Introduction
The purpose of environmental enrichment is to provide a complex
social and physical environment sufficient to allow individuals
to express species-typical behavior patterns [Benn, 1995]. An
enriched environment has been correlated with an increase in social
and sexual behaviors for nonhuman primates, in general [Bayne,
1989], and more specifically, for monkeys [Line and Morgan, 1991
Macaca mulatta]. The importance of this has long been stressed
[Murphy, 1976] in promoting the psychological well-being of captive
nonhuman primates and countering the effects of boredom that may
result in maladaptive and species atypical behavior patterns [Brent
et al, 1991; Fritz and Howell, 1993; Paquette and Prescott, 1988;
Pereira et al, 1989; Rumbaugh et al, 1989].
For chimpanzees, environmental enrichment has included: (1) the
provision of space sufficient for play and exercise [Brent et
al, 1989, 1991; Traylor-Holzer and Fritz, 1985] ; (2) feeding
enrichment to encourage foraging behavior [Bettinger et al, 1992;
Bloomstrand, 1987; Brent and Eichberg, 1991; Grief et al, 1992;
Lambeth and Bloomsmith, 1994; Martin et al, 1991; Maki et al,
1989], (3) manipulable objects or 'toys' to encourage exploration
and play [Pruetz and Bloomsmith, 1992; Shefferly, 1988; Shefferly
et al, 1993], (4) bedding to foster nesting behavior [Brent, 1992;
Poenisch, 1992]; and (5) novel items to enhance the environment,
including uprooted trees [Maki and Bloomsmith, 1989], a sandbox
[Purdy p.c., 1996] , novel toys [Paquette and Prescott, 1988]
, and ice cube treats [Fritz and Howell, 1993].
Traylor-Holzer and Fritz [1985] were among the first to publish
the potential of cage furnishings as enrichment for captive chimpanzees
(Pan troglodytes). They reported that upper level benches
and horizontal and vertical poles were preferred by captive chimpanzees
and should be considered an important source of enrichment. Since
that time, others have considered chimpanzee preferences for varied
furnishings including, ropes, runways, connecting chutes, concrete
slabs, grass, floor substrates and benches [Brent et al, 1991;
Chamove, 1989; Schwandt, 1996]. RecentlyI multi-level deck platforms
[Suarez and Forter 1995] and large hammocks [Wolper, 1995] have
been suggested as additional cage furnishings to promote species-typical
behavior patterns.
The Primate Foundation of Arizona (PFA), a chimpanzee breeding
colony and behavioral research center, houses chimpanzees in large,
enriched outdoor enclosures that provide a variety of cage furnishings
to the chimpanzees. The goal of the present study is to investigate
the use of various furnishings and their association with particular
behavior patterns. While Traylor-Holzer and Fritz (1985) considered
indoor furnishings at the Primate Foundation of Arizona,
we consider here the use of outdoor furnishings at the
same institution. We then examine the relationship between the
use of various cage furnishings and time spent in species typical
behavior patterns. Age and sex differences in use of particular
furnishings were also tested.
Methods
Subjects and Apparatus. Subjects included 34 captive
chimpanzees housed in seven social groups of varied age/sex composition,
including 14 males and 20 females, 20 adults (10 years or older)
and 14 subadults (2 to 9.9 years of age). Each group was provided
bi-weekly access to the large outdoor enclosures for exercise
and play [see Fritz and Howell, 1993 for further detail]. Observations
were collected on alternating weeks when subjects had access to
the outdoor enclosures. Cage furnishings were similar in each
outdoor enclosure and included a variety of horizontal, climbing
and nesting
furnishings (Table 1 ).
| Horizontal Furnishings | Benches (metal), Logs (recycled plastic or wood |
| Climbing Furnishings | Ropes (fire hose or braided rope), Poles (metal) |
| Nesting Furnishings | Suspended Barrel "Igloos" (plastic), Tubes (Rubber), Weelbarrows (metal) |
Procedures. A focal animal scan sampling method was
used to record behavior and cage furnishing use [Martin and Bateson,
1993] .The data set included slightly more AM than PM observations
due to high afternoon outdoor temperatures during Arizona's peak
summer months (July and August). During these months, the chimpanzees
often prefer to be inside, rather than in their large outdoor
enclosures, and outdoor activity is less than other times of the
year. A total of 499 scans were collected by two observers with
85% inter-observer reliability. Behavioral variables were combined
into six general behavioral activity categories: (1) SOCIAL ACTIVITY
(play, groom, aggression, fear, embrace, tandem walk, present;
(2) SOLITARY ACTIVITY (solitary play, allogroom, nest, forage,
drink, and object manipulation); 3) TRAVEL/LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITY
(hang, climb, swing, stand, knucklewalk, cantor, run; (4) ABNORMAL
ACTIVITY (rocking, coprophagy, urophagy, regurgitate, depilate,
spit); (5) INACTIVITY (sit, rest, sleep); and (6) OTHER (includes
all behaviors that did not fit into any defined behavioral category).
Analysis. For each individual, we calculated the proportion
of total scans where an individual used a particular cage furnishing
or engaged in particular behavioral activities. We used a Friedman
test statistic to consider variation in cage furnishing use (1)
across general types of furnishings (HORIZONTAL, CLIMBING, NESTING)
and (2) across specific types of furnishings (BENCH, LOG, POLE,
ROPE, IGLOO, TUB, WHEELBARROW). A Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit test
was used to compare expected versus observed frequencies of general
behavior patterns (LOCOMOTOR, SOCIAL SOLITARY, SIT, REST/SLEEP,
AND OTHER) on particular types of cage furnishings (HORIZONTAL,
CLIMBING, NESTING). A Chi-Square test was also used to compare
age and sex differences in behavioral activity patterns. For Chi-Square
tests, we could not include ABNORMAL activity because its cell
frequencies were too low. Significance level was set at p <
.05.
Results
Cage Furnishing Preferences. We found that individuals
used HORIZONTAL furnishings (benches and logs), more than CLIMBING
(poles and ropes) or NESTING ("igloo" suspended barrels,
tubs, and wheelbarrows) furnishings. This result was significant
(F=23.4, p = 0.000).
Among HORIZONTAL furnishings, we compared use of BENCHES versus
LOGS and found no significant difference. Among CLIMBING furnishings,
we compared use of POLES and ROPES, and --again -- found no significant
use difference. Among NESTING furnishings, we also found no significant
difference when we conducted paired comparisons of IGLOOS, TUBS,
and WHEELBARROW use. However, our result for TUBS versus WHEELBARROWS
approaches significance (Z=1.960, p = 0.05); individuals have
a tendency to use TUBS more than WHEELBARROWS.
Activity and Furnishing Use. We expected various furnishings
to be associated with particular activities. In particular, we
expected HORIZONTAL furnishings would be associated with SOCIAL
ACTIVITIES, CLIMBING furnishings would be associated with TRAVEL
LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITIES, and NESTING furnishings would be associated
with REST/SLEEP. However, our Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit tests
revealed no significant difference in frequency of activities
performed on HORIZONTAL, CLIMBING, and NESTING furnishings. Chimpanzees
did not partition out their activities to use of particular furnishings.
While they showed a tendency to engage in social activities on
HORIZONTAL furnishings, a tendency for TRAVEL LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITY
on CLIMBING furnishings, and a tendency to REST/SLEEP on NESTING
furnishings, these frequencies were not significantly different
than expected.
Age and Sex Differences in Furnishing Use. Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit
tests revealed no significant difference in the frequencies of
activities performed by males and females on HORIZONTAL, CLIMBING,
and NESTING furnishings. However, Chi-Square tests did reveal
significant difference in the frequencies of activities performed
by adults and sub-adults on HORIZONTAL, CLIMBING, and NESTING
furnishings (Chi Square = 39.85, df = 11, p < 0.05). Subadults
used CLIMBING and NESTING furnishings more
frequently than did adults.
Discussion
Results suggest a preference for horizontal furnishings above
the enclosure floor. This corresponds to previous studies [Suarez
and Forter, 1995; Traylor-Holzer and Fritz, 1985]. Large mesh,
or wood and plastic "log" furnishings were used more
frequently than climbing poles and ropes or nesting devices ("igloos,"
hanging tubs, and wheelbarrows). Thus, in planning appropriate
enclosures for captive chimpanzees, it may be important to consider
chimpanzee preferences for benches that allow one or more individuals
to sit as high as possible above the floor or ground surface.
Our results also suggest further
attention to age-specific environmental enrichment needs are warranted.
Adults infrequently used "moving" furnishings (e.g.,
swinging ropes, hanging tubs, etc...) and seemed to prefer "stable"
horizontal furnishings (i.e., benches, logs) above the enclosure
floor.
References
Bayne, K.A.L. Environmental enrichment alternatives for laboratory
nonhuman primates. Pp. 91-102 in ANIMAL CARE AND USE IN BIOMEDICAL
RESEARCH REGULATIONS, ISSUES AND APPLICATIONS. J. Driscoll, ed.,
Beltsville, Maryland, Animal Welfare Information Center of the
National Agriculture Library, 1989.
Benn, D.M. Innovations in research animal care. JOURNAL OF THE
AMERICAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION 206(4):465-468, 1995.
Bettinger, T.; Edwards, C.; Fuller, C.; Murphy, M. Dippin' and
pickin' at the Tulsa zoo. CHIMPANZOO CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS 1992:109-112,
1992.
Bloomstrand, M. An analysis of feeding enrichment for captive
chimpanzees. M.A. Thesis, George Institute of Technology, 1987.
Brent, L. Woodchip bedding as enrichment for captive chimpanzees
in an outdoor enclosure. ANIMAL WELFARE 1:161-170, 1992.
Brent, L.; Eichberg, J.W. Primate puzzleboard: A simple environmental
enrichment device for captive chimpanzees. ZOO BIOLOGY 10:353-360,
1991.
Brent, L.; Lee, DR; Eichberg, J.W. Evaluation of two environmental
enrichment devices for singly caged chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
.AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY SUPPLEMENT 1 :65-70,1989.
Brent, L.; Lee, D.R.; Eichberg, J.W. Evaluation of a chimpanzee
enrichment enclosure. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY 20:29-34,
1991.
Chamove, A.S. Enrichment in chimpanzees: Unpredictable ropes and
tools. JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH WILD ANIMAL KEEPERS
16(5):139-141, 1989.
Fritz, J.; Howell, S.M. Psychological wellness for captive chimpanzees:
An evaluative program. HUMANE INNOVATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES 7:426-434,
1993.
Fritz, J.; Howell, S.M. The disappearing ice cube. LABORATORY
PRIMATE NEWSLETTER 32(1):8, 1993b.
Grief, L.; Fritz, J.; Maki, S. Alternative forage types for captive
chimpanzees. LABORATORY PRIMATE NEWSLETTER 31(2):11-13, 1992.
Kessel, A.L.; Brent, L. Space utilization by captive-born baboons
(Papio sp.) before and after provision of structural enrichment.
ANIMAL WELFARE 5:37-44,1996.
Lambeth, S.P.; Bloomsmith, M.A. A grass foraging device for captive
chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). ANIMAL WELFARE 3:13-24,1994.
Line, S.W. ; Morgan, K.N. The effects of two novel objects on
the behavior of singly caged adult rhesus macaques. LABORATORY
ANIMAL SCIENCE 41 (4):365-369, 1991.
Maki, S.; Bloomsmith, M.A. Uprooted trees facilitate the psychological
well-being of captive chimpanzees. ZOO BIOLOGY 8:79-87, 1989.
Maki, S.; Alford, P.L.; Bloomsmith, M.A.; Franklin, J. Food puzzle
device simulating termite fishing for captive chimpanzees (Pan
troglodytes). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY SUPPLEMENT 1
:71-78, 1989.
Martin, P.; Bateson, P. MEASURING BEHAVIOR: AN INTRODUCTORY GUIDE,
SECOND EDITION. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1993.
Martin, T.; Fritz, J.; Maki, S.; Nash, L.T. Forage material and
coprophagy in captive chimpanzees. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
24(2):119-129,1991.
Murphy, D.E. Enrichment and occupational devices for orangutans
and chimpanzees. INTERNATIONAL ZOO NEWS 23:24-26, 1976.
Paquette, D.; Prescott, J. Use of novel objects to enhance environments
of captive chimpanzees. ZOO BIOLOGY 7:15-23, 1988.
Pereira, M.E.; Macedonia, J.M.; Haring, D.M.; Simons, E.L. Maintenance
of primates in captivity for research: The need for naturalistic
environments. Pp. 40-60 in HOUSING, CARE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
OF CAPTIVE AND LABORATORY PRIMATES. E.F. Segal, ed., Park Ridge,
New Jersey, Noyes Publications, 1989.
Poenisch, T. Bedding for enrichment. THE NEWSLETTER 4(1) :1 1
1992.
Pruetz, J.D.; Bloomsmith, M.A. Comparing two manipulable objects
as enrichment for captive chimpanzees. ANIMAL WELFARE 1 :127-137,1992.
Rumbaugh, D.M.; Washburn, D.; Savage-Rumbaugh, S. On the care
of captive chimpanzees: Methods of enrichment. Pp. 357 -375 in
HOUSING, CARE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF CAPTIVE AND LABORATORY
PRIMATES. E.F. Segal, ed., Park Ridge, New Jersey, Noyes Publications,
1989.
Schwandt, M. Positional behavior of captive chimpanzees (Pan
troglodytes) in the indoor and outdoor enclosures at the Primate
Foundation of Arizona. M.A. Thesis, Arizona State University ,
1996.
Shefferly, N. Use of toys as a means of environmental enrichment
in captive juvenile chimpanzees. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
14:445 (abstract only), 1988.
Shefferly, N.; Fritz, J.; Howell, S.M. Toys as environmental enrichment
for captive juvenile chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). LABORATORY
PRIMATE NEWSLETTER 32(2):7-9,1993.
Suarez, S.; Forter, L. Chimp platforms in outdoor enclosures.
THE SHAPE OF ENRICHMENT 4(4):5-6, 1995.
Traylor-Holzer, K.; Fritz, P. Utilization of space by adult and
juvenile groups of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).
ZOO BIOLOGY 4:115-127,1985.
Wolper, C. A hammock in the rain forest for chimpanzees. THE SHAPE
OF ENRICHMENT 4(3):1-2,1995.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The animal data collection portion of this study was reviewed
and approved by the Primate Foundation of Arizona Institutional
Animal Care and Use Committee. This project was supported by NIH,
NCRR Grant No. 2U42 RRO 3602-11. We wish to thank Dr. Leanne Nash
for help in design of the analysis.