Studying the Chimpanzees of Budongo Trail
One of the features of Budongo Trail is that it gives us the opportunity to research our captive population of chimps further than ever before.
The research work done here at Edinburgh Zoo falls into two categories: behavioural observation and chimpanzee interaction. Both are "non-invasive" forms of study. This means that chimps are never forced to co-operate, and any participation is entirely voluntary on the chimp’s part.
Behavioural Observation
This is where the researcher will be looking at recording and analysing specific behaviours, such as socialising, feeding, nesting patterns and enclosure usage.
Researchers make their recordings based entirely on what they see the animals doing as the animals go about their daily lives. Other than possibly providing the chimps with certain choices, such as different food items, nesting materials or enrichment, behavioural observation requires very little human-chimp interaction.
Chimpanzee Interaction
Some research requires the chimpanzee's co-operation, and is much more interactive. Chimpanzee interaction research presents the chimpanzees with a kind of puzzle or scenario – one path might lead to nothing very exciting, the other to a tasty reward!
Researchers may also provide information to the chimpanzees, and we can look to see if and how the chimps use that information. This enables researchers to see how chimpanzees solve problems, and helps us to draw conclusions on how their minds work: the basis of perception and cognition.
The scenarios we present to the chimps are designed to be fun, and work on a positive reinforcement basis. This means that chimps are rewarded for participating in the research scenarios. The scenarios also work within the capabilities and natural behaviour of the chimps, which at first glance seem to be endless!
Why Do Chimpanzee Research at Budongo Trail?
Research in a captive environment is just as important as research work done in the wild, and can often provide the basis or preliminary hypotheses, before a zoologist conducts his full study in the wild.
In the same way, studies can be done in more detail in captivity, based on findings in a wild environment and comparisons made. Research is extremely important, because it helps us to understand animal behaviour. This in turn helps us to work out how best to conserve the animal species in question. It also helps us when caring for the animals in captivity, as we know what to look for in happy, healthy individuals.
You Can Help Support the Chimps of Budongo Trail
If you would like to support the research and conservation work of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and Edinburgh Zoo, please visit our Support the Zoo section to find out how.
You can also Adopt a Chimpanzee!