ABMA 2014
Thursday Papers
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Manding, a Case Study of Giraffe Exhibiting Novel Learned Behavior Lisa Clifton-Bumpass, A Step Beyond Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Giraffe living in captivity are undergoing extensive training to better their lives, reduce the stress and the intrusion of daily husbandry care, and increase their long-term welfare through mental stimulation and enrichment. As giraffe live longer, caring for the normal age-related health issues, chronic health problems, and specific geriatric needs require husbandry staff to develop strategies creating responsive cooperative care protocols. Exotic and domestic animals are being taught many new kinds of behaviors via Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the arm of psychology focused on the observable relationship between behavior and the environment. In 1957, B.F. Skinner classified a group of behavioral signals from non-verbal individuals who used signals to communicate a specific need for remedy of an internal aversive state that they could not change without the help of another. This is referred to as a mand. The mand is the result of operant conditioning whereby the learner uses what it has learned to signal the need for relief. We will examine the training of two giraffes living in different holding facilities that independently developed a signal expressing a need for specific husbandry protocols to alleviate their physical discomfort. Both individuals learned to use an aspect of their training as a signal for specific treatments that are designed to bring relief. “Tiki”, a 25 year old female giraffe at the Oakland Zoo, and “Rosie”, a 4 year old female giraffe at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, developed these operant class signal behaviors which are directly related to their training history. |
Ante Up! The Influence of Antecedents in Training Andy Hall, AvianWise Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The specific environmental situation in which a behavior occurs is often overlooked as an integral part of training and behavior modification. These antecedents are often given a back seat to the influence of the consequences following the behavior, but they are advised as the first place to begin in effective and ethically grounded training strategies. Often antecedent arrangement can lead to a less coercive training strategy and allow positive reinforcement to replace punishment. This paper will explore the influence antecedents have on desirable and undesirable behaviors, their impact on the value and success of the resulting consequences, and how identification, description, and rearrangement of antecedents can be used to successfully change behavior. |
Exploring Reptile Training at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Genevieve Warner and Lauren Augustine, Department of Herpetology, Center for Animal Care Sciences, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The animal keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Reptile Discovery Center (RDC) employ all types of training techniques with every order of reptile. In the past decade, veteran keepers have been slowly conditioning animals to perform specific behaviors to facilitate captive husbandry. Although these keepers are inadvertently or unintentionally training their animals, typically they are not employing by-the-book techniques. Standardized training protocols often discourage cognitive training efforts by keepers who feel that these protocols are too focused on procedure rather than an animal’s natural history and behavioral response. Although these training techniques differ from the methods of operant conditioning typically taught to animal care professionals, the results are just as amazing and beneficial. Recently, RDC staff have been utilizing all types of training to further explore reptile cognition. For example, the social hierarchy of three false water cobras ( Hydrodynastes gigas ) and reverse learning in green tree monitors ( Varanus prasinus ). Additionally, a recent publication on skilled forelimb movements in black tree monitors, Varanus beccarii (Mendyk and Horn, 2011) led RDC keepers to exploring this type of cognitive behavior in green tree monitors ( Varanus prasinus ), Merten’s water monitors ( Varanus mertensi ) and Komodo Dragons ( Varanus komodoensis). Furthermore, amazing behaviors such as Merten’s water monitors ( Varanus. mertensi ) corralling fish with their bodies have been observed just by experimenting with water levels and live prey. Presenting our experiences with reptile training and cognition will hopefully inspire others to train their reptiles, as reptiles have the capacity to be trained for routine husbandry and veterinary care. |
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Managing Training and Enrichment Programs; Bridging Gaps All Around the Zoo Julie Grove, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
I would like the opportunity to share with other zoo professionals the many benefits to both animal training and enrichment programs since the creation of my position at The Maryland Zoo. My position is part time and encompasses the management of all training and enrichment programs throughout the zoo. During my zoo career I have worked as a keeper and a manager in multiple animal areas. This experience has helped substantially in my current role. Communication, planning and organization are keys to successfully managing training and enrichment programs. My role involves mentoring keepers while assisting them with training zoo wide. I am also responsible for working to maintain and improve enrichment programs. I am the liaison between keepers, area managers, collection managers and veterinary staff concerning animal training and enrichment. During my tenure, many training goals have been met including voluntary injections, blood collection, and ultrasound procedures to name a few. Communication, planning and organization have played a critical role in shaping and maintaining these complex behaviors. I would also like the opportunity to discuss the benefits of working with volunteers and interns to further enhance these programs. With the help of many contributors I created an enrichment committee and an enrichment documenting and cataloging system. My long term goal is to ensure that we continue to make progress in both programs while bridging gaps along the way that help all individuals involved become a part of future successes. |
Extended Presentation
Getting to the Heart of Fear – Counterconditioning for Future, Unknown Stimuli Gary Fortier and Avery Corondi, Animal Behavior Institute; Delaware Valley College Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
We know that we can desensitize our animals to known fearful stimuli. But can we desensitize our animals to unknown, future stimuli? Stimulus generalization occurs in a variety of learning situations, in both behavioral acquisition and systematic desensitization. For example, many species may be desensitized to their caretakers; they then extend that reduction in fear to other human staff members. Can we extend this generalization to other objects and situations? Our goal in this study was to determine whether counterconditioning could partially insulate animals from the adverse effects of future frightening stimuli. We exposed chickens to a commercial dog toy and then used counterconditioning to eliminate their anxious response. We then exposed the birds to a new frightening stimulus, a stuffed red-tailed hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis ), to determine whether there was any decrease in their fear response. Both the training and testing were done in the same room, under the same conditions, to take full advantage of any contextual cues that might foster stimulus generalization. The results of our study have direct implications for animal management. Animals that are kept in outdoor enclosures may be exposed to a broad array of potentially adverse triggers, from boisterous visitors to natural predators that are seen, heard or smelled from afar. Regularly scheduled training session can be easily modified to include counterconditioning to novel stimuli. While we can’t expect to fireproof our animals from fear, we can better equip them to deal with the unknown. |
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Hunting for Fun -
Training with the Goal to Enrich Birds of Prey Molly Gezella, University of Minnesota Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
At the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, our education birds work with a wide variety of staff and volunteers. Due to the sheer number of handlers (approximately 45) who run the 1000 annual programs, it’s not uncommon to see previously solid behaviors break down. In the case of our female Barn Owl, we have seen breakdowns in her glove behavior, increased aggression, difficulty stepping her out of a crate, and decreased confidence in programs. In order to accomplish the task of a having her be a successful education bird, a new training and enrichment regimen was set up. This paper will cover how we trained her to fly to the glove, respond to an audio cue, and simulate sound based hunting as an enrichment opportunity. These behaviors rebuilt her confidence with new situations, new handlers, and allowed her to be more comfortable in her environment. For me, the “heart” of behavior management is creating an environment where the animal is both physically and mentally fit. With these new training strategies, we were able to provide that for this Barn Owl. We have already seen a general increase in confidence, a decrease in nervous behavior in new environments, and calm behavior in large groups of people in familiar program rooms. Additionally, her crate behavior has improved and all handlers report less aggression from her stepping to the glove. |
Using Collaboration and Creativity to Increase Exhibit Use Matthew Lenyo, Denver Zoological Foundation Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In June 2012, Denver Zoo opened Toyota Elephant Passage, an innovative 10-acre exhibit featuring animals from Southeast Asia. 1.1 White-cheeked gibbons ( Nomascus leucogenys) are one of the species housed in the new exhibit. Their habitat was designed to provide a unique and interactive experience for both the animals and guests. However, with the innovative design came several challenges. This paper will discuss one such challenge and the use of behavior management to help overcome it. The gibbon habitat consists of three islands, each connected by high vines. To reach the third island, the gibbons must cross a 55 foot vine that spans 20 feet above a visitor area. While the female gibbon crossed the vine herself, the male was extremely reluctant. Thus, staff developed a training plan to help increase his exhibit use. The experience provides a unique perspective on the entire training process. The paper discusses the importance of collaboration and brainstorming to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. The behavior involved several logistical challenges and required a great deal of flexibility and novel thinking to select the best possible approach. While the behavior is still a work in progress, continuous evaluation has proven to be an important tool for moving forward. The paper concludes with a discussion of unexpected outcomes and touches on the difficult task of recognizing when a behavior is beyond the abilities of an individual animal. It explores how other tools might be paired with the training itself to ultimately achieve the desired objective. |
Behavioral Training and Enrichment of Monitor Lizards Nathan Haislip, M.S. Fort Worth Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Historically, reptilian learning capabilities have been poorly understood. However, within the past 30 years, more research has been devoted to determining the extent of their intelligence. Specifically, monitor lizards have been referred to as the primate equivalent of the reptile world with problem-solving abilities. Because these large reptilian predators can be aggressive and dangerous in a captive setting, behavioral training is an important part of maintaining these specimens in a safe and enriching environment. Utilizing their mental strengths, they can easily be trained to complete tasks that can benefit keepers and enrich the lives of the animals. At the Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Worth, Texas, we have an extensive behavioral training program that focuses on promoting interactions that are positive for both keepers and animals. An integral part of this training program includes operant conditioning using some form of target and bridge system. Through this system, we can easily shift animals, obtain regular weights, assess body condition or conduct physical exams, as well as enrich the individual animal through positive reinforcement. Other enrichment techniques are utilized including varying prey items, providing the animals with puzzles, and providing novel chemosensory items. |
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"Face or Foot?" - Team Training a Canada Moose for Farrier Hoof Work Rebecca L. Zwicker, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In May of 2012 our 1.0 Canada moose, “Tahoma” developed a crack on his back left hoof that needed to be addressed and treated. We were asked to train Tahoma for veterinary and farrier work while he is fully alert (no sedation), on exhibit, and in a protected contact setting. To accomplish this behavior, it required innovation and true teamwork as, to our knowledge and research, no other zoo facility has trained a moose for voluntary back foot farrier work. We developed the “Face or Foot” training approach, which involves two primary keepers for body placement, stationing and mechanic work. We had to not only learn the nuances of our moose, but also each other. Whether one is working the face or the foot, there are small details that when recognized and addressed can make all the difference in a training session. |
Exploring the Training of a Blue-Breasted Kingfisher for Use as a Program Animal Aimee Owen and Rickey Kinley, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The breeding pair of Blue-breasted Kingfishers ( Halcyon malimbica ) at the Cincinnati Zoo abandoned nesting for a reason that was unknown to the keeper staff. Additionally this pair of birds also chose to remove the clutch of eggs from their nest cavity and toss them onto the floor of their enclosure. All of the eggs were found broken except for one. Because it was unbroken this egg was able to be artificially incubated and fortunately it eventually hatched. The resulting bird was named “BB” and she was hand-reared from day one and eventually was trained to became an outreach program animal. This paper will describe the various steps of positive reinforcement training which were used to stick train her, crate train her, and to train her for use as a program animal. Also, this paper will explain what role she is currently filling as an animal ambassador. |
Learning the Power of Positive Reinforcement from a Fossa: Changing Panic to Cooperative Injection Training
Jennifer Ziegelmeyer Archibeque, Lisa Clifton-Bumpass; Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Female fossas ( Cryptoprocta ferox ) are known to partially molt their coat as a part of the estrus cycle leaving exposed skin. ”Roni”, the 0.1 fossa residing at Happy Hollow Zoo in San Jose California, exhibits signs of excessive molting in addition to extreme seasonal allergies affecting her on and off exhibit behavior, appearance and welfare. After many unsatisfactory oral medication trials and a complete allergy skin test, it was determined the best long-term treatment for seasonal atopic dermatitis would be weekly subcutaneous immunotherapy injections to begin immediately and continue through her lifetime. A cooperative injection behavior was trained while simultaneously using behaviors under stimulus control in order to start the treatment. The complete injection behavior was a result of chaining operant behaviors while creating a strong positive conditioned response to medical staff and the squeeze chute via classical conditioning. We will discuss the challenges of training a complex behavior with novice learners, overcoming Roni’s fear of the squeeze chute as a result of her aversive events history associated with the chute, the changes in animal behavior measured by reduced anxiety, Roni’s preference for various reinforcers, and the considerations of training a behavior while it is being used for a medically requisite aversive procedure. Using positive reinforcement, we have seen a dramatic increase in animal welfare through the immunotherapy treatment and positive changes in overall animal behavior, particularly during training sessions over the course of eighteen months. |