ABMA 2013
Monday Abstracts
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Zethnography:
Beyond Borders of Culture and Species Kristie Burns, Pella Wildlife Company, Academy of Wildlife Education Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Ethnographies go ‘beyond borders’ of culture, have revolutionized the way culture is studied worldwide and have even been used by the National Park Service. The Academy of Wildlife Education is going beyond the borders of culture and species by using zethnography at its own facility to increase the effectiveness of its behavior management program and to create a safer, more nurturing and non-threatening environment for both humans and animals. Zethnography, a term coined by Dr. Kristie Burns, director of the Academy of Wildlife Education, is an ethnography of a human-animal culture and utilizes concepts from cultural anthropology, wildlife anthropology and ethology. Zethnography allows a deeper insight into actions, causes and consequences and thus advances animal behavior management techniques at facilities and paves the way to more effective operant conditioning and the creation of a safer, more nurturing and non-threatening environment for both humans and animals. Zethography goes beyond standard observation records and provides effective mechanisms of data retrieval, methods for uncovering cognitive structures and ethology, devising verbal action plans and decision models, analyzing fieldwork, and utilizing a variety of techniques for data reduction. It also teaches animal care professionals and others how to translate this accumulated data into an ethnographic report and finally into a more effective behavior management plan. |
Full Abstract
Zoos have become an integral part of many communities over the years. They represent a place of entertainment for families, a great spot for a field trip, and an educational yet exciting option for children’s camps. As zoos have progressed in their mission statements, they have also become front-runners in education for both young and old alike and often act as “community centers” for animal education and conservation. Now, more than ever, the zoo community is dedicated to advancements in animal care, husbandry, training, and conservation, but these advancements do not have to be limited to animals living in zoos. The advancements pioneered in zoos can and should be shared with animal rescue organizations, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and pet owners. To increase animal welfare throughout the Pittsburgh area, the National Aviary began partnering with local organizations to provide workshops for pet owners as well as organizing community events to raise awareness of animal rescues in the area. We continue to evaluate both programs to increase their effectiveness within our community. This paper details how the National Aviary formed a partnership with a local parrot rescue group to offer a series of classes on pet parrot ownership. It also covers the process of hosting an ‘Animal Rescue Day’ event for local pet rescue organizations to increase their presence in the community. |
Komodo Calisthenics: Using Enrichment to Promote Exercise in Komodo Dragons
Brent Huffman, Toronto Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are the world's heaviest lizards, and are prone to mobility issues with age. Experiences with three arthritic dragons at the Toronto Zoo prompted the Australasia keepers to explore proactive measures for the zoo's two young adults. After researching the biology and captive husbandry of this species, we identified likely causes of mobility issues (obesity and lack of exercise) and set a broad goal: to increase activity through behavioral enrichment. Our research highlighted several natural behaviors that we could encourage to meet our objective. With these in mind, we developed a three-pronged approach: provide more variable environments, create naturalistic feeding opportunities, and offer at least one novel event daily. Setting up the Toronto Zoo's first comprehensive enrichment program for reptiles has posed challenges for keepers and animals alike. In its evolution over the past two years, this program has advanced keeper mindsets toward enrichment. The Komodo dragons are now more alert, regularly demonstrate problem-solving skills, and actively explore changes in their environment. Although it is too early to tell if this approach will prevent arthritis, the positive impact on both dragons and keepers is undeniable. |
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Full Abstract
Smart phones and tablets have become increasingly popular because of their user friendly applications and ability to easily access information. Virtually anyone can use them. Perhaps iPads could be used by highly intelligent great ape species, like Orangutans? It would provide exceptional mental stimulation and opportunities for the apes to control their environment. Imagine, giving the Orangutan control over what food it chooses to eat, which pen it wants to spend the day in, picking out enrichment items, and even being able to communicate with Orangutans at other institutions. At the same time, this interactive technology not only stimulates the animals, but also keepers and Zoo visitors. It can be used to showcase these highly intelligent animals and the need to preserve their habitat. In April 2012, the Toronto Zoo received a donation of two iPads to use in our Orangutan enrichment program. Training began with our group of 2.4 Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelii) on basic applications designed for children, like memory games and drawing. We have also used photo, video, and even Skype as part of the iPad experience. However, there are many challenges with using a tablet designed for humans with an ape. It became clear that we needed help designing apps specifically for Orangutans. We are in the process of creating apps for our group and other great apes to use as a communication tool with their keepers. |
Full Abstract
The New England Aquarium acquired a hand raised, female California sea lion who had no regard for the trainer’s personal space and tended to aggress toward trainers under a variety of circumstances. This compelled staff to significantly modify training protocol in order to safely interact with her. The sea lion was taught to generalize that anything the trainer did, that was not a conditioned stimulus, meant “If you go to your target, then you will receive some fish”. For the sea lion, this eliminated the tendency to anticipate the next cue and the frustration that can result from attempting to interpret the many undefined movements by the trainer. In addition, the sea lion was encouraged to default to the target whenever she was unsure about something, or simply did not want to respond to the conditioned stimulus presented by the trainer. The change in protocol required the trainers to adopt a different mindset with respect to reinforcement contingencies and priorities. This allowed them to establish a safe zone for themselves and the sea lion by creating an unconditionally reinforced behavior. The training procedures, issues, concerns and benefits of the protocol established will be presented. |