Zoo Animals

Zoo Binturong Scent Marking and Enrichment

Binturongs have distinctive scent glands and complex social communication needs that must be addressed in zoo enrichment programmes.

Key Facts

Binturongs produce a distinctive popcorn-like scent from their glands used in communication
They are the only Old World mammal with a prehensile tail adapted for arboreal life
Binturongs are vulnerable in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting
Zoo enrichment should include scent-based stimuli and complex climbing structures

Welfare Considerations

Binturongs deprived of scent investigation opportunities and arboreal enrichment show impoverished behavioural repertoires. Providing species-appropriate complex habitats with multiple substrates, climbing opportunities, and novel scent enrichment addresses key behavioural needs.

What You Can Do

Support zoos with naturalistic binturong habitats
Learn about Southeast Asian rainforest conservation and binturong status
Advocate for specialist enrichment planning for lesser-known species