The Effects of A Novel Outdoor Naturalistic Enclosure On The Welfare Of The Sumatran Orangutans Of The Toronto Zoo

Will a new outdoor enclosure make zoo orangutans more active, visible, and behave naturally? We aim to answer this question using behavioural observations as the Toronto Zoo introduces their orangutans to a new outdoor habitat. The Toronto Zoo has invested a significant amount of resources on a new outdoor exhibit to ensure that their orangutans are healthy and have good welfare. It is important to understand how the orangutans adapt and use the habitat to identify if any adjustments are required to ensure the animals have choice and control of their environment.
The Toronto Zoo orangutans have never been outside. Monitoring how orangutans will react to an entirely new outdoor enclosure will help keepers and other zoos manage orangutans when they get introduced to other new enclosures. Additionally, comparing the orangutans’ use of the new habitat and the existing habitat will help assess how big and complex exhibits improve the welfare of zoo orangutans.

Faculty Supervisor:

Suzanne MacDonald

Student:

Partner:

Toronto Zoo

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Arts, entertainment and recreation; Other services (except public administration)

University:

York University

Program: