Personality-Related Inter-Individual Differences in Captive South African Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) and Implications for Zoological Management

Animal personality research has increasingly demonstrated that stable inter-individual differences occur across a wide range of species and may have important implications for animal management and welfare. However, personality has been studied in relatively few pinniped species, and empirical evidence in South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) remains scarce. The present study explored personality-related inter-individual differences for ten captive fur seals and examined whether individuals’ trait-based dimension scores were associated with their behaviour. Personality was evaluated using a trait-rating questionnaire completed by trainers familiar with the animals (36 adjectives rated on a 7-point Likert scale). After reliability filtering, adjectives were analysed using Regularized Exploratory Factor Analysis (R-EFA). Behaviour was assessed independently through focal animal sampling based on a species-specific ethogram, conducted by observers unaware of the trainers’ ratings. Two trait-related dimensions that emerged from the R-EFA explained 69.94% of the variance: Boldness/Confidence and Activity/Reactivity—dimensions broadly resembling trait patterns previously described for other pinniped species. Individuals varied in their scores on both dimensions. Correlations between individuals’ dimension scores and their behavioural measures did not reach statistical significance, although several moderate associations were observed and are described qualitatively. These maintained similar directional tendencies in a sensitivity analysis, excluding three individuals whose behaviour may have been influenced by stereotypic behaviour (n = 1) or developmental stage (n = 2). From a management perspective, individual differences along these dimensions may help guide decisions regarding training, enrichment, and participation in educational activities. Although exploratory and limited to a small single population, this study provides an initial description of personality-related inter-individual differences in this group of fur seals under managed care and highlights the potential value of personality assessment for evidence-based management and welfare in zoological settings.