MONITORING THE BEHAVIOUR OF ORANG-UTANS AND SIAMANGS AT MELBOURNE ZOO

Melbourne Zoo's Orang-utan Sanctuary opened in spring 2006 and is home to two arboreal ape species: the Sumatran Orang-utan (Pongo abelii) and Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus).

The Sanctuary provides a complex three-dimensional environment, and Zoos Victoria is conducting ongoing research to monitor the behaviour and activity levels of the apes in this exhibit.

AIM

To quantify the apes' behavioural changes, and record how the apes use the design and enrichment features of the new Orang-utan Sanctuary.  This will improve our understanding of how the new Orang-utan Sanctuary promotes the apes' health and wellbeing.

METHODS

In each sampling period, data is collected on the apes' activity levels, behaviours, exhibit use, and interactions with other apes and people.  Baseline information was collected in March 2006 when the animals were in their old exhibits.  Data was then collected in 2007 after the apes moved into the Orang-utan Sanctuary, and again in mid-2009.

RESULTS

Although the data has not been fully analysed, preliminary analyses indicate that the apes are spending much less time sleeping, and more time active and moving around the Sanctuary than they did in their old exhibits. They also spend a greater proportion of their time off the ground than they used to - they can climb to more than 12 m in the outdoor enclosure.

CONCLUSIONS

The Orang-utan Sanctuary appears to provide significant welfare benefits to the Orang-utans and Siamangs at Melbourne Zoo.  Because we understand how the exhibit initially affected the apes' behaviour, we are able to observe the animals closely over time.   This ongoing study therefore allows us to assess whether the Sanctuary continues to keep the apes stimulated. 

This research enables us to continually modify the Orang-utan Sanctuary to promote the health and wellbeing of the Orang-utans and Siamangs within our care.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION

- on Melbourne Zoo's Orang-utans - click here.

- on Sumatran Orang-utans and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - click here.

- on Siamangs and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - click here.

One of the three enclosures in the new Orang-utan Sanctuary