be rotated and moved around regularly.
The Importance of Updating Primate Enclosures
It is important to constantly monitor the health and behaviour of primates in captivity. In 2006 the Orang-utans at the Melbourne Zoo received a new enclosure that they share with another primate, the Siamang.
The Wildlife Conservation and Science department conducted research into the primates' needs and welfare and recorded such things as activity level, behaviour, use of exhibit and primate interactions before the Orang-utans were moved to their new enclosure and compare behaviours now that they are in the Orang-utan Sanctuary.
Research continues on Orang-utans and Siamangs now that they are in their improved enclosure and this helps researches and keepers to determine if the primates are still stimulated by their surroundings, and what, if any, improvements need to be made. This particular project will go on for many years with the aim to ensure the happiness, health and well being of the animals.
Resource and further reading:
For more information about the Orang-utans new enclosure visit the Melbourne Zoo’s web page Orang-utans on the Move.
Roberta Goli - Roberta has a Bachelor of Science Degree (Zoology), has worked with animals for over 10 years and enjoys writing short stories and flash ...
