The use of a simple and practical water-based enrichment in a pair of lion-tailed macaques

Authors

  • Rebecca Newman University College Cork, Ireland
  • Thomas Quirke School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland.
  • Sean McKeown Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork Ireland
  • Ruth M. O'Riordan School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v12i2.704

Keywords:

environmental enrichment, evaluating enrichment, Macaca silenus, primate, zoo

Abstract

Environmental enrichment is frequently used to improve the captive environment, aiming to enhance the quality of captive animal care. Water-based enrichment can increase exploratory behaviour and tool use, promoting object manipulation, particularly in macaque species. Several water-based enrichments were evaluated by observing the frequency of interaction with each enrichment type by two lion-tailed macaques Macaca silenus. Four types of water enrichment were provided: food only, non-food only (stones and shells), mix of food and non-food and water only. Data were analysed using randomisation tests, with a difference found in the frequency of interaction between the different enrichment types, particularly between food-only and mixed although this difference was not statistically significant. This enrichment showed that the provision of non-food items along with food items can increase interaction with an enrichment. This type of enrichment is also simple and easy to modify, making it ideal for many zoos.

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Published

30-04-2024

How to Cite

Newman, R., Quirke, T., McKeown, S., & O'Riordan, R. (2024). The use of a simple and practical water-based enrichment in a pair of lion-tailed macaques. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 12(2), 121–124. https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v12i2.704

Issue

Section

Evidence Based Practice

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