Zoos have developed enrichment programmes to tackle behavioural abnormalities that are often caused by captivity. Primates share the same personality traits as humans, which can be determined using the Hominoid Personality Questionnaire (HPQ). Behaviour and personality traits were explored when Twycross Zoo posed two questions: does primate personality affect enrichment engagement in L’Hoest’s monkeys? and how can we use this to tailor enrichment to individual animals? 420 hours of instantaneous behavioural observations were conducted from May-July 2022, and seven HPQ’s were completed by primate care staff, determining the activity budgets and personality type of each L’Hoest’s monkey. There were four hypotheses: dominant males will be first to engage with enrichment; youngest L’Hoest’s monkeys will engage with enrichment most; lowest ranking individuals will engage with surroundings less; and they would all favour feeding enrichment. Results found a significant correlation between personality and enrichment engagement. Extroverts are more likely to get stimulation from enrichment than introverted individuals. Hay bales provided all individuals with entertainment for long periods of times. Scent oils appeared to have no effect as they were not intrigued or repulsed by it. Feeding enrichment was beneficial but only while there was food in the device. Even though they did not directly interact with the water, they were inquisitive and spent time looking over the bath and would often squeak. Patricia (most introverted), Masindi and Kayne (ambiverts) would benefit from solo enrichments as they tended to stay away from the group for large amounts of time. Gimini is largely introverted and is unlikely to engage with enrichment regardless of what it is. He tended to engage with feeding enrichment, therefore solo feeding enrichments might benefit Gimini. Kano, Bikonzi and Tumba (extroverts) were stimulated by the enrichment, and it can be suggested that they would benefit from any types of enrichment.
Permanent link to this resource: https://doi.org/10.24384/0K84-BC97
O'Neill, CharlotteNijman, Vincent
Hosting Institutions: Twycross Zoo
School of Law and Social Sciences
Year: 2024
© O'Neill, Charlotte