Abnormal Behavior In Ark Avilon Zoo

Currently, three kinds of primates reside at Manila Zoo, namely, Philippine monkey, Celebes black ape, and Japanese red-faced macaque (J. Pedron, personal communication, March 16, 2016). On the other hand, Ark Avilon Zoo houses two kinds of primates: Orangutan and Java gibbon (N. Rafael, personal communication, March 19, 2016). According to Pedron, the zoo obtained the primates through donation and trade. Most of the Philippine monkeys found in Manila Zoo were given by the owners who obtained the monkeys through hunting or illegal trade; they opted to give the Philippine monkeys to the establishment for they are unable to provide the primate’s basic needs and/or are tired of nurturing them (personal communication, March 16, 2016). Due to this,
It is true that encaging the primates would only bring about unnecessary stress since being captured and confined in compact cages is truly traumatizing; they are also left vulnerable to a variety of dangers from which they have no defense or opportunity to escape (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, n.d.). Furthermore, the restricted and unnatural zoo enclosures can cause the development of abnormal behavioral patterns in the primates (Newton-Fisher & Birkett, 2011). The primates may also encounter problems with relating to others socially thus generating aggressive interactions amongst the primates. (nidirect government services, 2009). In a way, Philippine monkeys show some signs of stress; at times, they become more aggressive towards each other and use one another as stress outlets (J. Pedron, personal communication, March 16, 2016). Dr. Patrick Domingo, head veterinarian of Manila Zoo, stated that the primates tend to over-groom (personal communication, March 17, 2016). Although it is factual that social grooming is an immensely significant behavior of primates for it promotes and
Enrichment reduces stress and increases an animal’s well-being in captivity for it provides suitable ethical conditions, low mortality, and ways for the primates to be stimulated and exhibit their natural behaviors (Boere, 2001). Moreover, the recorded effects of environmental enrichment range from a decrease in abnormal behavior to improved health (Carlstead & Shepherdson, 2013) Certainly, creating enrichment programs is a challenge since primates are highly cognitive and like humans, they are easily bored (N. Rafael, personal communication, March 19, 2016). Zoos provide enrichment devices such as ropes, branches, vines, and sacks in order to boost their natural behavior of hanging on to trees and making nests. In addition to that, zoos also supply food enrichment programs; the establishments have multiple ways of feeding the primates, ways wherein the primates would think of how they can obtain the food (P. Domingo, personal communication, March 17, 2016). These food enrichment programs not only enhance their way of thinking, but it also lets the primates exhibit their natural behavior of foraging for their food. Mr. Rafael added that another facet of enrichment is to allow primates to rest and lounge in their enclosure (personal communication, March 19,