Selected Mixed Species Exhibits of Primates in German ... - DPZ

T. Ziegler: Selected Mixed Species Exhibits in Zoological Gardens
to steel vegetable food items from orang-utans, wash them in water moats and feed on it.
Therefore they do notneed supplemental vitamins to be added to their normal diet. This association
obviously represents an enrichment for both species. Several weeks after the introduction
of lion-tailed macaques, first sociopositive (physical) contacts between individuals
of macaques and orang-utans could be observed. Relationships vary from friendship
and playing partners to avoidance, depending on the individuals involved.
• Problems and risks (animals, technical, vet. medical): Hostile relationship between
lion-tailed macaques and otters. On one occasion a male macaque killed an infant otter,
confirming that lion-tailed macaques also prey upon small mammals and reptiles (KURUP
and KUMAR, 1993). Protection of living trees had to be improved when macaques were introduced.
A big group of otters can cause some difficulties in shifting the animals from one
enclosure to another.
• Cause of problems and trouble shooting: Otters with infants do not get associated with
lion-tailed macaques anymore. When young otters reach a certain body size they do not run
the risk of being attacked anymore. Association can be recommended.
Asian small-clawed otter (near
water moat) regularly compete
for vegetarian food with Borneo
orang-utans in indoor area.
Allwetterzoo Münster
Starting interaction (obviously
food related) between lion-tailed
macaques and Borneo orangutan
at the
"zoORANGerie" Münster.
Allwetterzoo Münster
58 Primate Report 64, December 2002