Charlotte Brickwood-Figgins, University of Utah
Research has rarely been conducted past 2003 on comparing behaviors of zoo gorillas in different environments. The few relative studies suggest that, of course, naturalistic behavior is more common in naturalistic environments; ie. outside enclosures. "Exhibition of gorilla social groups in naturalistic habitats has been shown to...facilitate expression of species-typical behavior and enhance reproduction" (Lukas, K. [2003]). How does this species-typical behavior differ from an outdoor enclosure to an indoor enclosure? With the Hogle Zoo's upcoming closure of the outside exhibit, during the winter months, I intend to draw a conclusion as to what differences the gorillas might display.