Cage Design and Forms of Play in Red‐Bellied Tamarins, Saguinus labiatus

We investigated the role of cage design in the expression of play in a group of red‐bellied tamarins ( Saguinus labiatus ). For each of the four play behaviors that were measured in this study (wrestle, pounce, grasp, and chase), significant differences in frequency appeared as a function of substrate. When playing on broad, flat, horizontal substrates, the tamarins primarily wrestled with one another. When playing on branches and vines, the tamarins wrestled less but chased and grasped more. Play sequences were less varied in terms of inclusion and order of play behaviors when they occurred on flat, horizontal substrates. To the extent that zoo or laboratory enclosures are outfitted with substrates, whose size and physical orientation are at odds with a species' natural habitat, the validity of play data and the educational value of an exhibit are compromised. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.