Effects of cage mounted enrichment on behavior of a group of juvenile baboons (Papio anubis) (2003)

Mikels, J., Wallis, J.

Abstract

The enrichment devices consisted of childrens toys that play music, make other sounds, or light up when manipulated. These were attached to metal frames clipped to the cage front. The subjects were eight female olive baboons (Papio anubis), ranging in age from 2-3.5 years. All were mother-reared for about two years in large social groups, removed from those groups, and housed together for a study unrelated to ours. The new cage was indoors-only, measuring 3.7m x 3.3m x 2m. Data were collected during 20-minute sessions. .. Behaviors directed at the cage or other items normally in the environment decreased significantly (t=-6.16, p<0.001) during test periods. Paired t-tests revealed a significant decrease in aggressive behaviors (t=2.61, p<0.03) and grooming bouts (t=3.47, p<0.01) during enrichment. As these devices were present for only one to two hours per day [emphasis added], a slight interruption in positive social behaviors is notconsidered detrimental.