For almost a decade, the Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) has collaborated with us to study our Zoo’s black-handed spider monkey troop, hoping to unlock the keys to primate evolution and better understand their complex social behaviors. However, this year, their partnership with us has expanded down the Rainforest Revealed boardwalk. Associate Professor of Psychology at Florida Tech, Dr. Darby Proctor and some new students are working to better understand how our white-nosed coati band, particularly our 9-month-old coati kits, problem solve.  

This Florida Tech student-run project (part of a larger study headed up by Dr. Victoria O’Connor as part of her dissertation work completed at Oakland University with Dr. Jennifer Vonk) is focused on understanding carnivore cognition. From bobcats to black bears to dingoes, and now our not-so-little coati band, this research study is shedding light on this largely understudied group of animals. This is a collaborative effort among several institutions to draw conclusions about how different aspects of animals’ foraging ecology, brain and body size, as well as social ecology predict their flexibility in problem solving. 

Because many facilities typically have a small number of carnivores in their care, it is important for researchers to collaborate with many organizations so that enough animals are observed to draw accurate conclusions, noted Dr. Proctor. Thus, why our coatis are helping out! 

The actual research and observations begin with a box, specifically a puzzle box called a multi-access box. Those in the know say MAB for short. Each MAB is equipped with several doors, each opened in a unique way. When the coati is first introduced to the box, each door is closed but unlocked. Once they figure out how to open a door, the treat hidden inside is revealed, and the coati can claim their reward. After each individual learns to use one solution consistently, that door is then locked. The goal is to see if they can then figure out a new way to get to the food through using a different door. 

“We are essentially testing their ability to innovate new solutions,” said Dr. Proctor.  

Each coati has 15 minutes to interact with the box. Once it’s touched, they then have another 15 minutes to solve the puzzle. If time runs out and they don’t uncover the food item, then they don’t pass that trial. The time it takes the individual to solve, how they solve and the methods they use are all factored into the overall scoring. Each individual will be presented with five trials, in each phase of the study that they enter, and they are challenged twice a week.  

As with everything we do, participation is completely voluntary. Coatis are curious by nature, so we often see them interested in the box and participating frequently. However, if someone isn’t feeling it that day, they are free to not engage with the study with no negative consequences whatsoever.  

So far, we have completed trials with only one coati (adult male Tito!), so it is a bit too early to share any results of the study. However, the Florida Tech team says the coatis are quite inquisitive, making them great research partners!   

We’re excited to be a part of this growing area of science, and we hope it brings further understanding to where carnivores’ cognitive abilities lie. As these types of studies progress, we hope it can also bring further understanding to how we care for our carnivore residents. We strive to incorporate information provided by the newest and most cutting-edge studies into our top-notch animal wellbeing standards to ensure our animal residents are living their best lives in our care.

Special thanks to Flammio Financial Group, Stifel-Garvin Wealth Management Group, Artemis IT, and Jim and Darleen Barfield. Their generosity makes our work possible! 

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.