Binturong welfare in zoos requires specific attention to nocturnal activity patterns, olfactory enrichment needs, and the behavioral complexity of this unusual viverrid species.
Binturong welfare requires species-specific expertise that generalizes poorly from more commonly kept viverrid species. Their nocturnal nature means daytime visitor-oriented exhibits create chronic welfare compromise through forced activity during rest periods. Night houses with reversed lighting allow natural activity expression while maintaining visitor educational opportunities. The olfactory marking drive is intense and easily accommodated — providing novel objects, logs, and substrates for scent deposition costs little but satisfies a major behavioral motivation. Zoos with specialized carnivore expertise consistently achieve better binturong welfare outcomes.