Zoo Closure Does Not Affect Behavior and Activity Patterns of Palawan Binturong (Arctictis binturong whitei)

Exploring the interaction between humans and animals has become increasingly important in evaluation of well-being for species housed zoos aquaria. The COVID-19 pandemic saw global closure aquaria to visitors. Chester Zoo, U.K., was no exception, with charity shutting its doors longest period 90-year history. Whilst access site strictly limited essential animal care staff, recent investment networked infrared CCTV camera systems allowed some be monitored remotely during this extraordinary zoo closure. Here, we used equipment investigate whether influenced activity patterns behavior two adult Palawan binturong, Arctictis binturong whitei. cameras facilitated behavioral monitoring over 24 h enabling collection a full budget, which revealed natural crepuscular pattern. Overall, visitor presence found have neutral effect on species, significant difference observed time spent engaging den use, vigilance or travel behaviors open closed conditions. A when evaluating hours would normally visitors (10:00–16:30). This research presents new information elusive understudied captivity, promotes enables more comprehensive sampling than traditional visitor-effect methods.