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Rigid plastic balls as enrichment devices for captive chimpanzees
M A Bloomsmith1, T W Finlay, J J Merhalski
1University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Veterinary Resources, Bastrop 78602.
Laboratory Animal Science
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Plastic balls served as enrichment for captive chimpanzees, with younger apes and those in sparser habitats using them more. These enrichment devices proved worthwhile for the chimpanzee colony.
Area of Science:
- Primate behavior
- Animal enrichment
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Captive chimpanzees require environmental enrichment to promote well-being.
- Enrichment devices can mitigate stress and stereotypic behaviors in primates.
- Assessing the efficacy of novel enrichment tools is crucial for animal welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of rigid, plastic balls as an enrichment tool for captive chimpanzees.
- To quantify chimpanzee engagement with the provided enrichment.
- To identify factors influencing the use of enrichment devices.
Main Methods:
- 16 captive chimpanzees were observed after the introduction of plastic balls.
- Data collection involved a scan-sampling technique over 10 hours per subject.
- Ball-use time was calculated as a percentage of total observation time.
Main Results:
- Chimpanzees utilized the plastic balls, with a mean usage of 7.1% of the observation time.
- No significant difference in ball use was observed between male and female chimpanzees.
- Younger chimpanzees and those housed in less complex environments showed higher engagement with the balls.
Conclusions:
- Rigid, plastic balls are a valuable addition to chimpanzee enrichment strategies.
- Enrichment use stabilized at approximately 2.5% of subjects' time, indicating consistent engagement.
- Environmental complexity and age are key factors influencing the adoption of new enrichment tools.