University of Coimbra Reports Findings in Science (The influence of guided tours on the welfare of white-handed gibbons and capuchin monkeys at Maia Zoo).

A recent study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal examined the impact of guided tours on the welfare of white-handed gibbons and capuchin monkeys at Maia Zoo. The research aimed to assess how visitor behavior influenced the behavior of the primates and whether guided tours helped regulate unwanted noise and behavior. Results showed that guided tours were associated with lower noise levels and reduced self-grooming frequencies in gibbons, while capuchin monkeys exhibited similar responses between tour types. The study suggests that integrating guided tours as educational and conservation initiatives could engage visitors and potentially enhance zoo animal welfare. [Extracted from the article]