Capuchin monkeys are highly intelligent New World primates that require sophisticated cognitive enrichment to prevent boredom and maintain positive welfare in zoo settings.
Capuchin welfare requires cognitive enrichment that genuinely challenges their considerable problem-solving abilities. Enrichment that is solved immediately and provides no further challenge fails to engage their intelligence. Evolving puzzle feeders, novel problem types and social learning opportunities maintain cognitive engagement. Tool use enrichment - providing materials that require manipulation to extract food rewards - engages their natural instrumental dexterity.