A review of nutritional and motivational factors contributing to the performance of regurgitation and reingestion in captive lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

Abstract

Regurgitation and reingestion (R/R) is a common phenomenon in captive lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla), but it has never been reported in wild populations. Although changes in diet have been shown to reduce the behavior, little is known about the underlying mechanisms that lead to its development and maintenance. In this paper, a comparative analysis of ruminatory behavior in humans and stereotypic behavior in captive, domesticated animals reveals several nutritional and motivational factors that may contribute to the sustained performance of this behavior in captive gorillas. Additional research is needed to evaluate temporal, seasonal, gustatory, social, individual, and medical influences on this behavior.