The Effect of Enrichment Filling and Engagement Time on Regurgitation and Reingestion Behaviour in Three Zoo-Housed Orangutans
Regurgitation and reingestion (R/R) is a prevalent, abnormal behaviour observed in captive great apes. R/R may be related to animal welfare and while less R/R appears to occur when apes are provided with browse and continuous foraging opportunities, the aetiology of the behaviour (e.g., foraging time or taste characteristics such as sweetness) is not well […]
An investigation into keeper opinions of great ape diets and abnormal behaviour
Zoos are evidencing a shift in great ape diets to cultivated fruit-free to achieve a more wild-type nutritional composition (lower sugar, higher fibre). This study aimed to ascertain great ape keeper knowledge and opinions on the removal of cultivated fruit from great ape diets, to investigate feeding regimes currently in use and to understand the […]
Straw and forage material ameliorate abnormal behaviors in adult chimpanzees
In an effort reduce abnormal behaviors, especially regurgitation and reingestion, and promote higher activate levels, straw and scattered forage material were added to the enclosures of 13 indoor-housed chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) living in pairs and trios. Behavioral effects were examined by comparing 65 hr in the baseline condition with 65 hr in the experimental condition. […]