Abstract
This research examines the relationship between visitor numbers and the behaviour of Diana monkeys ( Cercopithecus diana diana). A family group of two adult and four juvenile captive Diana monkeys was studied intensively for 10 days at Edinburgh Zoo, UK. The six subjects were scan sampled every 5 min for 7 h per day; their behaviour, and visitor numbers, were recorded. Chi-squared analysis revealed a highly significant association between Diana monkey behaviour and visitor group size, where the amount of time spent grooming and sleeping/resting decreased with greater visitor numbers whereas time spent playing and feeding/chewing increased. Results are discussed in the context of recent findings regarding visitor presence and zoo animal welfare.
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