Observations of increased activity and tool use in captive rhesus monkeys exposed to troughs of water (1993)

Parks, K. A., Novak, M. A.

Abstract

These results suggest that exposure to water sources may elicit a broad spectrum of species-typical activity and may be a simple and inexpensive way to enrich the environment of captive [group-housed] rhesus monkeys. ... Standing water was more effective than running water in increasing exploration and object manipulation.Abstract of this work has been published in: American Journal of Primatology 18:159-160, 1989; Parks KA, Novak MA; Water as a medium for promoting tool use and enrichment in the captive environment of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).