Orangutans in Captivity Shine As Creative Beings
Zoo-dwelling Orangutans demonstrate greater inventiveness
An intriguing study reveals that the orangutans residing in captivity are far more inventive than their wild counterparts. These great apes showcase a keen interest in examining their surroundings, and their exploration is not limited to childhood. This research has been discussed in various media outlets such as "MoneyControl," although the specific article is likely part of a broader pieces of work studying the cognitive behaviors of orangutans.
Researchers are stumped by the great exploratory drive displayed by captive orangutans. The apes investigate their environment repeatedly, and their studies go beyond simple inspection. They manipulate objects creatively — stacking them, using multiple tools at once, or even inserting branches through grid holes in their enclosures.
In the researchers' observations, captive orangutans continue their exploratory behavior into adulthood, while their wild counterparts' curiosity begins to dwindle due to survival pressures like food search and constant vigilance. The team suspects that the captive orangutans' prolonged exploratory phase might help boost their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities.
Wet Paper and Headbands
Researchers recorded data from both wild orangutans in the Suaq Balimbing research station on Sumatra and those in German and Swiss zoos. The researchers observed 51 orangutans, ranging in age from half a year to 76 years old. While wild orangutans play with natural objects like plants, bark, and sticks, the captive orangutans have access to an extensive array of human-made toys like plastic items and puzzles.
Smaller orangutans are often seen experimenting with branches, gnawing, bending, and shaping them. At times, they even use these branches to explore through grid holes in their enclosures. Utu from Zurich Zoo investigates cloth, while Sari from Leipzig Zoo puts a wet piece of paper on her head.
Similarities to Humans
Exploration in infancy promotes cognitive and motor development in both humans and orangutans. By continuing to explore their surroundings in captivity, orangutans may be fostering higher cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. This study offers fascinating insights into the potential maximum potential of the species when allowed ample opportunities to explore. Similar studies could also be conducted on other captive species to further explore their cognitive capabilities.
Orangutans, belonging to the great apes, are our close relatives. The Suaq rainforest features the highest density of orangutans globally, as noted by the research station there. Suaq orangutans fabricate tools for food gathering and build intricate sleeping nests in trees — a new one every night.
While cruising through the Sumatran forests, the Sumatran Orang-Utan species can be found exclusively on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. According to the WWF environmental foundation, they inhabit forests in the northern part of the island, although their original distribution spanned throughout the entire island due to large-scale deforestation for plantations.
Particularly remarkable among solitary and primarily herbivorous Orang-Utans is their long childhood, with young ones not weaned until approximately seven years old and sometimes continuing to live near their mothers for an extended period.
[1] Wu, C., Zhang, H., & Pruetz, J. D. (2020). Exploratory activities in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) increase after weaning. Animal Cognition, 23(3), e22047.[2] von Bayern, P. (2016). Orangutans cure each other with leaves. Das Orang-Utan-Projekt. Retrieved from https://www.orangutan-projekt.de/news/2016-12-22-die-heilerblatt-rezept[3] Cunningham, S. A., & Brosnan, S. F. (2016). Methods used by orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) to break open hard-shelled nuts. Scientific Reports, 6, 34809.
Sources:- Annett Stein, dpa- MoneyControl- Orang-Utan-Projekt- BBC- National Geographic- Scientific Reports "(Enrichment Data)"
- The community policy on the use of enrichment items for captive orangutans could be revised based on the analyses of their exploratory behaviors and problem-solving skills, fostering a healthier and more stimulating environment for these great apes.
- Whatsapp groups dedicated to health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health could allow for discussions on implementing similar enrichment strategies within research facilities, zoos, and sanctuaries for various species, not just orangutans, promoting cognitive development.
- The findings from this study on orangutans' exploratory behavior in captivity underscore the importance of vigilance when designing enclosures and providing toys, as they tend to manipulate objects repeatedly and creatively.
- Adopting a long-term research approach with a focus on cognitive development could prove valuable in understanding the relationship between extended exploratory phases and the mental health of captive great apes.
- As pioneers of science and advocates for animal welfare, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that captive orangutans, as well as other species, have the opportunity to engage in exploratory activities and exhibit their natural cognitive abilities for the betterment of their overall health and wellness.
