Melbourne Zoo's Orang-utan Sanctuary officially opened on 26 October 2006. This exciting development in primate enclosure design houses two arboreal ape species: the orang-utan and siamang. To ensure the exhibit catered to the apes’ needs, and improved their welfare, a research project was conducted by the Wildlife Conservation and Science department and primate keepers.

Beginning in March 2006, baseline information on the animals was recorded, while still housed in their old exhibits. This data included activity levels, behaviours, exhibit use, and interactions between individual animals, and animals and people. Data collected after the move to the new exhibit was compared to the baseline data. This allowed us to determine what changes in the animals’ behaviours, if any, had occurred, as well as providing information on how the animals were using the design features of the Orang-utan Sanctuary.

It has now been over a year since the orang-utans and siamangs moved to the Sanctuary. To determine if exhibit novelty wears off with time, we are continuously monitoring the apes’ behaviour. Having an understanding of how the exhibit produced initial changes in the animals allows us to closely observe the animals over time. Through research, any necessary changes to the exhibit can be made quickly in order to continuously cater to the animals’ needs.

The Wildlife Conservation and Science department and primate keepers are continuing the study of these apes, this time with the aim to determine if the exhibit is still keeping the animals occupied and providing benefits to their welfare. This research will help to improve our understanding of how effective the elements within the new Orang-utan Sanctuary are in promoting the health and wellbeing of the orang-utans and siamangs within our care. Having set the groundwork, this project can be continued for many years.