Socialization of adult owl monkeys (Aotus sp.) in Captivity

Abstract

Social housing has often been recommended as one-way to address the psychological well-being of captive non-human primates. Published reports have examined methods to socialize compatible animals by forming pairs or groups. Successful socialization rates vary depending on the species, gender, and environment. This study presents a retrospective look at pairing attempts in two species of owl monkeys, Aotus nancymaae and A. azarae, which live in monogamous pairs in the wild. The results of 477 pairing attempt conducted with captive, laboratory housed owl monkeys and 61 hr of behavioral observations are reported here. The greatest success pairing these owl monkeys occurred with opposite sex pairs, with an 82% success rate. Opposite sex pairs were more successful when females were older than males. Female-female pairs were more successful than male-male (MM) pairs (62% vs 40%). Successful pairs stayed together between 3 and 7 years before the animals were separated due to social incompatibility. Vigilance, eating, and sleeping during introductions significantly predicted success, as did the performance of the same behavior in both animals. The results of this analysis show that it is possible to give captive owl monkeys a social alternative even if species appropriate social partners (i.e., opposite sex partners) are not available. The focus of this report is a description of one potential way to enhance the welfare of a specific new world primate, the owl monkey, under laboratory conditions. More important is how the species typical social structure of owl monkeys in nature affects the captive management of this genus. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22521, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pair housing of Vervets/African Green Monkeys for biomedical research

“…Both the Animal Welfare Act and the Guide recommend that behavioral management plans should be tailored to each species [see also Williams et al, ; Worlein et al, ]. The Guide states that “group composition is critical and numerous species‐specific factors such as age, behavioral repertoire, sex, natural social organization, breeding requirements, and health status should be taken into consideration when forming a group” [NRC, , p. 59].…”

Environmental Enrichment in the 21st Century

“…In a recent study examining pairing success in owl monkeys, a monogamous breeder, opposite sex pairings were more successful than maleor female-only pairings (80%, 62%, and 40%, respectively). More importantly, all pairs had a "finite lifespan" and had to be separated on average 1-7 years later due to incompatibility (Williams et al 2017). Lastly, if animals can become incompatible after months of exposure, it is important to identify indicators of developing incompatibility that could be used to predict in advance the risk of serious aggression.…”

Reducing stress and stereotypic behaviors in captive female pygmy slow lorises (Nycticebus pygmeaus)

“…When attempting social housing, a primate's social system and organization must be taken into account to maximize success, as not all pairs and group formations are equally successful or stress free. A retrospective study comparing the success rates of pairing owl monkeys in captivity (Williams et al, 2017) showed an overall 82% success rate, with female–female pairs having a 62% success rate compared to a 40% success rate with male–male pairs. While rhesus macaques ( M. mulatta ) paired in laboratory settings have been reported to have an inverse success rate, with male–male pairing success at 95%, compared to 88% for female–female pairs.…”