Binturongs — charismatic Asian civets — have specific olfactory, climbing, and social needs that well-designed zoo exhibits must accommodate for good welfare outcomes.
Binturong welfare in zoo settings depends on exhibit design that accommodates their arboreal lifestyle, solitary nature, and strong olfactory communication needs. The most common welfare failure is inadequate climbing structure — smooth-branched or low-height enclosures that prevent expression of prehensile tail use and arboreal navigation. Olfactory enrichment (novel scents, substrate variety, conspecific odor samples) consistently triggers scent-marking behavior and extended investigatory sessions, indicating positive welfare engagement. Social housing must be approached carefully given wild solitary tendencies — pairs can be maintained successfully with sufficient space and multiple retreat areas. Given limited published welfare research, zoos housing binturongs should contribute behavioral data to the AZA/EAZA Species Survival Programs.