Thursday Abstracts
Utilizing Enhanced Desensitization Techniques with a Pack Of Beagles (Canis lupus familiaris) Heather Samper, Mutts with Manners Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In several desensitization definitions, exposure to the aversive stimulus and subsequent reinforcement are the common components to overcome fear. There is more to desensitization than teaching an animal to cope with an unfamiliar or aversive stimulus. The goal of this presentation is to expand upon the current desensitization techniques (exposure and reinforcement) to encompass a more holistic communication experience for the animal. As training evolves to focus on giving animals more choices, so should our communication with them. When teaching a pack of beagles to become non-reactive to a team of horses, multiple facets of desensitization techniques such as exposure, motivation, communication, timing, body language, choice, trust, and reinforcement all came into play. Each of these facets will be discussed to explain their importance in the role of expanding trainer knowledge of desensitization techniques. Finally, teaching the concept of generalization crowned a successful training goal thereby increasing confidence in a once scared pack of beagles. |
Influence of Positive Human-Animal Relationship through Positive Reinforcement Technique on Behavior and Adrenal Activity of Chinese Leopards (Panthera Pardus Japonensis) and
Snow Leopards (Uncia Uncia) Aude Bourgeois, Amandine Puaux, Juliette Roos, Muriel Kohl, Norin Chai, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Most studies suggesting that human-animal relationship has an impact on animal welfare, focus on farm ani-mals. This study aims to assess the influence of positive human-animal relationship through positive reinforce-ment training on behavior and fecal glucocorticoid levels in two species of captive felids. The behavior of a male and two female Chinese leopards (Panthera pardus japonensis) and a male and a female snow leopard (Uncia uncia) was monitored during 6 months. Concentrations of fecal cortisol metabolites were determined by enzyme immunoassay technique. First, we measured the influence of the visitors and keepers on the felidÕs behavior and adrenal activity. Second, we examined the variation of these indicators after the establishment of a training program. Negative behaviors (vigilance toward human, fear, stereotypy and agonistic behavior) significantly increased in all subjects, as noise levels and movement of the crowd increased. We found no significant effects of crowd size or public density on the behavior of the animals. Evenly, negative behaviors increased with negative or neutral keeper-animal interaction.The positive reinforcement training had a number of positive effects on behavior and fecal glucocorticoid level. Negative behaviors tended to decrease and we observed a significant increase in positive behavior in the presence of keepers. There was a significant difference in fecal corticoid concentrations before and after the training implementation except with one female snow leopard which was under treatment for health matters during the study. These findings indicate that keeper-animal relationship can improve the welfare of captive felids. |
Eradicating Fear and Anxiety of Confinement, With Hamadryas Baboons Marc Alcott, Copenhagen Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
For years on end, the approach to the daily management of Copenhagen ZooÕs troop of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) has been a dispirited routine, involving the practice of threats and enticement, when moving the troop from point A to point B, and/or when a sedation of an individual was scheduled. ItÕs common knowledge, that this would not be tolerated today, especially with all the knowledge available. Nonetheless, this was the starting point for us, as our animal trainer coordinator Annette Pedersen and the primate keepers at Copenhagen Zoo began a 2_ year (and pending!) journey, to eradicate all negative associated behavior, imprinted within the baboons for many years, leaving them with zero trust, in us keepers. The challenges of remote training a troop of baboons, asking of them to enter an enclosure, being locking in a confined space where absolutely all possible negative relation is associated with, is what has been the challenge and time consuming operation we have undergone. Being tested several times a day on our training skills, has been the motivational factor for us all. We've hit rock bottom on several occasions, come across unthinkable obstacles and committed all possible mistakes, and thatÕs what has motivated us to keep improving on the baboon training twice a day, every day for almost 900 days straight now. Training the baboons has tested our knowledge on the fundamental issues of training, but along the dozens of unimaginable obstacles we encountered, we've gained skills and experience, not found in any books. |
Positive Reinforcement as a Replacement of the Antique Training Methods at Elephant Camps in Asia Gerardo Martinez and John Roberts, Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and Africam Safari Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In many Asian countries, the elephants have been trained to do, among other things, strenuous physical work and to participate in the tourist and entertainment industries. Furthermore, the training that they have received for these tasks has always been a subject of discussion because of the aggressive methods often used. The "mahouts", whom are the people that handle the elephants, have ancient training methods that have evolved not only for dangerous free contact, but mournfully in the necessity to sometimes impose certain degree of firmness and roughness directed towards the elephants. What is surprising though is that this practice of intimidation has not changed throughout the years despite the long list of injuries and fatalities of mahouts, passersby, and elephants alike, arguably attributed directly to the use of these practices. That is why The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation in Thailand, has been teaching mahouts from Thailand, Laos and Cambodia in how to handle their elephants through the use of safe and harmless methods and how to convince the elephants to cooperate voluntarily without being threatened or harmed in order to receive the proper care they need. The most difficult task of this "Positive Reinforcement Project" has been to convince the mahouts, whom are talented and with invaluable skills, to let go of the practices they have been taught and have been following for many centuries. Nonetheless, many of them have been very receptive of our work, and we have achieved remarkable results with both, the mahouts and their elephants. |
A Birds’ Eye View - A Breakdown in Relations between Parrot and Caregiver Elaine Henley, Animal Behavior Clinic Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The keeping of parrots as companion pets is rapidly growing in popularity, and they are often perceived to be a pet that is easier to care for than a dog _ after all, you donÕt have to take a parrot for a walk, right? All too often, the purchase of a parrot is an impulsive response to the mediaÕs bombardment of the public with images of exceptional parrots -- real or animated -- who converse, dance, sing, perform tricks, and relish being petted and snuggled by their caregivers. As a consequence, caregiversÕ expectations are often raised to unrealistic levels, and disappointment ensues when the reality of parrot keeping does not match caregiver expectations. Many caregivers are disappointed when they have relationship issues with their parrots such as extreme vocalization, handling problems, destruction of property, and aggression directed toward them, the caregiver _ the provider of food and adoration. Parrot caregivers are more likely to tolerate lesser-perceived problems, such as destruction and noise, when they have either formed a tactile bond with their parrot or the parrotÕs aggression toward them is minimal. Caregivers often approach their relationship with their parrot from a human perspective, rather than from one which is natural to the parrot. This presentation will explore the differentials for aggression directed toward the caregiver and household members. Information and analyses provided will be comprehensive and include the consideration of parrot ethology and flock behaviour, while emphasizing the need for an individualistic behaviour modification and training resolution. |
Seeing the World through Behavior:
The Challenges of Using Operant Conditioning to Train Chinchillas to Voluntarily Participate In Educational Programs When There Are More Than 50 Animal Handlers Christina Lavallee, Zoo Atlanta Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Zoo Atlanta has an active education program with over 50 educators trained to handle all the tractable collection. When a new animal is acquired, keepers spend time ensuring the individual will be comfortable in its new role as an animal ambassador. When keepers think the animal is ready, they begin training education staff on proper handling and presentation. In 2012, chinchillas were removed from the collection due to their inability to adapt to the animal ambassador role. In 2014, new chinchillas were acquired. A training program was started with the animals to teach them kenneling and a consistent type of handling, which would empower this normally flighty animal to succeed in its new role. Each animal had their own personality so training progressed quicker with some while others lagged behind. We selected two individuals to focus on, with an early 2015 goal as a date to begin educator training. In order to minimize stress, trainings were offered two times a day with a maximum of six educators. Keeper staff demonstrated all aspects of the trained behaviors and were present while the educators practiced. When the animals chose not to participate, educators still practiced with empty kennels to develop mechanical skills. In March 2015, these two individuals should be able to go on programs, seeing the world after handler training is completed. The other chinchillas continue to make steady progress and will be able to travel when they are done with training, without additional staff training. |
Let's Get Physical Valerie J Hare and Mark Kingston Jones, The Shape of Enrichment, Inc. Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Environmental enrichment, as a concept, is now well recognized as an important consideration in the welfare status of any captive animal. The behavioral, psychological, and physical benefits of enrichment are well documented. Since the early days of enrichment, many have touted its benefits for physical health, usually through increased activity. While surely beneficial, we believe that the more common enrichment strategies used to encourage activity today do not provide the animals with opportunities for appropriate types or sufficient levels of exercise. We have an ethical responsibility to provide all animals in our care with good physical, psychological, and behavioral health but also with good physical fitness. And for animals destined for reintroduction, it is imperative that each animal possesses the requisite strength, sense of balance, and fine motor control to survive and succeed on its own. Thus, we propose that animal enrichment programs include strategies designed to address these needs and we will present examples of such. But, as with all enrichment, we encourage animal care professionals to continue to develop new strategies geared toward providing opportunities for appropriate types and levels of exercise. |
Decreasing Different Kinds of Aggression Using the “Stress Triangle”
1František Šusta 2Gabrielle Harris, 1Prague Zoo, Czech Republic 2South African Association for Marine Biological Research, RSA Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In 2014 we published the "Stress Triangle _ The Four Questions for Which Animals Need an Answer" (Wellspring 14/2). This system, which protects the trained subject from distress during the training process, is relevant not only when desensitizing subjects to "scary" things, but also in a wide application of positive reinforcement training situations. In summary; the animal needs to have answers to four standard questions to ensure that their learning remains choice-based. This prevents them from becoming distressed. The questions are; 1.WHY do I participate in the training? 2. How can I STOP the training from happening? 3. Where is my SAFE PLACE to relax? and 4. How can I show the trainer I am ready to START work in the training session? During the last year this system has been used to diagnose different causes of aggression in a variety of exotic and domestic animals. It has assisted to find appropriate solutions. We have found that the kind of aggression that we are dealing with influences the design of the solution process. In the paper we present different case histories where there have been different motivations for the aggression and illustrate how we used the stress triangle to diagnose the concerns. We will outline solutions that were implemented. Types of aggression we will look at include fear, defensive, predatory, and learned. In conclusion we will discuss how aggression can be the result of the inappropriate use of a schedule for reinforcement. |
Training for the Unexpected: Offsite Free-Flight Programs Cathy Schlott, National Aviary Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The National Aviary has incorporated free flight programs into their off-site offerings. Programs include educational outreaches to locations such as schools and visits to media. However, there are several factors to consider and challenges to overcome in order for each program to be successful _ for the audience, the staff, and the birds. Difficulties may arise from unfamiliar or startling stimuli, the location of the event, and the demands and expectations of the client. No matter the challenge, a few basic approaches are the key to an effective off-site demonstration. Things as simple as choosing the right bird, utilizing specific training techniques and acclimating animals to a wide variety of new objects and situations can make all the difference to ensure these outreaches are successful. On top of the preparation for each unique situation and the trainerÕs dedication to the safety and comfort of both the birds and the audience, there is another crucial factor in a successful program: a lasting educational message. It can be tempting to rely on the spectacle and impact of seeing live animals, but it remains a priority to educate while entertaining. Achieving a balance between education, fun, excitement and safety during a live, free flight show is a challenge that cannot be underestimated. Bringing amazing animals into the lives of our audience can drive home important messages and leave lasting impacts. Creating unforgettable experiences for the audience is why preparation with the birds for any scenario is vital to having a successful off-site program. |