How do animals feel? This is an important question for zoos, but it is rather difficult to answer. Animals cannot express their feelings in words, so how do we know how they feel? A recently published study takes a step in the right direction with an innovative method called the Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA).

What is QBA and why is it special?

QBA is a technique originally developed for farm animals, but it is now being applied for the first time to primates such as bonobos. Whereas traditional behavioural observations focus on what an animal is doing—such as eating, moving, or playing—QBA looks at how the animal performs the behaviour. Does a bonobo move happily or nervously? Does it eat calmly or in a rush? These subtle differences in body language can reveal a lot about their emotional state, something that has traditionally been difficult to measure.

How was the research conducted?

We showed a range of video recordings of bonobo behaviour to bonobo experts and students. Their task was not to observe the behaviour itself, but rather to assess how the behaviour was carried out. Was a bonobo, for example, "calm", "excited", or perhaps "curious"? By scoring the animals on a range of such terms, we were able to gain valuable insights into the body language of bonobos that had not been measured before.

Different perspectives: experts vs. students

What did we find? Both experts and students were pretty good at assessing whether a bonobo was excited or calm. However, for more subtle emotional signals, more expert knowledge in the species was required. That is not surprising, given that bonobos exhibit very complex and expressive behaviours. Additionally, adult bonobos were more often described as "calm" and "relaxed," while the younger animals displayed more "joyful" and "happy" body language, likely due to the playful nature of young bonobos.

A major breakthrough for primates in zoos?

This study is the first time QBA has been applied to primates. This development offers new opportunities to better understand the well-being of primates in zoos. Caregivers can use QBA to more accurately respond to the emotions of bonobos. Are bonobos more at ease on sunny days? And what about when they get their favourite food? Thanks to these new insights, we will be able to provide better answers to such questions in the future. This research gives zoos tools to look beyond just visible behaviour. It shifts the focus to how bonobos feel and how they experience their environment. Ultimately, this contributes to the well-being and emotional health of these animals in zoos.

Curious to read more? Go here to read the full paper