Binturongs, the bearcat of Southeast Asia, have flexible social behavior that makes group housing feasible in zoos, with significant welfare benefits over solitary management when done correctly.
Binturong social management represents an interesting case where species that appear solitary in some wild contexts benefit substantially from compatible social housing in captivity. When binturongs are maintained in stable groups with sufficient space and olfactory complexity, they show more diverse behavioral repertoires, lower stress indicators, and better reproductive outcomes than solitary individuals. The provision of extensive climbing structures with the height and complexity needed for their arboreal lifestyle is essential regardless of social housing status. Olfactory enrichment using novel scents, prey items, and substrate variation engages the chemical communication behaviors central to their natural social life. Facilities that have invested in compatible group housing and rich environments report markedly better welfare outcomes.