Orangutan & Dog Bonding: Unraveling the Mystery

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The discussion centers around a video featuring an orangutan playing with a dog and an elephant, raising questions about the social behavior of orangutans, which are typically solitary animals in the wild. Participants speculate on how the orangutan learned to play, suggesting that its upbringing in captivity may have influenced its sociability and ability to interact with different species. The conversation touches on the potential benefits of play for animals, such as skill development and socialization, and references a source from Psychology Today that discusses the importance of play in learning. There is also mention of exploring the genetic and instinctual factors that might influence play behavior in animals. Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the impact of captivity on animal behavior and the evolutionary significance of play.
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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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