Correlates of self-directed and stereotypic behaviours in captive red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus torquatus)
The quantification of behaviours linked to anxiety or stress provides a powerful means to address applied questions related to the well being of captive animals. This study explored correlates of two such behaviours – self-directed (SDB) and stereotypic behaviour (STB) – among captive red-capped mangabeys, Cercocebus torquatus torquatus. Study animals were held at two sites […]
Cognitive research in zoo-housed chimpanzees: Influence of personality and impact on welfare
We monitored chimpanzee welfare during the introduction of on-exhibit cognitive research training and testing, as measured by behavior and interest in such training, and related individual variation to personality assessments. We observed 11 chimpanzees (six males; five females) over a 16-month period and compared their behavior across three conditions: (1) Baseline (nontraining/research situations) and (2) […]
Effect of a Cognitive Challenge Device Containing Food and Non-Food Rewards on Chimpanzee Well-Being
Exploration and problem-solving are highly motivated behaviors in non-human primates, but little research has focused on whether cognitively challenging tasks can enhance primates’ psychological well-being, particularly in the absence of food rewards. We evaluated whether a novel cognitive challenge device (CCD) consisting of a maze of opaque tubes enhanced the well-being of a group of […]
Aggression and self-directed behaviour of captive lemurs (Lemur catta, Varecia variegata, V. rubra and Eulemur coronatus) is reduced by feeding fruit-free diets
Primate diets in captivity often differ considerably in their nutrient composition to those eaten by wild conspecifics. In particular, captive diets often contain much higher levels of sugar and other readily-digestible non-structural carbohydrates and much lower levels of fibre. This has been shown to have negative effects on captive primate physical health but to date […]