Visitor effects on zoo orangutans in two novel, naturalistic enclosures

摘要: Abstract Visitors are known to affect zoo animals, and such effects may be stressful, neutral, or enriching. The majority of research has focused on visitor number presence–absence, yet few studies have examined other variables as sound volume, activity, whether visitors interact with animals. In this study, the number, activity proximity animals were investigated a group captive orangutans in two treetop, ‘free-ranging’ exhibits at Singapore Zoo. Multinomial logistic regressions used elucidate relationships between orangutan behaviours. Results from these analyses revealed significant overall effect three behaviour. Interestingly, had little orangutans, except one where likelihood food soliciting looking increased when people numbered more than 40. Visitor was generally not associated any obvious signs stress orangutans; could even form enrichment. However, close decreased play behaviour chances visitors. Enclosure design habituation alleviated for groups orangutans. This study shows how investigation wider range allow meaningful conclusions about effect, that factors enclosure also influence animal welfare.