Binturongs are arboreal Asian viverrids with unique behavioral needs. Their welfare in captivity requires appropriate climbing environments and careful social management.
Binturong welfare in zoos depends on providing the arboreal complexity that their semi-arboreal lifestyle requires. Enclosures without substantial climbing structures, platforms, and horizontal branches deny binturongs the ability to express core locomotor behaviors including their distinctive prehensile tail use for stability while climbing. Dietary management requires careful attention to obesity risk — binturongs gain weight readily on high-calorie zoo diets and need caloric restriction combined with feeding enrichment that simulates natural foraging effort. Scent marking opportunities using their distinctive secretions provide behavioral outlets for this olfaction-based species. Social management must accommodate their largely solitary nature while providing managed breeding opportunities. Binturongs in well-managed environments are active, curious, and demonstrate good behavioral welfare.