Animal Enrichment and Training

Question 1

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 1

moderating animal behavior based on a system of rewards and punishments
receives award or avoid adverse stimuli

Question 2

What is the benefit of operant conditioning to Zoo staff? To Zoo animals?

Answer 2

safer environment - animal safety and well being
creates trust
reduces need to restrain or sedate
reduces stress
enriches

Question 3

Give an example of operant conditioning used at the BioPark Zoo.

Answer 3

training crocodiles with chicken as reward
training elephants to volunteer their feet, ears and mouth
seals - medication application
increase frequency of desired behaviors

Question 4

What considerations must be taken into account before training an animal?

Answer 4

physical capabilities, anatomy, natural behavior, individual history, social structures, hand reared or not, tools you have, particular reward for animal

Question 5

Name and explain three „tools of the trade‟ that trainers use.

Answer 5

Extinction - method of eliminating behavior by no longer reinforcing it
Cue - signal that elicits a specific behavior or reflex
Target Stick - a prop that pinpoints a specific location for an animal to touch during traing
Clicker
Treats

Question 6

Define enrichment in your own words.

Answer 6

Environmental enrichment is a process by which animal care is enhanced through drawing out appropriate and natural behaviors of specific animals.
Training provides animals opportunity to think and problem solve.
Stimulates the behaviors of healthy wild animals
reduces boredom and provides mental and physical stimulation

Question 7

Describe two different types (e.g. object, food) of enrichment used at the Zoo.

Answer 7

Novelty food - jello, pasta for elephants
Boxes/Paper - treats in them and stimulates natural forging
Ropes - for swinging - changing perches
Training and Interaction with trainers
Scent Based Enrichment

Question 8

A visitor comments that our Zoo elephants must have an awfully boring life with nothing to do. How will you respond (as a docent) including both training and enrichment in your statement?

Answer 8

Behaviors to promote physical health
Rotate enclosures several times a day
Toys, Puzzle Feeders, Automatic Hay Feeder, Pilates, Hidden Food
Spices and perfumes for olfactory enrichment