Managing Sociality of a Captive Breeding Bornean Orangutan from Pre-gestation to Post-partum at The Smithsonian's National Zoo Marie Vergamini1,2, Dr. Meredith Bastian1, Dr. Amy L. Rector2 1 Smithsonian National Zoo, 2 Virginia Commonwealth University

Introduction Results

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Orangutan Species Survival Plan® (SSP) aims to maintain 100 Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) of underrepresented mitochondrial lineages. Because of the high required investment in breeding individuals of these lineages and what often manifests as a “mismatch” of compatible orangutan personalities, it is essential that zoos understand how best to manage sociality of potential mothers. To improve management and reproductive success of these animals, more observational research needs to be conducted from pre-gestation to through the infant’s first year of dependency. This studies aims to better understand the role of social behaviors and networks in a captive breeding Bornean female orangutan.

Batang (Focal) and Orangutan Management Depending on time and day, orangutans are grouped as follows: • Iris and Kiko paired • Bonnie and Kyle paired • Bonnie and Iris can be paired • Kiko and Kyle can have visual access to each other but not physical access (Male- male competition) • Lucy can have outdoor yard access with Iris, Kiko, and Batang (focal) but only indoor access to Kiko. Social Behaviors and Bonds: • Batang (focal), the “social butterfly”, is able to join either male-female pairs. • Breeding Phase: • Keepers housed Batang (focal) with Bonnie and Kyle as much as possible during • Batang (focal) spent equal time with both ovulation periods. male-female pairs Batang • Female nearest neighbor was equal • 20 year old captive born between Iris and Bonnie female Bornean orangutan • Kiko was Male Nearest Neighbor more • 2011: Transferred to NZP on than Kyle a SSP® breeding • Nearest Neighbor influenced by breeding recommendation • 2014: Taken off birth control management • February 2016: Positive • Implications of choice of male pregnancy test followed by • Pregnancy Phase: sonogram picture of a fetus • Iris and Kiko spent less time in the same • September 2016: Gave birth space as Batang (focal), but to Redd • Iris and Kiko again Nearest Neighbors • Subset of Social behaviors observed Methodology Batang (focal) interacting with Iris most • Post-Partum Phase Prediction: • Focal Time Sampling • 30 minute periods, 2 minute intervals • Batang (focal) nearest neighbor will be • Between 7am to 3pm affected based on other adult female’s • Nearest Neighbor Scan Sampling experience with offspring: • 30 minute periods, 5 minute intervals • Bonnie – successfully raised Kiko • Daily Keeper Reports of all orangutan locations and access to O-line • Iris – never pregnant, little exposure to young orangutans • Lucy – has had offspring but did not raise them

Discussion And Conclusions • Batang (focal) experienced behavioral changes from pre-gestation to end of pregnancy. Most notable were trend differences in how she spent her days • While time spent on primary social behaviors did not change drastically, there were differences in secondary social behaviors exhibited between periods • Batang’s (focal) social bonds and interactions indicate preferences towards Iris and Kiko. However, this is expected to change based on the other’s adult female’s maternal experience • Preliminary results suggest that continued social management during breeding phase, while allowing breeding • Breeding Phase: August 2015 to Feb 2016 (45 observations, 22 hours, ended with positive pregnancy test) female social options, may support successful breeding and birth of offspring • Pregnancy Phase: Feb 2016 to Sept 2016 (102 observations, 51 • Based on Bonnie’s maternal experience and interest in Batang’s (focal) offspring, having an experienced hours, ended with birth of infant) mother in social group is important • Post-Partum Phase: Sept 2016 to May 2017 ( 146 observations, 73 Acknowledgments hours) We would like to thank the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park Primate Unit at the Great Ape House, VCU’s Department of Biology, and VCU Department of Anthropology.