Binturongs (bearcat) are arboreal civets with highly specific welfare needs in captivity, requiring specialized enclosures that reflect their nocturnal, climbing lifestyle.
Binturong welfare in captivity depends on providing the arboreal complexity that their prehensile tail and climbing adaptations evolved for. Ground-level enclosures that prevent climbing fail to meet this fundamental behavioral need. Their nocturnal activity patterns mean that welfare monitoring must extend to nighttime behavioral observation through camera systems, as daytime assessment may miss key welfare indicators. The perineal scent gland secretions serve important communication functions; olfactory enrichment using natural substrates and novel scents engages this sensory system. Binturongs are increasingly housed in zoological collections as awareness of their conservation status grows, making species-specific welfare standards increasingly important.