ABMA 2014
Monday Abstracts
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Replacing Repetitive Behaviors with Natural Behaviors of North American River Otters Using Goal-Based Enrichment
Christine Montgomery, Downtown Aquarium Denver Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Behaviors not seen in natural environments, such as repetitive behaviors, can be a difficult thing to explain to guests and manage within the animal collection. At the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, we identified patterns in the repetitive behaviors of our 3.0 North American river otters and developed a plan to modify those behaviors. Our goal was to create a solution to redirect the unproductive behaviors to productive ones exhibited by their wild counterparts. For one year, we closely observed and documented the repetitive behaviors without changing the group’s daily routine. We discovered the repetitive behaviors were most prevalent after feeding time, suggesting an increase in energy after consuming a meal. In the following year, we focused on using goal-specific enrichment to decrease the repetitive behaviors and increase productive behaviors such as grooming, foraging and social interaction within the group. After eight months of applying these modifications, we have seen a decrease in the repetitive behaviors in all three otters. This suggests that, by identifying and analyzing undesired behaviors, they can be minimized by creating goal-based, productive behavioral enrichment. |
Ready...Set...For Groomer and Vet! Laura Monaco Torelli and Kelly Ballantyne, DVM Chicagoland Veterinary Behavior Consultants Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Training in aquarium and zoological programs includes proactive and positive shaping plans toward voluntary husbandry care. In established programs, this goal can be achieved through trainer consistency, set schedules and sessions, a closely monitored and healthy diet, and detailed record-keeping that lends itself to effective planning. But how do you achieve similar goals when working with the average pet owner and his or her dog? In 2010, we launched our Ready…Set…for Groomer and Vet! program at Furnetic, part of the Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine and University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. The objective of this pro- gram is to show trainers, pet owners and veterinary students how to train husbandry behaviors while working on other goals. When clients and veterinary students see that a "Happy Vet Visit" can be painless and completed within a short time interval, they are empowered to carry the games to their own veterinary office. Most owners see the value of this strategy when small successes lead to larger progress over time, in this case at each subsequent veterinary visit. In the Ready…Set…for Groomer and Vet! program, training is practiced in short, frequent sessions and integrates husbandry goals with various other behaviors. These sessions increase the dog’s comfort level with husbandry procedures and have led to successful voluntary blood draws, nail trims and wellness exams with dogs at various ages. This collaboration highlights the importance of positive training with a community-based approach while empowering owners to be at the heart of their dog’s daily care. |
Pugs Preventing Pug-Nacious Behavior Rickey Kinley, Gary's Professional Dog Grooming and Training Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Pugs are a naturally non-threatening, comical, and fun breed of dog. This paper will describe how pugs were used to teach positive reinforcement training techniques to help people in the workplace to better understand how to use positive reinforcement to improve working relationships. This three part team building session involved first an interactive presentation explaining positive reinforcement animal training techniques and hu- man behavior. Secondly, a short hands-on workshop involving playing the “training game” with colleagues and thirdly, a chance to practice basic animal training techniques with the pugs from a local pug rescue organization. The results were that attendees learned new ways to interact with co-workers, friends, and family in more positive ways. |
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Full Abstract
Service Dogs, Inc. is a 25 year old non-profit whose mission is to increase the independence of people living with disabilities through partnership with a highly trained assistance dog. SDI is one of the few assistance dog organizations to utilize shelter dogs in their program, taking them from “strays to stars.” Members of ABMA come together from different communities within the animal world to share experiences and learn from one another; there is a spirit of collaboration, open mindedness and willingness to learn. What if that type of collaboration happened on a daily basis? SDI found out when we hired a guy from the marine mammal community and partnered him with a girl from the dog community to lead their training department to the next level. This process has been full of debate, epiphanies, compromise and humor. We'll share the best of our revelations and highlight the unique challenges of operating an assistance dog training program. |
A Study Of One: Using Education Birds for Breeding (One Is the Loneliest Number…)
Cathy Schlott, National Aviary Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Many institutions have one bird of each species in their education collection to be used for programming or shows. These birds are valuable assets for teaching, but having single birds may not be the most effective and efficient method. Keeping two of the same species can potentially provide a number of benefits for the institution: allowing for a “backup” bird in programs as well as encouraging natural behaviors for birds housed together. Most importantly, during the off-season or slow seasons, these education birds can be paired for breeding – thus increasing their functionality for the institution. After the breeding season, the birds can transition easily back into their programming roles. This presentation will discuss collection planning strategies and a case study examining the challenges and successes associated with utilizing this approach for Eurasian Eagle Owls. The case study will follow the introduction of two adult education birds, breeding, and the subsequent hand-raising of a Eurasian Eagle Owl chick – the first to be bred at an AZA facility in the last 5 years. |
Success in Voluntary Blood Draw Training with Orangutans Using a Proactive Program
Laura Laverick, Emily Gertiser, Theresa Larson, Cameron Park Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
When caring for apes in captivity, the most useful tool in terms of their health care is a strong training program. The list of behaviors and voluntary procedures that are possible are limitless. The Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas houses 2.1 orangutans, 1.1 Bornean ( Pongo pygmaeus ) and 1.0 Hybrid ( Pongo pygmaeus x abelii ). A successful training program has been implemented using only positive reinforcement techniques. Body presentations, urine collection, ultrasound, intramuscular injection, as well as desensitization to various medical items like thermometers and stethoscopes are all components of the maintenance behaviors per- formed with the orangutans. Moving forward to advance proactive health care of these apes, a blood sleeve was installed for voluntary blood draw training in May 2013. In a relatively short period of time, a sufficient amount of blood was successfully collected to perform a complete blood count and serum chemistry panel on both of the adult male orangutans. The blood draw on “Kerajaan” was successful at exactly three months and on “Mukah” at four and a half months. The set up and training process for this behavior are what led to these quick and productive accomplishments with the males along with continued progress with “Mei,” the female. The sleeve is also being used to start training for voluntary blood pressure readings. It is exciting to continue to push the training envelope and be proactive with a successful program to better the care of the three orangutans housed at Cameron Park Zoo! |
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Baiting and Luring – Using Them Effectively
is as Easy as ABC Heidi Hellmuth, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Baiting or luring an animal to encourage a desired behavior is frequently used, and can be a very effective tool in behavior modification. Too often, however, it becomes a crutch; and the animal learns to rely on the bait to perform the behavior at all. This presentation will demonstrate why this frequently occurs, and will give participants simple and easily used methods to avoid this behavioral pitfall. Using the ABC’s of operant conditioning – antecedent, behavior, consequence – attendees will learn to use baiting and luring effectively, and especially how to fade out the use of the bait in order to get behaviors under stimulus control more effectively. Heidi Hellmuth has 25+ years’ experience in the animal care and behavior field. Her career has included roles such as marine animal trainer, zoo keeper, wildlife educator, supervisor, and curator. She has been fortunate to have worked with many species and diverse taxa over the years. Heidi is currently the zoological curator of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, a unique 725 acre facility in Eatonville, Washington. |