Binturongs are unusual carnivores with prehensile tails from Southeast Asian forests. Their specific arboreal and dietary needs make their captive welfare management distinctive.
Binturong welfare in captivity requires enclosures that accommodate their arboreal lifestyle with substantial height and interconnected climbing structures. Unlike many carnivores, binturongs are relatively slow and deliberate, which reduces some management challenges but still requires appropriate space for locomotion and territory expression. Dietary variety is important for both nutritional adequacy and behavioural enrichment, with fruit provision being particularly valued. Their gentle temperament and capacity for human bonding through positive reinforcement makes training for routine husbandry procedures achievable, reducing the stress of necessary health monitoring. Conservation education about binturong habitat threats makes these charismatic animals effective ambassadors for Southeast Asian forest conservation.