Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo
Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo
Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
168<br />
pushing the trainer is responded to by with a sharp “NO”. If necessary this is<br />
re-enforced by a sharp smack on the trunk from the trainers hook handle,<br />
especially if any aggression is shown by the calf. This system of reward for<br />
desired behaviour and a negative response to inappropriate behaviour is set<br />
up early in the calf life and teaches the calf what is acceptable and what is<br />
unacceptable behaviour around keepers. This can be established very<br />
compassionately as the most import thing is to build a positive and strong<br />
trusting relationship between the trainer and the calf. Once this relationship is<br />
established the calf will be eager to please the trainer making its training much<br />
easier.<br />
At his stage the calf can be encouraged to move with the trainer. The<br />
command “TRUNK” is given and when the calf performs the task is rewarded<br />
until the response is consistently performed. The trainer can then ask the calf<br />
to lift its trunk and hold the trunk to encourage the calf to walk with the<br />
trainer by gently guiding it. A second handler can follow behind the calf to<br />
assist in this. The calf is led around in this way gradually building up the<br />
duration and distance covered. As the hook is introduced to initiate forward<br />
movement the trunk no longer needs to be held to guide the calf.<br />
Fig. 2. The calf walking alongside the trainer.<br />
The next step is to lead to calf to the area<br />
designated for its restraint. On arrival at the<br />
restraint point the calf is rewarded. The calf very<br />
soon associates the restraint point with a positive<br />
reward. The trainer begins to prepare the calf for<br />
restraint. This is done along side the mother,<br />
keeping stress for both animals to a minimum.<br />
Fig. 3. The use of a looped rope to<br />
desensitise the calf to restraint.<br />
Once the calf is calm and comfortable at its restraint point, a chain is gently<br />
placed around its leg with a large reward given for acceptance. The calf will at