ABMA 2014
Friday Papers
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Weight Management in Birds:
Pitfalls, Ethical Considerations and Alternative Options Barbara Heidenreich, Good Bird Inc and Barbara's Force Free Animal Training Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Weight management is a practice that has been used in bird training for many years. This strategy involves determining a weight range in which a bird may be more likely to respond to food as a reinforcer for training or maintaining behaviors. This is a practice which is rarely used to train in other taxonomic groups. This paper will explore the pitfalls of relying on weight as a measure of motivation. This includes trainers becoming desensitized to bird body language indicative of excessive motivation for food reinforcers. It will also explore ways to measure motivation for food that are not related to the number on the scale and discuss the ethics of using weight management in animal training and provide alternative options which are com- monly used to train other species of animals. |
Enrichment for the Real World Stephanie DeYoung, Pawsitive Pet Training & Services, LLC Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The zoo world has for done a wonderful job of implementing daily environmental enrichment activities into the care and husbandry of its animals. While more pet supply stores are carrying enrichment items made for companion animals, a vast majority of the general public either does not understand how these items can benefit their pets or understand how to properly use these items. As a dog trainer in the private sector, I have shared many of the strategies used throughout the zoo community with my clients. Explaining to clients how create simple enrichment schedules, varied enrichment types, and even showing how many items can be homemade can all combine to modify behaviors for the animals in people's homes. Sharing some of the ways I've utilized many tools used primarily by zoos for animal training and enrichment with my own dog training clients, I hope to show other ABMA members how they can make their knowledge and skills understandable to the general public and encourage private individuals to try these strategies at home with their own pets. |
Successful Reintroduction of a Beluga Whale and Calf Based On Observational Learning, Surrogate Rearing and Husbandry Training Techniques
Steven M. Aibel and Mark Galan, SeaWorld San Antonio Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In the summer of 2013, 1.1 beluga whale ( Delphinapterus leucas ) calves were born at SeaWorld San Antonio. The first calf, a male, was born July 9, 2013. The cow did not exhibit any maternal response such as nursing, paired swimming, or contact toward the calf. This calf was initially hand-reared and paired with another adult female to provide socialization and potentially to nurse the calf. The second calf, a female, was born July 26, 2013 to a more experienced cow. This cow had successfully raised 2 calves previously. During this birth, the first cow was present in the birthing pool. This allowed her to observe the birth and initial bonding from an experienced cow. It was hoped through observing normal cow-calf behavior the first cow would learn observationally to care for her calf upon reintroduction. After three days of observing normal maternal behavior and rearing, the first cow was reintroduced to her calf and started to care for him. Three primary factors led to a successful reintroduction: exposing the less experienced cow to a more experienced cow during the birth and initial bonding of a calf, maintaining lactation in the first cow, and exposing the calf to a surrogate for socialization. While maternal cow and calf behavior in cetaceans may be innately influenced, maternal experience and offspring response are critical as well. Paired swimming, nursing, and regular maternal behavior have been sustained and this reintroduction has been successful. |
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Rehoming the Outcast Parrot -
Training, Patience, and a Big Heart Michelle McClelland, Wings of Love Bird Haven Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In the animal rescue world, the focus is to rehome. This usually allows for the more “social” animals to be chosen first, leaving the others to wait longer and have more chances to exhibit behavioral problems. When interested adopters look for a new parrot, many people want the perfect bird. In the parrot rescue world, the idea of perfection is not always possible. Companion parrots can sometimes go through many owners due to age, health or behavior problems. Through a weekly positive reinforcement training program at the Haven, the “outcast” parrots were taught basic behaviors through shaping and three out of five birds have found their forever homes in the past year. By teaching simple, basic behaviors, these birds have begun to blossom. A small lift of a foot, taking a reward out of your hand, turning away in a full circle, or not lunging when a hand is presented, can take months to accomplish, but can mean milestones for that particular animal. Many live in fear and have various anxieties to certain situations. Positive associations can now be paired with past anxieties. These small training goals have made these animals more presentable and thus more adoptable. The wallflowers are now visiting the front of the cage and the biters are now able to offer alternate, acceptable behaviors. Training programs are being developed for future adopters and fellow professionals (that work with any species), allowing any outcast to stand a better chance of adoption. |
Investigating Intriguing
Incentives for Iguanas Jennifer J. Elston, Ph.D., Fort Worth Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Enrichment provides a valuable means to enable and encourage the performance of natural behaviors by animals in zoos. Studies have shown that effective enrichment can enhance animal well-being by offering mental stimulation and promoting activity. However, studies evaluating enrichment for reptiles, particularly lizards, are limited. The Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Worth, Texas, houses a variety of lizard species, including several species of iguanas. The effects of novel enrichments on iguana exploratory behavior ( Cyclura spp ., n=9) and the extent of their interactions with novel foods, objects and scents were evaluated. Data were collected over 24 days during three phases (baseline behavior before novel enrichments were offered, presentation of novel enrichments, baseline behavior after the enrichment phase) for comparison. Iguana behavior was recorded via Scan Sampling with each iguana’s behavior recorded every minute for 40 minutes. Novel enrichments were presented on separate days and included raspberries, a clear plastic ball and a fresh herb (basil). Then, enrichments were combined with additional novelties to encourage the iguanas to increase their interaction time with enrichment. The combined enrichments included raspberries on an elevated scoop, a clear plastic ball combined with red cotton balls soaked in coconut extract, and fresh basil in and around a grocery-sized paper sack. Iguana interactions with enrichments are described and indicate novelty can play a role in encouraging exploratory behavior in iguanas. |
Full Abstract
The Dallas Zoo obtained 1.1 Red River Hogs which were recommended for breeding by the SSP. The pair, 1.0 “Hank” and 0.1 “Riley”, have bred on multiple occasions since December 2011, but have not produced off- spring. Hank gradually became overweight when he moved to his current habitat in May 2010. There is a hypothesis among Suidae managers that successful copulation is linked to a healthy weight. In an attempt to stimulate a more successful breeding program with our Red River Hogs, a goal was set in June 2012 to trans- form our male Red River Hog into a heart healthy mate. To achieve this goal, the trainers decided the best method would be to train a behavior that would not only assist with weight loss, but would also be education- al for the visitors. We chose to train a running behavior that would be shown on exhibit during visitor hours, along with other natural behaviors. A shaping plan was written and executed until the final behavior was completed in May 2013. The combination of his training and a new diet allowed him to lose 17.8 kilograms (39.2 pounds) over a six month period. Hank reached his ideal weight at approximately 87 kilograms (191.8 pounds). The Dallas Zoo is anxious to see if Hank’s new exercise program will have a positive impact on the pair’s breeding success. |
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Jumbe, a Lesson in Patience and Hard Work Jeremy Dillon, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In November of 2012, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo welcomed the black rhino back to the Mountain. “Jumbe’s” arrival came after the construction of a new pachyderm building that designed to house both African Elephants and Black Rhino. In April of 2013, we started training Jumbe to make the 100 yard trek to his main exhibit. From the beginning we encountered hurdles that slowed his progress. Due to these setbacks, he even earned the nickname “The Shy Rhino”. Whether it was a dive bombing Magpie, or just acclimating to the unique and different exhibit setup, our staff had to dig deep into our training tool box to create a plan that would get us to our goal of having an excellent exhibit animal for our guests to see. Through a lot of time, patience, behavioral observations, and giving control of the sessions to Jumbe we have been able to successfully exhibit a calm, confident, and amazing rhino. The days of “The Shy Rhino” are a thing of the past. |
In Living Color:
Speed of Learning to Discriminate Between Colors in a Yellow-Footed Tortoise Kristen Frizzell, National Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Previous studies have shown that some turtle species have the ability to discriminate between colors, as well as between different shades of gray. This experiment was designed and implemented to measure the amount of time for a juvenile yellow-footed tortoise to learn to discriminate between two colors. The tortoise was trained to target to a red spatula. After initial training, we paired the red spatula with one of five different col-ors, using one color at a time. When the tortoise successfully targeted to the red spatula a minimum of 9 out of 10 trials, three times in a row, it was deemed that he had learned to differentiate between the two colors. We believed that the number of sessions would decrease as we moved from color to color. Instead, we found that regardless of the color of spatula it took the same amount of sessions, or more, to differentiate between the two colors. The maximum number of sessions occurred in the differentiation between red and pink. The findings of this experiment are an excellent segue for similar studies on turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. Not only did this experiment provide a better understanding of yellow-footed tortoise’s cognition, but it is a great source of enrichment and an excellent demonstration for the public. |
Utilizing Voluntary Ultrasound to Monitor Pregnancy in an African Lion Becky Wolf and Sara Squires, Dallas Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The use of ultrasound technology has proven to be an effective tool to diagnose and monitor pregnancy in 38 captive animals. The Dallas Zoo's Savanna Carnivore team, along with the zoo's veterinary staff, wanted to use ultrasound to determine pregnancy and litter size of an African Lion (Panthera leo) due to the possibility of a complicated pregnancy. This paper will discuss how through careful planning, a detailed training strategy and teamwork, the staff was able to successfully train a lioness for voluntary ultrasound without the benefit of a squeeze, which would allow them to determine when or if intervention would be necessary as she neared parturition. |
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Fancy Footwork: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Giraffe Herd Trains for Voluntary Farrier Work and X-rays Amy Schilz, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Nearly eighty percent of all giraffe sedation procedures are related to foot care. Most of the knockdowns are done once the giraffes display clinical signs of lameness, hoof overgrowth, abscesses, or swelling. Statistics show that ten percent of giraffes put under anesthesia do not make it through the procedure. These alarming statistics demonstrate the necessity for institutions housing captive giraffes to develop ways to safely provide hoof care and maintenance with awake giraffes. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ) recently started an in-tensive operant conditioning program to maintain the foot health of its famously large herd. The majority of this training focuses on the giraffes’ voluntary participation in their own hoof care. By training our giraffes to allow for front foot handling and front foot radiographs, we are able to diagnose lameness issues, provide hoof trims, and maintain overall foot health without the use of sedation. The giraffe keepers at CMZ tailored their training techniques to each of the 21 giraffes’ comfort levels and learning styles, and have made huge leaps forward in their overall health care. This paper will outline the setup, the materials used, as well as the steps we took to train for hoof presents. |
Utilizing Leash Walking for Fluid Therapy with Puma Concolor as a Model for Managing Chronic Renal Failure
in Exotic Felids C. Trapman O’Brien and A. Dublin, Moorpark College Exotic Animal Training and Management Program Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Chronic renal failure is a very serious and common disease in aging felids. While generally there is no cure, there are several therapies that can lead to better quality of life and extend lifespan. Many of these require cooperation through behavior management. Fluid therapy involves increasing the animal’s hydration level through subcutaneous injection. Fluids are crucial since failing kidneys pass large amounts of dilute urine, and cats may not naturally drink enough to prevent dehydration. In the case of our mountain lion ( P. concolor ), fluid therapy was recommended as a preventative measure and training was essential to build the behavior early. Attempts were made over several years to train voluntary subcutaneous injection with protected contact methods but no progress was made. It was proposed that fluid injections be done while on walks. Leash walking could provide a distraction, make fluid absorption easier, and be a constant reinforcer. Walking was a well-established behavior that proved reinforcing enough to overcome the aversive aspects of the injection behavior. Students worked closely with staff to determine safe and effective procedures and training plans. As a school, we need to be able to have many new students participate in this behavior each year. After the success with our mountain lion ( P. concolor ), we began to apply the method to another felid which could benefit from fluid therapy, a serval ( Leptailurus serval ). We feel this method can help felids at risk of experiencing renal failure live longer, better quality lives. |
The Challenges of Training a 16-Year-Old Cockatoo to Fly a Loop: Implications for Shows and Enrichment Opportunities Christina Lavallee, Zoo Atlanta Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
“Sydney”, a lesser sulfur crested cockatoo ( Cacaua sulphurea ) was hatched in 1995 and re-homed to Zoo Atlanta in 2000. She has participated in the Wildlife Theater shows for the past decade, demonstrating natural behaviors. She has a history of flying to the hand but only with a distance of a couple of feet and requiring a lot of encouragement. Sydney has never been a confident flyer and has damaged center deck feathers that affect her flight. At the beginning of show season, she was comfortable flying the distance of the backdrop. During the summer, this expanded to flying near guests from a stationary perch and we wanted to take this even further. Could Sydney learn to fly a complete loop with her history, lack of confidence, and damaged tail feathers? Her strength and confidence were slowly built up. Initially, the same two trainers began training the behavior, beginning with the pole used to hold up the shade structure as a point to target her around. She was comfortable when she could see the trainer catching her, but when she couldn’t; she would lean her body, or turn around, to try and see the other trainer. Once she overcame this obstacle, back chaining was rapid until the second pole. As she overcame each challenge, her confidence grew and her flights improved. The process of overcoming hurdles like flying on the first cue, staff consistency, and flying over guests has been a long one, but watching her success was well worth it. |
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Don't Mind the Quills: Training 0.2 Cape Porcupines to Become Program Animals
Katie Cheng and Susan Patch, San Diego Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In 2011, 0.2 three-month old Cape Porcupines, Hystrix africaeaustralis , were acquired by the San Diego Zoo to become program animals. Although they were hand-raised, they were unaccustomed to tactile stimuli and would display aggressive behaviors when trainers were present. By ignoring aggression and positively reinforcing calm behavior, trainers were able to teach a variety of behaviors. These behaviors including wearing a harness that goes around both the head and body, as well as a set of behaviors that allows them to interact with guests, including both photo and feeding opportunities. Much of the training success also relied on a unique ‘manners’ system developed by trainers. This system involved training each porcupine to ‘heel’ as well as to display a relaxed body position. In addition, both porcupines were taught husbandry behaviors. As porcupines have delicate skin, medical procedures can be especially challenging. To help prevent unnecessary stress and minimize the risk of a skin tear and subsequent infection, the porcupines were trained a voluntary pole injection behavior that could be used for annual vaccines. As a result of these training techniques, our porcupines now aid in their own care, interact safely with thousands of guests yearly, and can work with nine or more trainers. |