Social Networks in Zoo-Housed Orangutans From a Multigenerational Maternal Line

ABSTRACT

This study examined the social network of a zoo-housed Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) maternal line consisting of three individuals. These focal individuals live alongside a flanged male, an older juvenile male, and a younger juvenile female at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. The focal individuals – Josie (40 years), Hadiah (20 years), and Topi (10 years) – span three generations. Although other studies have analyzed the social behavior of zoo-housed orangutans, there is limited research on the social networks across related individuals from multiple generations. To analyze the differences in networks, we extracted the number of social affiliative interactions and shared proximity zones from scan sampling sessions collected between Spring 2024 to Fall 2025. We then used the statistical software R and package igraph to build a social network. With this analysis, we identified two distinct but linked communities from within the larger social unit. Our results indicate that Topi had a significantly lower affiliative strength than Josie and Hadiah across individuals. However, all individuals had similar proximity strengths. These findings demonstrate that social networks are not static across individuals in zoo habitats and may shift as individuals develop and mature. 

POSTER

For more information: varahn@eckerd.edu

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