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An Enrichment Device for Great Apes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

I Gilloux ,
J Gurnell  and
D Shepherdson
I Gilloux
Affiliation:
Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London
J Gurnell
Affiliation:
Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London
D Shepherdson
Affiliation:
Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London
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Abstract

The influence of an environmental enrichment feeding device (puzzle feeder), on activity and behaviour patterns of captive orang-utans, gorillas and chimpanzees was studied at London Zoo. General activity levels and behaviours directed towards the feeder increased for all species when the feeder was filled with food Chimpanzees used the feeder significantly more (18% of observation periods) than either gorillas (10%) or orang-utans (9.4%). There was considerable individual variation of puzzle use by individuals within each group and time of day also affected use. In some instances abnormal behaviours were reduced. These results are discussed in relation to the management of captive great apes and it is suggested that the use of puzzle feeders can improve the welfare of these animals.

Keywords

animal welfareenvironmental enrichmentprimatespuzzle feeder
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 1 , Issue 4 , November 1992 , pp. 279 - 289
Copyright
© 1992 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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Footnotes

Present address: Metro Washington Park Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, Oregon 97221, USA

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