Binturongs are large, arboreal viverrids from Southeast Asian forests with distinctive prehensile tails and a popcorn-like scent. Their specialist arboreal ecology creates specific welfare requirements in captive settings.
Binturong welfare in zoos requires careful attention to their arboreal ecology, nocturnal behaviour, and solitary social requirements. Exhibits must provide multi-level climbing structures with appropriate diameter branches for prehensile tail use, along with sufficient height to allow species-typical movement. Nocturnal management — providing darkness during the day and enrichment activity during natural active periods — is frequently neglected in exhibits designed for daytime visitor engagement. Dietary variety approximating their frugivorous-dominated wild diet, including figs where available, is important for both nutrition and behavioural enrichment. The species is rarely held in large numbers in any one institution, which can challenge social management when breeding introductions are needed.