Nighttime Enrichment Preferences of 3 Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom C/D
Start Date
16-5-2013
End Date
16-5-2013
Abstract
Enrichment plays a key role in the psychological well-being of captive non-human primates (Buchanan-Smith, 2011). Institutions that house captive apes are required to provide individuals with enrichment items. However, many institutions do not provide enrichment during the evening hours, when it is presumed apes are sleeping. Though captive chimpanzees rest between 8 to 12 hours each night this is not a continuous, unencumbered slumber (Videan, 2005). The aim of this study was to determine if enrichment items, such as blankets, toys, magazines, and containers, were being used by the 3 chimpanzee residing at the Chimpanzee Human Communication Institute. During the summer of 2012, the chimpanzees were recorded during evening hours. Using 80 hours of data, the chimpanzees used variety of enrichment items. They used blankets significantly more (p<.05) than other items. These data provide preferred types of enrichment items for primates housed in similar captive situations.
Recommended Citation
Carner, Amanda; Sullins, Kaeley; Wilding, Lisa; Hendrickson, Bonita; and Jensovold, Mary Lee, "Nighttime Enrichment Preferences of 3 Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)" (2013). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 86.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2013/posters/86
Poster Number
14
Additional Mentoring Department
Primate Behavior
Nighttime Enrichment Preferences of 3 Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
SURC Ballroom C/D
Enrichment plays a key role in the psychological well-being of captive non-human primates (Buchanan-Smith, 2011). Institutions that house captive apes are required to provide individuals with enrichment items. However, many institutions do not provide enrichment during the evening hours, when it is presumed apes are sleeping. Though captive chimpanzees rest between 8 to 12 hours each night this is not a continuous, unencumbered slumber (Videan, 2005). The aim of this study was to determine if enrichment items, such as blankets, toys, magazines, and containers, were being used by the 3 chimpanzee residing at the Chimpanzee Human Communication Institute. During the summer of 2012, the chimpanzees were recorded during evening hours. Using 80 hours of data, the chimpanzees used variety of enrichment items. They used blankets significantly more (p<.05) than other items. These data provide preferred types of enrichment items for primates housed in similar captive situations.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Mary Lee Jensvold