Binturongs are arboreal, nocturnal viverrids whose welfare in zoo settings depends on meeting their climbing, scent-marking, and nocturnal activity requirements.
Binturong welfare depends on providing the arboreal complexity and nocturnal access that their physiology and behavior require. A binturong confined to a barren exhibit without climbing structures has no outlet for the locomotory behavior that defines its natural life, producing the inactivity and obesity frequently observed in poorly designed exhibits. Their nocturnal schedule means that daytime displays show sleeping animals that are not experiencing active welfare harm from observation, but exhibit designs that force activity during daytime through management routines cause welfare costs. Scent-marking is a behavioral need for these highly olfactory animals; allowing access to substrates they can mark, and providing olfactory enrichment with novel scents, engages natural behavior. Their solitary nature means social housing must be managed carefully.