Orangutan & Dog Bonding: Unraveling the Mystery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the behavior of orangutans, particularly in relation to their interactions with dogs and other species, as observed in a video. Participants explore the implications of captivity on social behavior, play, and the potential evolutionary or genetic factors influencing these behaviors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that orangutans are typically solitary animals and questions how an orangutan knows how to play and why it engages in play with a different species.
  • Another participant suggests that the orangutan's behavior may be influenced by its upbringing in captivity, which could lead to sociability with other species.
  • A participant raises the idea that play in animals, including orangutans, may serve a purpose in learning life skills, similar to how immature animals in groups play.
  • There is a reference to a source discussing the value of play in nature, suggesting that play may be a way to teach new skills, although the connection to orangutans specifically is not fully explored.
  • One participant proposes investigating the relationship between genetics and behavior, particularly in the context of play and instincts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the origins and implications of the orangutan's play behavior, with no consensus reached on the specific reasons for this behavior or its evolutionary significance.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to external sources and theories, but participants do not fully agree on the interpretations or implications of these sources. The role of captivity in modifying behavior remains a point of exploration without definitive conclusions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in animal behavior, the effects of captivity on social interactions, and the evolutionary aspects of play in animals may find this discussion relevant.

OldgitTom
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This delightful video shows an orangutan playing with a dog, not to mention an elephant.

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/the-orangutan-and-the-hound/1234581161

I know very little about animal behavior, so maybe someone knows? As far as I’ve read, orangs are solitary animals. In the wild, even males & females keep apart for most of the time. So how does this animal know how to play? Or why does it play, & with a different species, even?

Would it be from some orang sub-species that normally lives in groups? A Hollywood animal actor? Could raising in captivity so modify behavior? Any ideas? BP
 
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I couldn't get it to load, which is a shame. I really wanted to see it.
 
Found it on Youtube



I can see where it may be the way Surya was raised. Like other orang's in captivity, it has learned to accept other species. I think its adorable, always great to have a BFF.
 
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Hypatia,
thanks; obviously raising in an unnatural enviro had its effects. But did you have any ideas about where such sociability/play potentials came from in a species noted for solitary ways? Pack/group immature animals play, to learn life skills. Maybe orangs play with mom? But the immense ground-level fun Bonobzo seemed to be having impressed me. What's the survival pay-off? Maybe he'll get miserable & curmugeonly with middle-age?
 
Hypatia,
this source (Groos) was sent to me & seems to have a large part of the answer.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/200901/the-value-play-iv-play-is-nature-s-way-teaching-us-new-skills http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/200901/the-value-play-iv-play-is-nature-s-way-teaching-us-new-skills

If you want to pursue the genetics trail in an adventurous safari, try Perry Marshall.

http://cosmicfingerprints.com/iidb.htm

You might find a connect between DNA/instincts & play/behavior - how they might interact. Good luck, OGT
 
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