Blank Park Zoo Foundation - Happy Holidays from Blank Park Zoo

Zoo StaffRyan P. BickelAnimal Behavioral TrainingZookeeper BrettAshburn has Sushi’sattention during oneof three daily trainingsessions.The Blank Park Zoo has two primary operational goals: to provide the best possiblecare for its animals, and to provide the best possible experience for its visitors. Thesegoals are intertwined, the quality of any Zoo’s visitor experience is directly relatedto the condition of the Zoo’s animals. Animals in captivity must be kept physicallyand mentally stimulated in order to keep them healthy and active. They must alsobe desensitized to contact with humans in order for Zookeepers and veterinarians toprovide them with health care and maintenance.In recent years, new practices in animal husbandry have been developed that notonly improve the quality of life for animals in captivity, but also make it possible forcaregivers to interact with them safely. Through a series of activities called “targettraining”,animals work with keepers on a series of basic exercises, designed to givethe animals a physical and mental “workout” as well as teaching them to presentthemselves for routine veterinary procedures.Lioness Falalaperforms the“up” commandfor ZookeeperBonnieVanEllen. Thisbehavior givesBonnie theopportunityto examinethe front feetand claws forwounds orabnormalities.In 2006, the Zoo began an animal behavioral training and care program, bringingin animal behavior expert Beth Ament. The results of this program have beenoutstanding. The pinniped (seals and sea lions) training progressed so rapidlythat the Zoo is now able to do demonstrations for visitors. While the Zoo has longallowed members of the public to observe feedings, the attendance at these newdemonstrations has increased enormously.Another illustration of the program’s success has been added health benefits,including weight loss and improvements in overall health and temperament. Prior tothe training program, it was impossible for caregivers to touch the sea lions withouttranquilizing them. This July, when Dylan, the 400 lb. male sea lion, was observed tobe bleeding from the mouth, he stood calmly and allowed the Zoo’s veterinarian tolook in his mouth to diagnose the problem.Visitors not only see a more healthy and active animal population, they also havean opportunity to enjoy an entertaining and educational presentation. Animalsactively engage in activities, which make visits to the Zoo unique and memorable.Because of its enormous success, the Blank Park Zoo is committed to continue thisprogram and extend the training to even more members of the Zoo’s animal family.The Animal Behavioral Training and Care Program is partially funded throughdonations to the Zoo’s Animal Care & Acquisition Fund.