A Quarterly Source of Ideas for Enrichment Felid Hunting Behaviors: A Challenge for Zoo Animals and Staff By Jennie Westander, Ph.D., Parken Zoo, Sweden

ne of the major goals of the husbandry Cheetah Oprograms at Parken Zoo is to give our In the cheetah enclosure, there is a cable animals opportunity to perform the full running through several pulleys creating range of their a motor-driven lure system similar to that natural behav- used for greyhound racing. The pulleys are Parken Zoo iors. The last nailed to the ground and can be moved to few years, focus create a new track. The speed and direction has been on can be changed to give more variation to hunting behav- every new hunting situation. The cheetahs iors, because this is such Parken Zoo a challenge when the law does not allow feeding with live prey. Zoo staff needs to be very creative and innovative Cheetah when finding ways to give the animals a Amur leopard with “prey” in a tree. chasing a lure. hunting experience at feeding time. The ani- mals face hunting challenges in the wild and were not interested every time this system we con- was used, but they often used it and showed sider it our speed and fantastic agility. Parken Zoo job to also give them Pallas’ cat this type of The Pallas’ cats in Parken Zoo are given challenge the chance to hunt a dead mouse or chick in the zoo. attached with a clothes peg to the string of As a spin- a fishing rod. The keeper actively “plays” off effect, with the cats from outside of the enclosure, visitors are giving them a simulated hunt situation that given the can easily be varied each time. The Pallas’ Pallas’ cat chance to see the animals in action. cats have become very active and alert from hunting. these hunts and have also been seen to catch

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live birds that fly into the enclosure. Fishing cat Our fishing cats are fed dead fish in their Amur leopard water pools, and fish are also attached to The Amur leopard is a very good climber a string running in the water to simulate a and is encouraged to climb up the high natural swimming fish. The string can be trees in the pulled from outside of the enclosure to vary Parken Zoo the speed and direction of the “prey.” The Parken Zoo enclosure fishing cats jump in the water and dive to during a reach the fish, and show explorative and simulated alert behavior. hunting situation. A The methods shown as examples here rope with a have been successful for both animals and large piece visitors. No negative effects have been no- of meat ticed. The animals can always choose wheth- is moved er or not to participate. These activities have across the been performed according to a schedule that enclosure is varied over time so the animals do not get and several

Sand cats meters leaping for up a tree, pulled by staff from outside dead mice on a the enclosure. As time progressed, the string. leopard became more fit, agile, and stronger, and the rope had to be pulled by two keepers instead of only one. The Amur leopard often pulls the meat down to the ground and then climbs up in another tree to eat the “prey.”

Sand cat Parken Zoo In the sand cat enclo- sure, there used to it. Visitors have reacted very posi- is a cable tively to the fact that they are able to see ani- running mals more active and expressing a range of overhead hunting behaviors, such as stalking, crouch- on which a ing, chasing, leaping, reaching, grabbing, string with a pulling, and jumping. Further research is in dead mouse progress studying visitor responses as well Fishing cat or chick can be attached. The speed of the as the effects on the animals’ behavior. G diving for fish. cable can be varied by using a motor from a radio-controlled car to run the cable so that the “hunt” can be varied from time to time. The sand cats are more active and curious than before and also more visible for the visitors.

2 The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r A Honey Pot for Gorillas By Emily Clarke, Gorilla Keeper, Howletts Wild Animal Park, Kent, United Kingdom

owletts Wild Animal Park in Kent, U.K. trays: honey, peanut butter, jam, lemon curd, His currently home to 5 groups of western mushy peas, blended chick peas, canned toma- lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) made up toes, and other food items of a similar consisten- of 48 individuals. The gorilla keepers are con- cy. Once the trays are prepared with the chosen stantly trying food type, two keepers work together. One to think up new keeper goes around the outside of the cages plac- ideas and ways ing the trays into the honey pots (about 3 honey we can enrich pots per cage). The second keeper goes onto the the lives of the roof and scatters food around the enclosure at the gorillas in our same time. We have found that this method of Photos: H owletts Wild Animal Park care. The Honey implementing the honey pots works well—it pro- Pot is one of our vides the gorillas with the opportunity to forage most success- for food and use the device, preventing individu- ful enrichment designs. It has been observed both in the wild and in captivity that gorillas are very good tool users. The Honey Pot requires tool use by the gorillas, encouraging them to use their cognitive abilities and their coordination skills. The Honey Pot itself is a circular steel structure with mul- tiple tubular openings (fig 1). The device is a permanent fixture that is incorporated into the cage design. However, it has a removable tray als from dominating the food. where the food source is The gorillas receive more than 10 different placed (fig 2), allowing types of browse. During the summer months, the keepers to random- browse is plentiful and is given on a daily basis; ize the frequency of its in winter, the amount given is reduced and use. Having the abil- offered three times per week. The leaves are con- ity to decide when to sumed, the bark is stripped, and then the remain- implement the device is ing sticks are often fashioned into suitable sized important to keep this tools. By expressing natural tool using behaviors, idea novel and maintain the gorillas are able to use their coordination and the gorillas’ interest. their cognitive abilities to retrieve the food source Figure 1 (top) The metal trays are in the tray within the honey pot device. The pho- and Figure 2 approx 11x 9 inches in size and can be easily tos above show one of our female gorillas using (below) cleaned. We place a variety of food types in the one of the honey pots. G

The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 3 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r Enrichment Options for Pumas: What Are the Effects? By Caroline Marques Maia, Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Comportamento Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil

study to test the influence of different kinds and chicken neck/head). Aof environmental enrichment on the behav- The first enrichment offered in the morn- ior of three pumas (Puma concolor) was conducted ing session was the foliage, the blood, and the at Associação Mata Ciliar (AMC), unit of Jundiaí, chili powder, distributed in different parts of the Sao Paulo, Brazil. Two enclosures. At the second enrichment session, the of the pumas studied, vine ball was given to Curió and the Boomer Ball one male called Bem- was given to Zara. Both the balls were previously te-vi and one female placed into the enclosure of wild dogs, in order called Zara, were singly to increase the stimulus of the felines when these Associação M ata Ciliar housed in two enclo- objects were introduced in their enclosures. For sures that were located the third enrichment session, a “surprise box” side by side, while the was introduced into each enclosure. third puma, a male Curió interacted with the enrichments faster called Curió, was in than others, particularly with the “surprise box.” corridor between the Bem-te-vi was slower to interact with the enrich- other two enclosures ments than the others, and he seemed to par- due to the lack of an ticularly appreciate the foliage and scents. Zara appropriate enclosure. preferred the Boomer Ball and the “surprise box,” The animals were ob- which had more damaged in her enclosure than Zara the puma served in three different phases: before exposure the others. says hello. to the enrichment, during the enrichment, and The behavioral frequencies were recorded at after the cessation of the environmental enrich- the three phases and then they were individually ment. grouped in the following categories: Resting (lie In each phase the animals were observed dur- down, sleep and sit), Pacing (Stress), Movement/ ing two consecu- Exploration (walk, jump, sniff, and observe), tive days with and Maintenance (urinate, defecate, eat, drink- three hours of ing water, vocalize, wash, scratch, stretch, pant, observation each rub, and sharpen claws). The mean values of the

Associação M ata Ciliar day (one during behavior frequencies before/during/after the the morning enrichment of the three animals were compared and two in the between the three phases. It was found that the afternoon), total- exploratory behaviors increased significantly ing six hours of after total removal of the enrichment (third phase observation in of observation), while the maintenance behaviors each phase. Dur- were reduced during the application of enrich- ing the observa- ment (second phase of observation) (Figure 1). tions, behaviors It was concluded that the animals most likely The surprise were recorded reduced their maintenance behaviors to spend box containing every two minutes for each animal. The enrich- more time exploring the enrichment, as these be- leaves and ment applied in the second phase consisted of: haviors returned to baseline after the cessation of chicken meat. foliage from guava, cecropia, and mulberry tree; all the enrichment. Moreover, the pumas probably chicken blood; chili powder; a vine ball and a increased their exploratory behaviors in the third Boomer Ball with scent from wild dogs (Cerdocy- phase of observation due to the lack of enrich- on thous), as well as a “surprise box” (overlapped ment, which prompted the pumas to search for it cardboard box containing leaves of banana tree in their enclosures. Therefore, we can see that the

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withdrawal of enrichment was significant to the ticularly when added to the limited space where pumas. Furthermore, the fact that the pumas had he was, were not sufficient to decrease pacing. reduced their mainte- It was concluded that the enrichments applied nance behaviors in the were successful, since the animals interacted with second phase indicates them and they reduced excessive maintenance that enrichment can behaviors. It

Associação M ata Ciliar prevent the appear- is also clear ance of stereotyped that imple- behaviors like excessive mentation of different

licking and scratching Associação M ata Ciliar beyond what is neces- enrichments sary for maintenance, will avoid which can cause harm- frustrating Above: Zara ful wounds. The fact the animals. explores. Right: that Curió’s pacing had not been reduced may in- It is also Vine ball dicate that the types of enrichment applied, par- necessary to have reason- able accommodations for the animals, because otherwise the enrichment may not be able to improve their welfare significantly. G

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank all the staff from Associa- ção Mata Ciliar (AMC), especially Dr. Cristina Harumi Adania for her ideas about the types of enrichment and for her assistance with experi- mental design, besides her dedication to the wild animals that AMC receives everyday. I also Figure 1: Frequency of behavior of pumas along the time * indicates would like to thank Dr. Gilson Luiz Volpato for statistical differences from the same behavior between the periods his help with statistical analysis, interpretation of (before/during/after enrichment) (ANOVA, repeated measures, =0,05). the results, and for his advice.

Can You Help Provide Toys for Critters?

This holiday season we at The Shape of Enrichment would like to spread some holiday cheer to the animals and care takers at the Parque Tematico Morelos Zoo in Tijuana, Mexico. With donations to our ‘Toys for Critters’ drive, volunteers from The Shape of Enrichment will hand deliver BoomerBall™ items to the Tijuana Zoo. We suggest individual donations of $10 to $40 in order for us to reach our fundraising goal of $1500 so we can purchase a variety of balls and bob- bins. You can donate by visiting our Toys for Critters page on Change.org at: http://www.change. org/the_shape_of_enrichment_inc/projects/view/toys_for_critters. The Shape of Enrichment has a longstanding relationship with Boomerball™ in countries around the world, including Uganda, Brazil, and South Africa, and we are excited to bring Boomerball™ toys to the animals of the Tijuana Zoo. For more information about BoomerBall™ visit www. boomerball.com. On behalf of The Shape of Enrichment and the Tijuana Zoo, thank you for helping us spread holi- day cheer to the animals there!

The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 5 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places: Unusual Help for a Bat Colony By Margaret Rousser and Andrea Dougall, Oakland Zoo, California

he Oakland Zoo houses 30 fruit bats: 19.0 Ma- bleeding. Not wanting to separate the bats for fear Tlayan flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) and 11.0 of making things worse, keeper staff decided that island flying foxes Pteropus( hypomelanus). The ex- the bats needed a new enrichment strategy. hibit backs up to a hillside Our lack of females was causing the bats to ex- with the enclosure height ercise their frustration through displaced, inter-bat measuring 50 feet at the aggression, but introducing female bats was not an O akland Zoo tallest point. It is designed option for us. Enter the teddy bear! We decided in a hexagonal shape to to use soft plush toys in hopes that they would encourage flight, with wire serve as an alternative outlet for the bats’ aggres- mesh “highways” run- sion. Plush animals about the same size as the bats ning throughout. Ropes themselves were hung (upside down) from the are strategically placed to mesh on the ceiling of the bat nighthouse. Dubbed allow bats access to higher “surrogates” for lack of a more politically correct levels of the exhibit with- term, the plush were located in strategic spots out flight, to accommodate where we had seen evidence of injuries occurring. a few individuals who are While we did not often see the plush animals in incapable of flight due to action, they were soon covered in the oily brown prior injuries. Large windows in the spacious discharge of bat scent glands. We surmised that night quarters allow zoo visitors to observe bats the bats were rubbing on the toys and exercising in all weather conditions. their frustration in a constructive manner. While Both species have a breeding season that the number of injuries resulting from fighting begins in late August/September and extends remained constant, the number of injuries to the through December every urogenital area decreased dramatically in the first year. Typically, males ap- year, and the trend continued into the second year.

O akland Zoo proach females by flicking The success of our enrichment plan was mea- their wings and vocalizing. sured in the number of urogenital injuries before They gauge the female’s and after adding the plush animals. In 2007, prior receptivity by grooming to implementation, the total number of reported her after which they will injuries was 29, an average of nearly 2 injuries per approach and mount her week. In 2008, with plush animals present, the from behind while bit- total number of injuries reported was 3, less than 1 ing the back of her neck. per month and a reduction of nearly 90% from the Many of these courtship previous year. Our success continued in 2009, with behaviors are observed only one reported injury the whole season. Injuries in the colony at Oakland to other parts of the body were not counted in the Zoo—but our troop is results. The number of injuries counted reflects composed solely of male the number of times the injury was reported by bats. Therefore, frustra- a keeper between the dates of September 1 and tion levels during these December 31 of the indicated year. time periods often reach Our use of enrichment has made frustrating breeding seasons more tolerable for our bats. The Stuffed toys epic proportions, and the proved to unwelcome advances are often met with fighting. novel enrichment strategy was a success on two be useful For several years, the dominant bats have been levels: we improved our animals’ psychological surrogates. getting progressively more “forward” with the welfare and reduced the number of urogenital subordinate bats; the resulting injuries have in- injuries, resulting in fewer catch-ups and medical cluded everything from swollen penises to rectal procedures. G 6 The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r Can Social Enrichment for a Grison Stop Pacing? By Eduardo Bessa, Zoologico da Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil

risons (Galictis vittata) are carnivorous mam- Social Enrichment Observations Gmals from the cerrado biome that live in When newcomers first arrived I was delighted by groups of up to five individuals. They are more ac- the results. The first grison’s frequency of pacing tive at night but may also be seen during the day decreased to one third, and he started performing foraging within wide home ranges for food. The some behaviors he had never displayed before. Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (UFMT) Plus, he was using more of the enclosure than zoo housed a single animal received from a fam- before. The zoo is about 220 km away from my ily that kept it as a pet. The animal responded to campus, so a few months later, I found that the visitors and was one of the main attractions of the results I first observed were no longer happen- zoo, but he frequently demonstrated stereotypic ing. Six months after the introduction of the social pacing. The enrichment, I recorded more data observations. small enclo- The pacing problem and the lack of activity sure at the returned to what they had been before. The use of zoo contrasts the enclosure was even more restricted to only a with the few parts of it: the grison would spend more than wide home 90 % of the time in only 20 % of the area. More ranges of worrying was that the other animals started doing these carni- the same, pacing around the enclosure in places vores, which not taken by the first grison. The zoo staff and I may be one did not know if that was a common behavior for Zoologico da Universidade F ederal do M ato Grossa reason for them before the arrival at UFMT zoo or it started the pacing. by mimicking their companion. I thought that giving Conclusions the animal The data recorded show that social enrichment is a situation not enough to reduce definitively the behavioral more similar to what it would have in the wild problems caused by captivity in grisons, even might help and decided to try social enrichment though it may be an essential part of well-being by introducing additional grisons. In general, for this species. If mimicking is confirmed to cause I aimed to reduce the pacing and enhance the the others to start performing pacing, placing grison’s habitat use. newcomers in the same enclosure of a stereotyped I recorded eight one-hour sessions of the animal should be avoided. Perhaps recurrent grison’s behavior before the introduction of the physical or sensory enrichment could show better conspecifics for social enrichment. It used to results, because they may simulate a change in the spend 58 % of the time pacing, 24 % sleeping, and place the grisons occupy, as if they had walked 11 % in rocky shelters. It also spent more time in elsewhere in the home range area. Another impor- the front part of the enclosure. tant point is the importance of long-term follow up with any enrichment technique, since it may Three More Grisons stop working or become just another part of the The opportunity to see how social enrichment routine and lose the enriching value. G would influence the pacing came when three other grisons were received, first a pair of pups Acknowledgements and then another adult male kept by a family. I wish to thank the UFMT zoo staff, namely Luiz Both arrived within a few months interval. After Carlos de Sá Neves, Itamar Camaragibe Lisboa quarantine, they were added to the enclosure with Assunção and Benedito Rondon, for granting me the first grison. I conducted eight one-hour obser- access to the grisons and for dedication to the vation sessions, recording both habitat use and conservation of cerrado’s fauna. frequency of occurrence of different behaviors. The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 7 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r Trying Olfactory and Feeding Enrichment for Ocelots By Larissa Nahas, Jonas Byk, and Kleber Del-Claro, Federal University of Uberlândia and Sabiá’s Park Zoo, MG, Brazil

iming to provide a more challenging • Cow liver mixed with water in a blender Aenvironment for two male and one female to make a paste, placed in plastic bags, ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), an enrichment pro- frozen, and the plastic removed gram was developed between 2007 and 2008 at The items were offered randomly three the Sabiá’s Park Zoo, times per week during the enrichment phase. in Uberlandia, Brazil. Each item was offered two or three times, one One of the males item per animal, and in several locations of Sabiá’s Park Zoo was wild caught and the enclosures. We found that the techniques maintained in an employed were able to increase the animals’ enclosure separate behavioral diversity; reduce the captive-born from the pair before male’s pacing, which was frequent before the and after our study. enrichment; increase the frequency of explor- The pair was born in captivity. The pro- gram was divided in three phases: pre- enrichment (for three months), enrichment (for five months), and post-enrichment One of the (for three months). males interacts The behaviors were observed for 40 hours in with a pumpkin each phase. Olfactory and feeding enrichment containing ground meat. techniques were applied.

Olfactory enrichment: • Lemon balm and leaves wrapped in paper • Clove and cinnamon inside pumpkins, which were hung with cotton string from trees inside the enclosures • Oregano inside eggshells • Mint scattered on the enclosure floor

Food enrichment: atory behaviors in the wild-born male; increase • Ground meat diet inside animal shapes the time percentage in which all individuals (rodents, birds) made with modeling paper have remained visible to the public. and painted with non-toxic paint There were some differences in the indi- • Ground meat diet inside hollow pumpkins viduals’ responses to enrichment items. Only hung with string from trees the males were seen interacting with the items. • Ground meat diet hidden inside paper- The olfactory items elicited an insignificant board boxes, which also were hung from number of interactions. The frozen liver paste cotton string in trees was the most important item to the wild-born

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male. When that item was placed in the en- The female was not observed interacting closure, he spent about two hours licking and with the items. Yet in the post-enrichment eating it. He phase, she began demonstrating new behav- also attacked iors, including reproductive ones. Before the the boxes and enrichment, only agonistic interactions be-

Sabiá’s Park Zoo animal shapes tween the male and female pair were observed. containing We feel that the feeding enrichment items food. used in this program were effective in reducing The captive- stereotypical behaviors and increasing species- born male in- typical behaviors, improving the life of these teracted mainly animals. However, enrichment must be an on- with the animal going procedure—once it was ended, a return shapes, pump- to atypical behavioral patterns was observed. kins, and bags Another benefit of the enrichment was the The captive- containing participation of zoo workers, who were able to born male food. He interacted with the items in a less observe the benefits. We hope that there will be interacts with aggressive way than the other male. But he an increase the use of enrichment techniques in one of the G animal shapes. defended items, mainly the pumpkins, from central Brazil. the female when she approached them.

Shape Regionals—What Are They, and What Do They Do?

SHAPE—Regionals were created to further the mission of The Shape of Enrichment, Inc. within specific geographic regions. These satellites of Shape are operated by dedicated volunteers living and working in the region. The regionals are formed with the permission and support of The Shape of En- richment, Inc. and are operated in conjunction with SHAPE—International personnel. Each SHAPE—Regional Committee serves to guide existing regions with their projects and espe- cially to work with new regions during their formation. Each region has its own committee to organ- ize events that they feel will help promote enrichment in their region. They may also raise funds to subsidize activities. If you are interested in learning about, or participating in, the development of a SHAPE—Regional in your area, please contact our SHAPE—Regionals Chair, Julian Chapman, at ���ju- [email protected]. The SHAPE—Regional committees work to promote the theory and practice of environmental enrichment in their region by holding conferences or workshops. The first Regional Environmental Enrichment Conference was held by SHAPE—UK-Ireland in 2006. Since then, five other regionals have been set up: Africa, Australasia, Brasil, Southeast Europe, and, most recently, North America. To visit their sites, visit our main website at www.enrichment.org and select a site from the “Regionals” drop- down menu. Find out about activities, news, and ideas from each of the regions, and make some new connections with your colleagues around the world!

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Creating Immersion Habitats for Enrichment By Gareth Thomas, Edingurgh Zoo, Scotland

The ideal zoo enclosure should serve For the gardens team, the word enclosure was great for the animals the animals’ needs, serve the needs of enrichment can bring all kinds of and for visitor perception alike, it the staff that maintain it, and enhance thoughts and ideas and can encap- presented the gardens team with a the experience for the visitors who sulate many areas of our work here few challenges. Chimpanzees are at Edinburgh Zoo. Enrich- such intelligent animals and need ment usually involves plants that little bit extra enrichment to of many different shapes, make their everyday lives more excit- sizes, smells, and colors, from ing and interesting. This intelligence Assiniboine Park Zoo large single trees to tropical presented a few problems, like how looking palms, from medium to protect our plants from being eaten woody shrubs to aquatic wa- and destroyed and how to keep the ter lilies, from large fruiting enclosure looking natural and not trees to vegetables and herbs. run down and untidy. Along with the horticultural We solved these problems in forms of enrichment, many many ways. We hotwired certain hard landscaping features areas with grass-looking hotwires, will also be used to enrich a which kept the chimps at bay but Above and right: Views of Budongo Trail particular enclosure; for example, wa- were not too visible to the public, ter features, pools, waterfalls, spray unlike the old shiny metals wires that view it. Creating or replicating the systems, climbing structures, caves, adorn many of our older enclosures. habitat is important to help tell the dens, and rock work. story of the animals or plants on dis- Over the last few years, play by providing a sense of geogra- the gardens team has been phy through themed immersion. This

involved with a number Assiniboine Park Zoo is an often overlooked part of enclo- of projects from the initial sure construction. stages of design, right Enclosures should provide through to the opening enough space with particular atten- of the exhibit. Here are tion being paid to physical comfort descriptions of two of our areas where the animals can hide, enclosures and many of the feel safe, have somewhere to sleep, various forms of enrich- and generally be content with their ment we applied to each surroundings. We can improve the design. limited space available to work with This created large green areas that in the average enclosure by enhanc- Budongo Trail would stay “green” for year after ing depth, height, and perspective by Edinburgh Zoo’s world leading Chim- year with only a little maintenance the careful choice and placement of panzee Enclosure from the gardens team. These beds plants. Although the new chimpanzee were planted up with species such as, 10 The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r

Phyllostacys and Fargesia (Bamboo), Vegetables and herbs such as designed to replicate part of a Mada- and Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan tomatoes, lettuce, beans cabbages, gascan rain forest. To achieve this Palm).We also brought in large cop- basil, coriander, fennels, and mint, all look, we used plants with bold form piced Salix, (Willow) and Acer (Ma- produced in our own on-site nursery. and texture that had a tropical look ple) trees, which serve two purposes: They have been planted in large num- and feel to them; for example, Pau- they soften the climbing structure and bers to give areas where the chimps lownia tomentosa (Foxglove Tree), give the chimps something to nibble can forage, at their own pace and not Phyllostacys and Fargesia (Bamboo), have to compete for the “best nib- Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan Palm), bles.” This use of vegetable and herb Cordyline australis, (Cabbage Palm). enrichment stimulates the chimps The planting is set around and and encourages natural behaviors. through two large climbing structures, Water plays a major role in the which are made up of large diameter Assiniboine Park Zoo enclosure, with a stream and a large lengths of bamboo. The structure moat at the south end of the enclo- ties in nicely with the overall theme sure. This aids in cooling the chimps and looks very naturalistic. A bark on hot days in the summer and it also path runs through the centre of the plays a role in the feeding. Keepers enclosure, which gives the visitor the can put various forms of food in the perception of walking through a little stream and the chimps have to forage piece of rain forest, and using bark as around in the water to get at it. The an aggregate for the path helps soften margins of the moat were planted it into the overall look of the enclo- with species such as Iris pseudacorus sure. Using natural materials for the (Yellow Flag Iris) Mentha aquatica (Watermint), Phragmites australis (Common reed). All species were plated into coir strips to aid in their Assiniboine Park Zoo establishment. Nymphaea (Water Lily),and Elodea Canadensis (Cana- Above and right: Views of the lemur dian Pond Weed) were submerged as walkthrough exhibit aquatic perennials in the moat. This on and forage through. Throughout successional planting from water the enclosure we sowed a primate to marginals, shrubs to trees works wildflower mix, (we liaised closely really well and is what you would with a local seed distributor to create find in nature. The landscaped stream this), which included species such and moat all go towards achieving a as Centaurea nigra (Common Knap- naturalistic look. Both internal and weed), Galium verum (Lady’s Bed- external areas provide the chimps straw), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort with the choice of isolation if the Plantain), Teucrium scordinia (Wood- social relationships are changing; this sage), which all encourage natural is something you do not always see in foraging behavior and add interest primate exhibits. to the enclosure, as well as helping in With a little work from the gar- the study of plant animal interaction. dens team, keepers, and property climbing structure and having semi- This also encourages invertebrates, and estates, throughout the year we mature to mature plants all goes to- which in turn will go towards helping continue to provide the animals, staff, wards providing interesting, stimulat- increase bio-diversity in the Zoo. and visitor with a leading exhibit. ing enrichment for the animals, again Many large trees were also plant- producing natural behaviors. ed, for example, Betula, (Birch), Alnus Lemur Walkthrough Working closely with animal keep- (Alder), Fraxinus (Ash), and Acer A walk on the wild side ers, the gardens team can use all these (Maple) to give the enclosure points Our lemur enclosure at Edinburgh techniques to produce modern, excit- of interest for screening areas, adding Zoo is a walkthrough exhibit where ing, and refreshing enclosures that depth, creating different views into the public can get up close and stimulate and encourage the natural the enclosure, and out of the enclo- personal with the lemurs and plants behaviors of our animals here at the sure for the animals. if they so wish. The enclosure is Zoo. G The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No.3 August 2010 11 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r In Training Summer Camp for Camelids: Training and Painting as Enrichment

By Amy B. Wortman, Zookeeper, Racine Zoo, Wisconsin

In the spring of 2008, I was hired Tyson was clearly very shy and dis- feeders. Stationing helped elimi- as a seasonal animal care special- placed from the group. During their nate food aggression and territo- ist for the Racine Zoo’s Sertoma afternoon feedings, they often had rial disputes during their feeding disputes over sessions and it helped Tyson regain food and ter- some dominance and become more R acine Zoo ritory, which oriented in the group. Towards the resulted in end of the season, my work on the Diamond farm started allowing me more time and Mush- for enrichment and training, so I room stealing decided to try teaching the camelids Tyson’s food. how to paint. I believed the paint- It also resulted ing could be a fun form of enrich- in a lot of spit- ment to relieve boredom and help ting. stimulate their minds. I wanted to With the challenge these animals more to see help of our su- what behaviors they were capable pervisor, Beth of learning. Farm area for the summer. I cared Rich, and lead animal care special- What method would I use to for 50 animals, including a variety ist and animal training coordina- train them to paint? My initial of chickens, goats, sheep, cows, tor Cydney Peterson, I developed thought was to train them to hold a donkeys, and three camelids that a training plan to establish good paintbrush handle in their mouth. were on loan to our facility from a manners and basic training while However, after trying it a few local farm. The three camelids that I combining enrich- was fortunate to work with were an ment for these alpaca named Mushroom and two seasonal residents. R acine Zoo llamas named Tyson and Diamond. My plan consisted Over the first few weeks, I noticed of training the how intelligent these three animals camelids to target, were. I also observed many unde- station, and paint sired behaviors, as well as a sense on canvas. For of boredom throughout each day. each animal, we Diamond was the youngest llama. successfully estab- He was very people oriented and lished targeting friendly, however he was impatient by hand and to a at times and often became pushy at jollyball. Next they feeding time. Diamond and Mush- learned to station room seemed to be competing for as a group at their dominance with each other while own individual 12 The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r

times, it seemed too invasive and both the tool and canvas. During on their mood and the amount of made them feel uncomfortable. I individual sessions, I put paint on time I had to train that day. I modi- needed a method that was fun and their brush and requested them to fied the painting tool and added In Training peaked their curiosity. I remem- “target” and “push.” As they did, a plastic ring between the tennis bered that while training them to I rewarded them for approximate ball and the brush to make it more target, Diamond started to push the behaviors first, and then started to sturdy. Additionally, I hung the tool reinforce only the longer with twine on both sides so that the brush strokes or a series brush would not swing around and of brushstrokes, which touch the animal’s face. R acine Zoo encouraged them to put During the last 3 weeks they more effort into their were in my care, they completed painting. Diamond and 16 paintings. Some paintings were Mushroom had accom- completed by an individual and plished the new behavior others by combined effort. This en- within three sessions. richment method was very success- They both enjoyed the ful in that it invoked curiosity in training and enrichment these camelids and challenged their so much that when I intellect, thus increasing their activ- brought the supplies into ity, and it improved the social order the yard, they would within their group. Over the sum- often follow me closely mer, I noticed an increased trust and then wait by my side and cooperation in our keeper/ until they could start animal relationship. Not only did painting. Tyson, on the the camelids have fun painting, but other hand, took longer the zoo visitors and AZA members to train. At first he did from the nearby conference enjoyed not participate much. He watching them paint during their had to become desen- sessions. It was a fun and creative sitized to the jolly ball method that successfully enriched G target around with his nose and I and tennis ball. He also required our seasonal camelid residents. captured that new behavior imme- more individual training without diately with the verbal cue “push,” the possibility followed by positive reinforcement. of the other two Even when we were not training, I camelids interfer- would observe the camelids push- ing in his ses- ing around the jolly ball that hung sion. After three in their yard. Camelids tend to weeks of training, inspect new items with their noses. Tyson success- This gave me the idea for a new fully painted on method for animal painting. canvas. As he I took a standard tennis ball and painted, I noticed drilled a hole in one side. Then I an excitement stuck the handle of a short paint- and confidence in brush inside the ball. I used some him that I had not twine to suspend the tool from a seen before. rafter on the exterior of the llama The training shelter and then hung a canvas on sessions lasted the post in front of the new tool. between 5 and 20 Immediately, Diamond and Mush- minutes for each room were intrigued and explored individual, based The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 13 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r

2011 International Training and Conference on Shape Now Accepting Enrichment Workshop Environmental Submissions for Our for Zoo Animals Enrichment $1,000 Travel Grant to the 2011 ICEE 6-10 December, 2010 The 10th ICEE will be held 13-20 Instructors: Gail Laule, Margaret August, 2011 in Portland, Oregon, The Shape of Enrichment Travel Whittaker, and Valerie Hare United States, hosted by Oregon Zoo Grant provides $1,000 for attend- Active Environments and The Shape and Oregon Nation Primate Research ing the International Conference on of Enrichment are proud to present Center. More information will be Environmental Enrichment and is the fourth Training and Enrichment available soon; check our website at awarded to the highest scoring paper Workshop for Zoo Animals, hosted www.enrichment.org for updates! submitted for judging. A panel of once again by the Oakland Zoo, Oak- judges, using a predetermined point land, California. This unique five-day Correction system, will rate each anonymous workshop is designed for keepers, paper. The nine criteria used in the managers, supervisors, curators, and In the 19 (1&2) issue of The Shape of judging are: veterinarians working in zoos. The Enrichment, the article And Now for workshop will present an array of Something “Otterly” Different, by 1. Is this a high priority or unusual topics on behavioral management Tony Dobbs, Tony’s institution was taxon? of captive animals, with focus on incorrectly listed as Bristol Zoo—the 2. How well does this project address environmental enrichment, positive correct institution is the London Zoo. the animal’s behavioral needs? reinforcement training techniques, Our apologies! 3. Is this enrichment based on the and the problem-solving process. taxon’s natural history/behavior? Workshop format includes lecture, 4. Does this enrichment empower / discussion, small group projects, We’re on Facebook offer choice to the animal? demonstrations, and multiple hands- and Twitter! 5. How innovative is this enrichment? on training and enrichment oppor- 6. Can this enrichment be adapted to tunities with Oakland Zoo’s diverse If you are on Facebook or Twit- other taxa or uses? collection. The registration fee is ter, look for us at facebook.com/ 7. How practical is this enrichment? guaranteed to be under $800 and shapeofenrichment and twitter (e.g. ease of use, cost of materials, includes the following: @shapeenrichment. Keep up to date clean-up, etc.) • 6 nights stay in the Workshop hotel on what’s happening at Shape and 8. How well has this enrichment been (double occupancy; single rooms the Shape Regionals, find other assessed? (Note: scientific method is available at extra charge) enrichment-minded folks, submit NOT required) • All workshop materials photos of your favorite enrichment 9. Overall rating. • All breakfasts, lunches and snacks items, and get news about confer- during the workshop ences and changes to our website. The paper with the most points and/ • Icebreaker, dinner, and closing We also have a Facebook Cause page, or the highest rank, wins! In the case banquet (3 dinners) and we recently received our first of a tie, the editor-in-chief will select • Transportation to and from work- check for donations there—THANK the winning paper. To submit an en- shop and airport YOU for your generosity! If you try for the grant, visit our website at • Commemorative Workshop T-shirt would like to donate your birthday www.enrichment.org, and download For more information contact: Ac- wish and gifts to us, visit our cause the application form under the ICEE tive Environments, Inc., 805-737-3700, page (search ”Shape of Enrichment” heading. Good luck! e-mail Gail Laule at moonshadowe@ on Facebook’s Cause page). earthlink.net. If you’re participating in social media, be social with us!

14 The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r The Enrichment /Training Video Library This library consists of video tapes donated in the interest of sharing enrichment techniques, a collaborative effort between The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) and The Shape of Enrichment, Inc. All videos are available in VHS-NTSC (North America), -PAL, or -SECAM formats. Please do not copy these tapes or request more than three at a time.There are four geographical areas handling videos. If you live in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East, contact our video volunteers at videoEu- [email protected]. If you live in Australia, New Zealand, or the nearby South Asia regions, contact videoAusAsia@enrich- ment.org. If you live in South America, contact [email protected]. If you live in the U.S. or anywhere else not men- tioned, contact our main office [email protected] . Be sure to include your full address and the VHS format required. Information on the library and order forms can also be found on our website at www.enrichment.org. GENERAL ENRICHMENT AND • Training Program for Semen Collection in • Working For a Living, Folsom City Zoo, TRAINING Gorillas, Henry Doorly Zoo 38 min. California 13 min. • A Look at Enrichment, The Shape of • Gorilla Enrichment, Columbus Zoo, • Enrichment for Gray and Harbor Seals, Enrichment, Inc., San Diego, California Ohio 18 min. National Aquarium in Baltimore, (Video or CD) 37 min. • Gorilla Enrichment, Denver Zoo, Maryland 6 min. • That’s Enrichment!, The Shape of Colorado 15 min. • Sea Otter Enrichment, Monterey Bay Enrichment, Inc., San Diego, California • Gorilla Husbandry Training for Assisted Aquarium, California 5 min. (Video or CD) 12 min. Reproduction at Disney’s Animal • Enrichment at the Taronga Zoo, Sydney Kingdom, Orlando, Florida 22 min. OTHER MAMMAL ENRICHMENT AND Australia 5 min. • Orangutan Medical Behavior Training, TRAINING • Behavioural Enrichment by the People Brookfield Zoo, Illinois 10 min. • Fruit Bat Enrichment, The Lubee for the Animals, Rotterdam Zoo, The • Stressless Research Monkey Capture, Foundations, Inc., Gainesville, Florida Netherlands 18 min. Animal Welfare Institute 20 min. 16 min. • Environmental Enrichment: Advancing • Enrichment at the Bronx Zoo Monkey • Olfactory Enrichment: Rodrigue’s Fling Animal Care, UFAW, U.K. 38 min. House, New York, New York 10 min. Fox, The Lubee Foundations, Inc., • Metro Washington Park Zoo • Primate Enrichment, Dallas Zoo, Texas Gainesville, Florida 4 min. Environmental Enrichment Program, 23 min. • Commercial Bat Enrichment, The Leather Portland, Oregon 16 min. • Primate Enrichment, Burnet Park Zoo, Elves and The Lubee Foundations, Inc., • And Enrichment For All, San Diego Zoo, New York 34 min. Gainesville, Florida 5 min. California 19 min. • Primate Enrichment, Columbus Zoo, • Carnivorous Cravings: Great Spear-Nosed • Menagerie’s Medium, San Diego Zoo, Ohio 3 min. Fruit Bat, The Lubee Foundations, Inc., California 11 min. • Bungee Jumping Monkeys, Philadelphia Gainesville, Florida 6 min. • Habitat Enrichment Ideas from the Topeka Zoo, Pennsylvania 18 min. • Elephant Feeder Ball Introduction, San Zoo, Kansas 32 min. • Three Observations of Callitrichids Using Diego Wild Animal Park, California 12 • Enrichment Day at Utah’s Hogle Zoo 42 an Artificial Gum Tree, The Lubee min. min. Foundations, Inc., Gainesville, Florida • Snow Fall for Elephants, San Diego Wild • ABC-123 Enrichment at Hogle Zoo, Utah 15 min. Animal Park, California 6 min. 10 min. • Kansas City Giraffe and Rhino Enrichment • Taking Enrichment to the Next Level, CARNIVORE ENRICHMENT AND 45 min. Hogle Zoo, Utah 10 min. TRAINING • Rhino Training, Disney’s Animal • Enrichment at THE ZOO Including • Carcass Feeding at Wildlife Safari, Kingdom, Orlando, Florida 15 min. Tamarins on the Loose, Gulf Breeze Zoo, Winston, Oregon 17 min. • Mission: Enrichment for Hoofed Stock, Florida 40 min. • Carcass Feeding at Folsom City Zoo, Dallas Zoo, Texas 18 min. • Mixed Species Exhibits by Animal Choice, California 5 min. • Kangaroo and Wallaby Enrichment at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, Florida 8 min. • So Many Cats, Cincinnati Zoo, Ohio 4 Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania 5 min. • Columbus Zoo Enrichment, Ohio 7 min. min. • Tree Kangaroo Pouch-Check Training, • I Get a Kick Out of You and Manatee • Enrichment for Carnivores, Sunset Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Illinois 5 min. Training and Enrichment, Ohio 5 min. Manhatten, Kansas 23 min. • Marine Mammal Enrichment, National • Lincoln Park Enrichment Day, Chicago, • Carnivore Enrichment, Columbus Zoo, Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland Illinois 15 min. Ohio 5 min. • Sedgwick County Zoo Play Days, Wichita, • Carnivore Enrichment, Kolmarden Zoo, BIRD ENRICHMENT AND TRAINING Kansas 50 min. Sweden 74 min. • Positive Approach to Parrots as Pets. Tape • Target Training, Brookfield Zoo, Illinois • Cat Enrichment, Dallas Zoo, Texas 13 1: Understanding Bird Behavior; Tape 2: 12 min. min. Training through Positive Reinforcement, • The Training Game, Brookfield Zoo, • Tiger Enrichment, Disney’s Animal Natural Encounters, Inc., Lakeville, Illinois 16 min. Kingdom, Orlando, Florida 8 min. Minnesota 69 min. each tape • Operant Conditioning at the Memphis Zoo, • Felid TAG DAK Training, Disney’s • Kings of the Wind, Natural Encounters, Tennessee 90 min. Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida Inc., Lakeville, Minnesota 38 min. • Animal Training for Different Species, 21 min. Columbus Zoo, Ohio 58 min. • Bears with Boomer Balls, Boomer Ball OTHER ANIMAL ENRICHMENT AND 68 min. TRAINING PRIMATE ENRICHMENT AND • The Bear Necessities: Captive Enrichment • Octopus Enrichment at the Cleveland TRAINING for Polar Bears, UFAW, U.K. 20 min. Zoo, Ohio 6 min. • Gorilla Training at the Belo Horizonte Zoo, • Building a Polar Bear Den at the Calgary Brazil Zoo, Canada 75 min. • Primates with Boomer Balls, Boomer Ball • Bear Exhibit Renovation, Woodland 83 min. Park Zoo, Seattle, Washington 17 min. The Shape of Enrichment Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 15 t f J Z P V i x S E I m v G j Q K U T g o L w t f J Z P r Editors: Downloadable Subscriptions Karen E. Worley Valerie J. Hare Editorial Advisor: The Shape of Enrichment now offers downloadable subscriptions. We strongly David Shepherdson, Ph.D. encourage you to consider requesting this “green” option! Subscribers to the Oregon Zoo, Oregon downloadable version of The Shape of Enrichment will enjoy many benefits: Editorial Reviewers: • E-mail notification when each issue is published and ready to download — no Mollie Bloomsmith, Ph.D. more waiting for the postal service! Yerkes Primate Center, Georgia • No price increase Kathy Carlstead, Ph.D. • Store your issues on your hard drive — no more lost or torn issues! Honolulu Zoo, Hawaii • Print only what you need; re-print whenever you like Amy Cutting, Ph.D. Oregon Zoo, Oregon Vicky Melfi, Ph.D. To take advantage of our downloadable subscriptions, you MUST be a regis- Paignton Zoo, U.K. tered user on our new website. To register, go to www.enrichment.org, click on Challenges Coordinator: Register, and complete the form. Be sure to make a note of your user name and Else Poulsen password — you will need these when you log on! Also, if your contact informa- Video Library Coordinators: tion changes — especially your e-mail — remember to update your user account. Beth Rich Yvette Kemp Complimentary subscriptions will only be downloadable; hard copies will no Harald Schwammer longer be available. Hard copies of The Shape of Enrichment will still be available Cynthia Cipreste Jo Walker for purchase; but increased postage fees will be reflected in the cost of the sub- scription and back issues. The Shape of Enrichment is dedicated to sharing ideas, inspirations, and practical knowl- Very soon, all The Shape of Enrichment back issues and some of the International edge of enrichment strategies among those Conference on Environmental Enrichment (ICEE) Proceedings will also be avail- working in the field of animal care. It is an open forum for keepers, trainers, curators, research- able through our Publication Download feature. Register now to be notified ers, exhibit designers, administrators, volun- when these become available! teers, and anyone else interested in approaches to enrichment. All of our staff are volunteers. We are always looking for new submissions, from feature-length articles to short blurbs. We accept submissions in any form, polished or not. Let us, and your colleagues, hear from you! THE SHAPE OF ENRICHMENT presents Contents: Volume 19, No. 3 August 2010 enrichment ideas of all kinds from a variety of sources. We urge you to consider, assess, and Features 1 Felid Hunting Behaviors: A Challenge for Zoo Animals evaluate any idea carefully before applying it and Staff to your own animals and exhibits. If you have concerns or opposing views, we are happy to by Jennie Westander accept letters and articles that express them. 3 A Honey Pot for Gorillas As the editors, we present these ideas for your consideration only; we do not take responsibil- by Emily Clarke ity for their effectiveness or feasibility. 4 Enrichment Options for Pumas: What Are the Effects? by Caroline Marques Maia THE SHAPE OF ENRICHMENT, ISSN 1088- 8152, is published quarterly by the non-profit 6 Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places: Unusual The Shape of Enrichment, Inc. Subscriptions Help for a Bat Colony are $18 per calendar year, payable in U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank or by credit by Margaret Rousser and Andrea Dougall card on www.enrichment.org. Domestic and 7 Can Social Enrichment for a Grison Stop Pacing? foreign air mail postage is included. Mid-year by Eduardo Bessa subscriptions are prorated. Back issues are available for $5 each. Send all subscription 8 Trying Olfactory and Feeding Enrichment for Ocelots requests, article submissions, letters, comments, by Larissa Nahas, Jonas Byk, and Kleber Del-Claro and questions to 1650 Minden Dr., San Diego, Browsing 10 CA 92111-7124. Phone: (858) 279-4273. E-mail: Creating Immersion Habitats for Enrichment [email protected]. by Gareth Thomas Please share and photocopy any part of In Training 12 Summer Camp for Camelids: Training and Painting this newsletter, as long as you credit the source, its editors, and the authors. This publication is as Enrichment NOT FOR RESALE. by Amy B. Wortman Visit our website at www.enrichment.org! ...And Then Some 14 Video Library 15

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