Cartridge Monkey

Study improves stress levels for captive monkeys

Tuesday 01 May, 2007

Researchers have found a new way to reduce the stress levels of monkeys in captivity.

According to a study team from Durham, when in captivity, the stress levels of monkeys can be reduced by the erection of a tropical shrub barrier between the viewing platforms used by visitors and the front of the animal enclosure.

During the study, the research team worked with a group of mandrill monkeys at Chester Zoo.

"As soon as the shrubs were positioned, we noticed an immediate improvement in the welfare of the mandrills, who displayed significantly less anti-social behaviour," said Dr Jan de Ruiter from the department of anthropology at Durham University.

"[However,] it is important to remember that life in the wild is not stress-free either," added Dr Sonya Hill, research officer at Chester Zoo.

Bearing a close relationship to the drill and the baboon, the mandrill is the largest species of monkey on the planet.

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Study improves stress levels for captive monkeys

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