Observing animals in a zoo set up can be quite instrumental, especially in situations where accessing their natural habitat may be limited. The main challenge, however, is the change in behaviors that animals tend to adopt over time, in a bid to fit into the new environments. Primates are one particular kingdom of animals that are so interesting to study, more so by simply watching what they do, regardless of the time (Caldecott and Miles 27). To help come up with a comprehensive outline of the various similarities and differences the animals have, I set out to observe the animals in Sacramento Zoo, on November 22, 2015. The findings about these animals, though a bit limited due to the environment, were much in line with the traits expected of them when in the jungle, their natural habitat. Nonetheless, observation of animals in a zoo comes out just as practical as doing so in the natural setting.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Zoo Observation Project
- Section One (Black and White Ruffed Lemur)
- Section Two (White Face Saki)
- Section Three (Sumatran Orangutan)
- Section Four (The White-handed Gibbon)
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide an analysis of the behavior and characteristics of four different primate species observed at the Sacramento Zoo. By observing the animals in their zoo enclosure, the author seeks to understand their similarities and differences compared to their natural habitat.
- Primate behavior in a zoo setting
- Comparison of zoo environment to natural habitat
- Similarities and differences in primate behavior
- Adaptations and characteristics of specific primate species
- Conservation status and threats to various primate species
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of zoo observations as a method for studying animal behavior, particularly in cases where access to their natural habitat is limited. It highlights the challenges and limitations of observing animals in a captive environment, emphasizing the need for careful analysis and comparison with wild populations.
- Section One (Black and White Ruffed Lemur): This section focuses on the Black and White Ruffed Lemur, detailing its physical characteristics, social dynamics, diet, and behavior. It describes the lemur's arboreal nature, its use of all four limbs for movement, and the dominance of females in the social hierarchy. The section also discusses the animal's conservation status and its endangered status.
- Section Two (White Face Saki): This section delves into the White Face Saki monkey, outlining its physical characteristics, diet, and social behavior. It emphasizes the distinct differences in coat color and facial markings between males and females, and highlights the monkey's arboreal nature and leaping locomotion. It also discusses the species' wide geographical distribution and lack of endangerment.
- Section Three (Sumatran Orangutan): This section examines the Sumatran Orangutan, highlighting its physical characteristics, including sexual dimorphism, and its social structure. It focuses on the animals' tool-making capabilities and their complex foraging and social behavior. The section also explores the orangutan's conservation status and its designation as a critically endangered species.
- Section Four (The White-handed Gibbon): This section explores the White-handed Gibbon, focusing on its physical characteristics, communication, and social behavior. It describes the gibbon's distinctive white hands and feet, its unique brachiation locomotion, and its monogamous social structure. The section also discusses the gibbon's conservation status, noting that while the white-handed gibbon is less endangered than other species, it remains an endangered species overall.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper centers on the observation of primate behavior in a zoo setting, focusing on specific species like the Black and White Ruffed Lemur, White Face Saki, Sumatran Orangutan, and White-handed Gibbon. It explores the differences between zoo and natural environments, examines the animals' physical characteristics, social dynamics, dietary habits, and locomotion, and addresses their conservation status, including threats and endangerment.
- Quote paper
- Anonymous,, 2015, Zoo Observation Project. Primates at Sacramento Zoo, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/311650
