Abstract
A discrimination apparatus was introduced into the cage of two mandrills (Papio sphinx) in the Washington Park Zoo. Besides testing the animals’ discrimination abilities, this apparatus provided interactions between zoo visitors and the mandrills. Although the apparatus was available to both animals, the male did not allow the female access.
This report describes space usage and changes in principal behaviors as a function of introducing the apparatus. General activity levels of both animals were increased; however, stereotypic behaviors were reduced as trials progressed. The introduction of novel stimuli and response possibilities enhanced space usage while reducing activities typically attributed to boredom.
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Yanofsky, R., Markowitz, H. Changes in General Behavior of Two Mandrills (Papio Sphinx) Concomitant with Behavioral Testing in the Zoo. Psychol Rec 28, 369–373 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394548
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394548