Cannon, T. 2017. Tailored enrichment strategies and stereotypic behaviour in captive individually-housed macaques (Macaca spp.). Canopy 17(2), 13-16.

In this study, I combine both physiological and behavioural measures of well-being to comprehensively assess the unique needs of individually-housed captive macaques (Macaca spp.) at OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary in Longview, WA, with the aim of developing tailored welfare strategies. Behavioural and hormonal data was collected for each individual under two conditions: (1) baseline conditions under a normal care routine, and (2) individualized daily enrichment. The enrichment assigned to each individual was chosen based on the specific activity budget and stereotypic behaviours each animal displayed under baseline conditions. Each individual received 2-3 items of enrichment per day in addition to any basic enrichment they may have received as part of their normal care routine. Individuals were allowed a minimum of one hour with the enrichment before behavioural observation began in order to discern changes in overall activity budget, and not simply an immediate reaction to an enrichment device. The percent of time individuals engaged in stereotypic behaviours significantly decreased from the baseline condition to the enrichment condition (z=-2.314, p=0.021, n=9). Faecal cortisol levels decreased in 7 out of 9 individuals from the baseline condition to the enrichment condition, and the overall decrease in cortisol levels approached significance (z=-1.836, p=0.066, n=9). The data demonstrates that targeted and individualised enrichment strategies decreased the time engaged in stereotypic behaviour and promoted species-typical behaviours in captive macaques with compromised rearing backgrounds.