The aim of this study was to add information about behaviour of a group of four adult male chimpanzees housed at Parco Natura Viva, Bussolengo (VR). Furthermore, this research aimed to address the importance of an environmental enrichment programme on the welfare of captive chimpanzees. The focal animal sampling method was used to collect duration of behaviours shown by the chimpanzees over two different periods of observational sessions: baseline and enrichment programme periods. Results show that the subjects exhibited a pattern of behaviours similar to those of wild chimpanzees. Furthermore, the enrichment programme seems to have improved the welfare of the chimpanzees: a decrease of agonistic and abnormal behaviour and an increase of social interactions between individuals over the enrichment period were found. In conclusion, the establishment of bachelor chimpanzees groups might be an opportunity for the management of chimpanzees in captivity. Furthermore, the case study of one problematic chimpanzee highlights how an environmental enrichment programme might be a therapeutic tool for problematic behaviour in captive chimpanzees.
An Enrichment Programme to Enhance Welfare of a Bachelor Group of Chimpanzees
FORMENTI, DANIELE
2011-01-01
Abstract
The aim of this study was to add information about behaviour of a group of four adult male chimpanzees housed at Parco Natura Viva, Bussolengo (VR). Furthermore, this research aimed to address the importance of an environmental enrichment programme on the welfare of captive chimpanzees. The focal animal sampling method was used to collect duration of behaviours shown by the chimpanzees over two different periods of observational sessions: baseline and enrichment programme periods. Results show that the subjects exhibited a pattern of behaviours similar to those of wild chimpanzees. Furthermore, the enrichment programme seems to have improved the welfare of the chimpanzees: a decrease of agonistic and abnormal behaviour and an increase of social interactions between individuals over the enrichment period were found. In conclusion, the establishment of bachelor chimpanzees groups might be an opportunity for the management of chimpanzees in captivity. Furthermore, the case study of one problematic chimpanzee highlights how an environmental enrichment programme might be a therapeutic tool for problematic behaviour in captive chimpanzees.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
