Activity‐based exhibition of five mammalian species: Evaluation of behavioral changes

Abstract

Activity-based management of captive animals involves the training and movement of animals among several exhibits and holding areas. We studied the effectiveness of this system in producing variation in behavior, controlling stereotypies, and eliciting natural behaviors. Twelve animals representing five species of mammals (orangutans, siamangs, tapirs, babirusa, and Sumatran and Siberian tigers) were the subjects of focal observations measuring activity levels, stereotypies, natural behaviors, and space utilization. Statistical analysis was used to assess the association between variation in behavior and the movement among the four exhibits. For several animals, the persistence of behavioral changes was studied over a period of 3 years. We also examined the influence of the previous animal in the exhibit on the focal animal. Moving animals among the exhibits affected activity levels and/or space utilization in all animals in the activity-based management system. In cases for which 3-year data were available, there was evidence of habituation to the novelty of changing exhibits. Stereotypies, usually in the form of pacing, were affected by exhibits, providing the opportunity to manipulate these behavior patterns by exhibit placement. Natural behaviors in the form of urine-spraying by the female tapir and the Sumatran tiger were affected by which animal had previously been in the exhibit. The results support the conclusion that exposure to varying exhibits produces variation in the behavior of the animals and elicits natural behaviors that would be unlikely to occur in a traditional single-species exhibit. Activity-based management provides

Comparison of several types of enrichment for captive felids

“…Historically, captive animals have been housed in restrictive enclosures without stimuli prevalent in nature [Mench and Kreger, 1996], such as those associated with predators, prey, social groups, mates, and environmental stochasticity [White et al, 2003;Wielebnowski, 2003], although much is currently being done to make improvements in care programs [Hutchins, 2006]. In natural populations, complexities in the environment place physical and cognitive demands on animals [Swaisgood et al, 2003] and motivate them to perform behaviors necessary for survival [Shepherdson et al, 1993].…”

Golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) acclimation to a new zoo habitat: The effect of visitor presence on behavior

“…Over the past decades, design of captive animal enclosures has shifted towards incorporating features that are similar to animals' natural habitats [White et al, 2003].…”

“…Activity-based exhibits, having several animals occupying the same exhibit within a certain time period, are an example of this new movement. By moving to different exhibits, animals come across multiple types of environmental stimuli, which include both physical variation and the stimuli of being in contact with different individuals [White et al, 2003]. Clarke et al [1982] evaluated the behavioral effectiveness of a move from a captive cage environment to a more multifaceted and naturalistic island in a group of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).…”

“…Further, the declines in exploration could be due to habituation of the gorillas [Ogden et al, 1990]. White et al [2003] evaluated the behavioral effects of activity-based animal management on a number of mammalian species at the Louisville Zoo's "Islands" exhibit.…”

“…They also predicted a lower frequency of stereotypic behaviors in the new system compared to a traditional exhibit. Lastly they predicted that contact with other animals would draw out species-typical behaviors that are not generally seen in a traditional zoo setting [White et al, 2003]. The subjects in the study were four orangutans (Pongo), two Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus), two siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus), two babirusa (Babyrousa), and a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae).…”