Binturongs are large, prehensile-tailed viverrids from Southeast Asia. Their welfare in captivity depends on arboreal access, appropriate diet, and management that reflects their semi-nocturnal nature.
Binturongs have fully prehensile tails unique among Old World mammals, used for arboreal stability and movement. They are omnivores consuming fruit, small animals, and eggs in the wild. Captive binturongs require large enclosures with extensive climbing structures; ground-level housing denies their arboreal nature. They produce a distinctive popcorn-like scent from abdominal scent glands; scent marking is a primary enrichment opportunity. Their distinctive chemical communication system should be engaged through novel scent introductions.