Binturongs (Arctictis binturong) are unusual arboreal mammals facing habitat loss and demand from the exotic pet trade. Understanding their welfare needs guides better captive management and conservation.
Binturong welfare in captivity requires attention to their unusual ecology — nocturnal, arboreal frugivores whose needs differ significantly from more commonly kept carnivores. Obesity is a significant welfare problem in captive binturongs whose natural diet (primarily figs and other fruit) may be replaced with inappropriate foods, and whose reduced activity levels compared to wild ranging behavior creates caloric surplus. The nocturnal-diurnal conflict in zoo settings is a genuine welfare challenge: facilities designed around daytime visitor experience may disrupt the natural activity cycles of nocturnal species, creating chronic stress from inappropriate arousal times. Welfare-centered management for binturongs includes diet appropriate to their frugivorous ecology, complex climbing structures, and management that respects their nocturnal activity pattern where possible.