Binturongs (bearcat) are unusual arboreal carnivores from Southeast Asia whose specialized needs for climbing, foraging, and habitat complexity create distinct zoo welfare challenges.
Binturong welfare in captivity requires careful attention to their arboreal lifestyle needs. Horizontal floor space is far less important to binturong welfare than vertical climbing opportunities — enclosures without substantial climbing structures deprive them of their primary behavioral domain. They are active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular) and may be stressed by daytime visitor pressure in busy zoos. Frugivorous diets should include significant fresh fruit variety to match natural dietary breadth. Their solitary tendencies outside breeding season require careful social management. The prehensile tail is used constantly in the wild for stability — environments without varied grip surfaces frustrate this behavioral need.