Binturongs are unusual arboreal civets whose welfare in zoos depends on providing appropriate climbing environments and managing their distinctive olfactory communication needs.
Binturong welfare in captivity requires providing adequate three-dimensional climbing space for their arboreal lifestyle, managing obesity risk through appropriate diet and activity, and accommodating their nocturnal behavioral patterns through reverse lighting programs. Scent marking behavior is important for their psychological welfare and should be facilitated through appropriate exhibit design. Their relatively gentle temperament has led to use in ambassador animal programs, which requires careful welfare management to prevent chronic stress from public interaction.