Training and Enrichment Abstracts
Using Ultrasound Technology to Monitor
the Captive-reproductive Cycle of Female Broadnose Sevengill Sharks, Notorynchus cepedianus, at Aquarium of the Bay Michael Grassman, Aquarium of the Bay Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Ultrasound examinations have been used on several species of elasmaobranchs as a noninvasive means of monitoring the reproductive cycle. Information on follicle development in captive broadnose sevengill sharks, Notorynchus cepedianus, has previously been collected from individuals in Australia, but the current case-study is the first reported account of using the technology on this species in North America. Initial observations of changes to body shape and size of a mature female sevengill were first made in the autumn of 2011, and the first ultrasound conducted in April of 2012 confirmed the presence of developing follicles. A subsequent ultrasound in March of 2013 showed an increase of follicle size from 3.3 cm to approximately 5.12 cm, and a third ultrasound in November of 2013 revealed many of the follicles were 7.0 cm diameter or greater. During this study period, all sevengill sharks in the collection were trained to respond to auditory and visual cues to voluntarily enter an isolated acclimation pool for examination. Throughout the early winter months of 2014, the shark’s girth began to decrease noticeably, and her final ultrasound in March of 2014 confirmed her follicles were not fertilized and were in the process of being reabsorbed. The shark was eventually released back into San Francisco Bay in June of 2014. This case-study represents the collection of valuable data on the captive reproductive cycle of female sevengill sharks and may be applied to future attempts of captive reproduction with this species. |
Not Another Octopus Enrichment Talk: A Quantitative Approach to Enrichment Jordan Salyers, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Behavioral training and enrichment are common practices used to enhance the wellbeing of many species at zoos and aquariums. Multiple training and enrichment models exist, however many of these models do not answer an important question: is the enrichment program working? At the Virginia Aquarium, we have developed a method to collect quantitative data from an enrichment session with the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris. Specifically, a goal for the enrichment program is established and a numerical scale is assigned to specific behaviors. The data are manipulated and analyzed in Excel, and then used to mathematically eliminate unsuccessful enrichment items. This allows the aquarist to enhance the enrichment program for an individual over time based on desired behaviors. Though our program has been developed for the common octopus, the techniques can easily be adapted and applied to other species. Notably, the method of data collection, the process by which an enrichment item is assigned for a session, and how the data informs the future of the enrichment program allow an aquarist to answer the question: is the enrichment program successful and of value to the animal’s wellbeing? |
Don't Shoot the Cobia!: Training Rachycentron canadum Michelle Coley, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Training has become an integral part of collection maintenance and care, often done with larger species such as sharks, rays, and turtles. Large game fish are often displayed in multi species exhibits and maintained with a larger collection as a whole. The cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is a large game fish displayed within Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean exhibits. The challenges of keeping cobia in a mixed species exhibit can be aggressive feeding that often results in them out competing other animals and causing them to dominate the feeding. Cobia can also cause distractions and interruption to training of other large species, such as sea turtles, if they are not stationed during a feeding. It can be challenging to train this species within a mixed species exhibit as there are other animals around, causing potential distraction and loss of “reward”. With the use of a striped pole, we have been able to minimize stress and successfully move this animal from one exhibit to another as it grows and create a feeding station that allows a concentrated focus from the animal. There has also been success in getting the cobia to follow a swim pattern before returning to the target to get food during a feeding. Auditory cues have also begun to be investigated within this training process to determine the potential auditory capabilities of this species as there is minimal documentation on the subject. Based on our experience with training Rachycentron canadum to come to a target, we have found the large group feedings have minimal distractions and this has allowed us more opportunity to effectively and efficiently manage this species and other large fish. We hope that our experience with training this type of animal allows other institutions to implement the same practice and allow greater opportunity for growth and success. |
A Touching Experience
Ashleigh Clews, Meredith Meyers & Leigh Ann Clayton, National Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Touch tanks and elasmobranch training are both hot topics in the public aquarium industry. This presentation discusses training methods employed with stingrays and skates acquired for a National Aquarium touch exhibit opening in 2015. At concept development, there was a clear expectation that guests would readily be able to touch animals in an exhibit that supported exceptional animal health. Staff identified deliberate respondent and operating training pre-opening as critical to meeting these goals. Purposeful training was identified as the only way to increase the likelihood animals would voluntarily participate in touch interactions. Multiple staff members from quarantine, animal programs, veterinary, and husbandry groups were involved in training approximately 25 animals over a period of 18 months. About half of the total animals were quarantined and held in a large tray system. Here, techniques included staff putting hands in water during feeding and offering food by hand. Most animals readily approach hands, touched hands, and permitted acceptable levels of tactile interaction without detailed positive reinforcement training plans. For animals that did not meet behavior goals, more detailed plans were utilized. For holding systems too deep for staff to reach animals, target training with artificial hand targets was used. Additional work with one ray in particular has focused on the goal of training this ray to swim onto a platform, be lifted towards the surface and stay on the platform while being touched. Challenges included staffing levels/training experience, quarantine/medical needs and enclosure access. This presentation focuses on how these challenges have been addressed, the training methods employed and the animals’ progress on each of these training goals. |