Mirrors as enrichment for monkeys (2002)

Harris, H. G.

Abstract

We have a mirror for every single-cage, plus enough for at least one per pen in our group-housing facilities. Over 700 of our 950 monkeys now have access to a mirror (Bio-Serv, Monkey Shine Mirror). They have been hung for over 6 months now and we have yet to see any of the habituation that occurs with other toys. I am currently collecting data on mirror use, but as a general comment, our African green monkeys (all males) and cynomolgus macaques use the mirrors more than the rhesus and squirrel monkeys. The rhesus do use them, and I think the squirrels would use them more if they were smaller and lighter (something I'm looking into). Our singly-caged monkeys are kept in rooms with conspecifics, but the mirrors are utilized by singly-caged, paired and group housed monkeys. They use them to look at themselves and at other things inside and outside the room. We have had a few (less than 10) occurrences where the monkeys were too fearful or self-aggressive to keep a mirror on their cage, but by far, the majority benefit from them. The mirrors, in my opinion, are one of our most useful object enrichment items.