Enrichment on behavior of captive asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx Cinerea) in Underwater World Langkawi

Abstract

It is no longer acceptable to put animal in a cage and simply keep it alive. Zoos have a responsibility to learn about the specific needs of each animal they display and provide it with a suitable environment. This study monitors the daily (short-term) behavioural repertoires of species-specific behaviour and the effects of enrichment activities of one adult male Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea). It was done from early November 2006 to early December 2006 at Underwater World Langkawi. Before, during and after enrichment activities were recorded: (1) the daily behaviour pattern, (2) the changing behaviour on enrichment activities and (3) the abnormal behaviour of the otter. During daily behaviour, the otter spent the highest percentage on stereotype behaviour approximately 24% and the lowest are eat and forage behaviour only 3%. The number of time spent in active category has increased from 87.83±9.09 in baseline to 133±23.3 in post-enrichment. Passive category also increased significantly (P<0.05) where the number of behaviour for each baseline, enrichment and post-enrichment were 89.17±17.36, 95.33±13.69 and 120.67±16.9. Feeding behaviour increased significantly (P<0.05) during enrichment activities 51.33±14.11 compare to the both baseline 19.5±13.05 and post-enrichment 22.67± 12.86 while stereotype category were significantly decreased from 103.5±15.92 in baseline to 45.17±13.18 in enrichment and 23.67±12.68 in post­ enrichment.