General Session 10 Abstracts
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Full Abstract
Practice shows that most zoos are short of the knowledge of the usage of browse even if they have it in abundance. Cages are often bare looking, consisting of nothing but concrete and bars or mesh, exhibiting animals that are inactive or demonstrate even abnormal behaviors. Yet, these exhibits are surrounded with luscious green vegetation. |
OWLS; MINDING OUR OWLS
Robynn Ingle-Moller, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Management of nocturnal animals, including birds of prey is hard enough. Many zookeepers are diurnal in their habits and daily routines, and as such, we tend to forget about nocturnal animals and their ‘needs’. As keepers we tend to create enrichment with evening in mind, but provide it in the day, leaving little room for enjoyment (observation) and or appreciation of the species and individuals’ behavioural needs. This paper will look at owls through the eyes of the staff; a seasoned keeper, a enrichment professional, a visitor experience manager and a zoo biologist student. It was done through the use of Action Research as the methodology (a methodology that looks at an attitude of enquiry that enables people to question and improve taken-for-granted ways of thinking and acting -Jean McNiff). The objective of this experience was to observe our own interpretations and presumptions on ‘owls’. In so doing we set a test to ourselves which often unexpectedly presented more about ourselves than owl preferences and behaviour, both during the day and at night. Two ambassador animals (trained – hand reared) Spotted Eagle Owl (Bubo africanus), and three other exhibit (non-trained – wild) animals were employed to help with our internal learning, they being; Spotted Eagle Owl, (Bubo africanus), Cape Eagle Owl (Bubo capensis capensis), Giant Eagle Owl or Verreaux’s (Bubo lacteus). Through the process we created a learning environment not only for the owls but for ourselves and our community of zookeepers to explore novel and novel enrichment ideas for owls at the National Zoo in South Africa. |