F O R U IVI The Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Inc. FEBRUARY 2007 ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054 Phone: (785) 273-9149 FAX (785) 273-1980 February 2007 Vol. 34, No. 2 AKF Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Kayla Grams, Taos, NM; Mark de Denus, Reid Park Zoo; Jolene Hamrick, Tucson, AZ • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo & Rachel Daneault, Disney’s Animal Kingdom • Legislative/Conservation Outlook Column Coordinator: position vacant • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Little Rock Zoo Animal Keepers’ Forum is published monthly by the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Postage paid at Topeka, KS. AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS also serves as AAZK Liaison to the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA) AAZK Administrative Secretary: Barbara Manspeaker, AAZK, Inc., Topeka, KS HOARD OF DIRECTORS Denise Wagner, The Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85008 Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109 Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200 Andy Henderson, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614-4712 Norah Farnham, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA 98103-5858 President Vice President COMMITTEES/COORDINATORS By-laws Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo Grants Committee Chair - Shelly Roach, Columbus Zoo Enrichment Committee Co-Chairs - Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo and Amy Burgess, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Professional Development Chair - Tammy Schmidt, Peoria Zoo International Outreach VACANT Interim Contact - Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Ethics Chair - Denise Wagner, Phoenix Zoo Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo Marketing Resources Chair - Kristen Wolfe, Disney’ s Animal Kingdom Animal Training Committee Co-Chairs - Angela Binney, Disney’s Animal Kingdom & Kim Kezer, Zoo New England Bowling for Rhinos - Coordinator - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC IZC Coordinators Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Norah Farnham, Woodland Park Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES APT EDT and ATP Forms AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka AAZK Website - Liaison to Webmaster Denise Wagner, The Phoenix Zoo and Kevin Shelton, Tampa, FL AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Plymouth Meeting, PA AAZK Publications/Logo Products AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Resources for Crisis Management in Zoos & Other Animal Care Facilities, Vol. 2 - Susan D. Chan, Topeka, KS; William K. Baker, Little Rock Zoo, AR; Diana Guerrero, ArkAnimals, Big Bear Lake, CA printed on Recycled Paper Table of Contents r A About the Cover/Information for Contributors................................. ...46 Scoops & Scuttlebutt..... 47 - 48 2007 AAZK National Conference - First Call for Papers 48 Coming Events .........49 From the Executive Director .................50 Notice of Discontinuation of 800# 50 AAZK Announces New Members............. ..................51 Bowling for Rhinos 2007 Sign-up Form. 52 AAZK Award Nominations Are Now Being Accepted for 2007 54 - 59 Book Review {Jhe Complete Guide to the Care of Macropods).... ..60 Chapter News Notes 61 - 62 People Skills for Animal People {Criteria for Performance Evaluations) 64 - 66 Zoo Biology Group/An Invitation to Participate.................... ......66 Reactions (Safety Items for Cold Weather Environments) .......67 - 69 Addressing Aggression in Emperor Tamarins Through Training and Management .........70 - 72 Enrichment Options: Changing Enrichment Methodology to Eliminate a Recurring Shifting Problem of One Individual Within a Mixed-species Exhibit 73 - 77 AAZK Grant Report: A Trip Down Under ...78 - 79 Making a Connection with Keeper Talks............................ 80 - 84 1974 - 2004 lAbout tfie Cover This month ’s cover features the California Condor ( Gymnogyps californianus) drawn by Mary Deckert, a Docent at the Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, CA. The artwork actually shows a condor “parent puppet” feeding a hand-raised chick. This technique is used so that the chicks do not become imprinted on humans and will have greater success when released into the wild. This species is currently located in the wild only in isolated areas of reintroduction: California and Arizona in the United States, and Baja California, Mexico. It preferred habitat is in wooded mountains and scrublands. California condors are vultures. Like all vultures, they feed on carrion. Condors prefer large dead animals like deer, cattle, and sheep, but they also eat rodents, rabbits, and even fish. These large birds have a wingspan of 9-10 ft. and may weigh up to 30 lbs. They usually lay a single egg with a gestation period of between 54-68 days. They may live up to 60 years. Destruction of habitat, poaching, and lead poisoning almost wiped out the California condor population. In 1983, less than 30 birds remained in the wild. At that time, the Zoological Society of San Diego was given permission to begin the first captive propagation program for California condors. The program also involved the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, the National Audubon Society, and the Los Angeles Zoo. The San Diego Zoo was the first facility in the world to hatch a California condor. Thanks to the conservation-breeding program, within 20 years the population of California condors has grown to almost 200 birds. Thanks, Mary! Animal Keepers ’ Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as well as in hard copy form. Manuscripts submitted either on disk or electronically as attachments to an email should be submitted in Microsoft WORD. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x 22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy black and white or color prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. Clearly marked captions should accompany photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Photographs may be submitted electronically as either JPEG or TIFF file attachments. Articles sent to Animal Keepers ’Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve as referees for AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone, fax or email contributions of late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. Phone 785-273-9149; FAX (785) 273-1980; email is akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month. Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor. Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association. Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. If an article is shown to be separately copyrighted by the author(s), then permission must be sought from the author(s). Reprints of material appearing in this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $4.00 each. Special issues may cost more. E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at: aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers’ Forum at: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< AAZK website Address: www.aazk.org BFR Website: http://aazkbfr.org 46 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34, No. 2 Scoops & Scuttlebutt Attention All AAZK Chapters - Recharter Packets Due March 1st By now each Chapter should have received its 2007 Recharter Packet via email at the electronic address designated by the Chapter. The forms were sent electronically this year as a cost-cutting measure in the recharter process. Please be sure to follow all instructions carefully. If you have questions about completing these forms, contact Barbara Manspeaker at 785-273-9149 or via email at aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< If you have NOT received a Recharter Packet at your Chapter’s email address, contact Barbara immediately. The deadline for return of the completed packet, including recharter fees and a copy of your Chapter’s closing bank statement for 2006, is 1 March 2007. Failure to return the completed packet and fees by the deadline will result in a $200 late fee. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Japan Serow Center Announces Closing Long-time AAZK member Kako Y. Yonetani has notified our office that the Japan Serow Center will be closing as of March 2007. The Center was forced to close due to lack of financial support for its work. The Japan Serow Center was the only facility in the world dedicated to research on and exhibition of Japan serow (Capricornis crispus) and their related species. Upon dissolution of this foundation, all archivial materials, including records, historical dsocuments and photographs will reside with Mr. Yonetani at the Zoo Design & Education Lab in Kobe, Japan. All live animals from the Center will be placed in facilities that are members of the Japanese Zoo and Aquarium Association. All mounted specimens will be given to natural history museum and/or universities for study and research. For questions or further information, please contact Mr. Yonetani at ZooDel, 2-15 Nagate 1-chome, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-0027, Japan. Reminder of - NQminatiQns Due This Month! All AAZK members are reminder that we are seeking nominations for candidates for the 2007 Board of Directors’ election that will take place in the spring. There are three positions up for election this year. Information on the nomination process as well as the required nomination and nominator forms were published in the December 2006 and January 2007 issues of Animal Keepers ’ Forum. If you have questions about the election or need nomination forms, please contact Barbara at the AAZK Administrative Offiice (785-273-9149 or email aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com). The deadline for receipt of nomination forms is 28 February 2007. Deadline 1 July for Travel, Conservation^ Research, and Professional Training Grants The Geraldine Meyer /AAZK Professional Travel Grants A total of $2,000.00 is available annually. Grants are awarded twice a year, in May and November. Applications, from new and experienced keepers, are evaluated on their merit based on the member’s submission of all requested materials. Awards may range from $ 1 ,000.00 to $250.00 or less depending on need. Applicants are encouraged to solicit additional funds from their institution or other sources. Applicants with other committed funds, or in-kind support (time off) will receive slight priority but all applications are encouraged. Applications for end of the year consideration are due by July 1 of the calendar year. Money will be available upon notice to the recipient. Winners are required to submit an article to the Forum on the workshop or research they participated in. Advances in Animal Keeping Course Grant AAZK awards $1,000.00 to the winning applicant to attend the new Advances In Animal Keeping Course offered by AAZK and AZA through the AZA professional schools program. Applications are due by July 1 of the year prior to the one in which the applicant wishes to attend this course. Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 34 No. 47 CPR. GLonts. The Conservation, Preservation, and Restoration Grant awards up to $1,000.00 once a year for projects oriented toward all conservation, preservation, or restoration of habitats/species with a preference for projects taking place in the U.S. but not limited to this. Applications are due June 1 of the calendar year for funding the following year. Research Grants The Research Grant awards up to $2,000.00 once a year for AAZK member-driven research projects, small or large! Applications are due June 1 of the calendar year for funding the following year. Information on the AAZK grant program is available on the AAZK web site or by contacting the Grants Committee Chair at: shelly.roach@columbuszoo.org or (614) 724-3667. Have You Sent AO Your E-mail Address Yet? In order to better communicate with our members, and also save the Association the rising costs of mailings/postage, we are working to establish an AAZK member e-mail database. With such a database we would be able to send out electronic membership renewal notices, information about upcoming conferences, and other Association news. In order to make this work, we need your help. Please send an e-mail to Barbara Manspeaker at aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com with the words “AAZK Email Database” in the subject line. Please be assured that your e-mail address will not be shared with any other group or individual without your express permission. We are simply looking for ways to stay in touch with you as a member and to also help cut the costs of mailings and postage for the organization. Thanks in advance for helping us achieve this cost-cutting goal. First Call for Papers! Dive into something wild - This is a field where we dive In head first and sometimes have to swim against the current. What have you done to lead the school, avoid “predators”, or find new ways to migrate through the waters? Papers regarding leadership, innovation, and program development are encouraged. We especially want to hear from those of you who work with animals from down under - water that is. Share your knowledge of husbandry, training, enrichment, conservation, and any other pertinent topic regarding the animals of the lands and waters we strive to protect. Come and explore ideas as deep and diverse as the oceans themselves! Abstract deadline is 1 August 2007 and the required submission form is at www.gcaazk.org Chapter Challenge is having two drawings! $300 for one registration and hotel stay. $500 for another registration as well as being entered into the $300 drawing. Deadline is 15 July 2007. See our website for more details. Any questions? Email us- conference@gcaazk.org or call us - 800/582-4673 x41 05. Conference dates are Sunday, 30 September through Thursday, 4 October. See you In Galveston! 48 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 Coming Events The 15th Annual lAATE Conference - “Where Inspiration Takes Flight” - 7-10 February 2007 - hosted by Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators. Association of British Wild Animal Keepers (ABWAKI Symposium 2007 - 3-4 March 2007 at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. For more infonnation see www.abwak.co.uk Old World Monkey Workshop 19-22 March 2007- Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO. For information contact Colleen McCann, OWM TAG Chair at cmccann@wcs.org or Margaret Whittaker, OWM TAG Behavioral Management and Training Advisor at indu22@earthlink.net The Mind of the Chimpanzee - 22-27 March 2007 - Hosted by the LincolnPark Zoo’s Lester E. Fisher Ceter for the Study and Conservation of Apes. For further info visit www.chimpmindconference.org or email chimpmind@lpzoo.org 3Qth Aiumai Herpetology Conference - 3 1 March - 1 April 2007 - in Gainesville, FL. For more info visit http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/ herpconference/afhc.htm Okapi Keeper Workshop 10-12 April 2007 - Hosted by the Dallas Zoo. The first of its kind, this workshop will feature round table discussions on a variety of okapi husbandry topics from operant conditioning to calf rearing. For more information, call 214-670-6833 Amphiban Biology and Management - 14-19 April 2007 - Toledo, OH - provides a solid background in amphibian biology as it relates to husbandry, breeding, conservation and coperative programs. Topics covered incude general bilogy, classification, diversity, and practical aspects of husbandry, veterinary care, conservatin, and visitor education. For more info visit www.aza.org/prodev/; emai latAZATraining@aza.org; or call Geri Noland at 301-562-0777 ext 238. Training Connection Animal Training Seminar - 7-10 May 2007 - Duck Key, FL -. This three and a half day interactive animal training seminar connects participants to the principles of operant conditioning through the use of live animal demonstrations, classroom sessions, group activities, and evening workshops. Instructors Julie Scardina, Ken Ramirez, Marty MacPhee, Michelle Skurski, Doug and Cheryl Messinger, Thad Lacinak, Chuck Tompkins, and Joel Slavin teach participants how to train domestic and exotic animals. Hosted by The Dolphin Connection, at Hawk’s Cay Resort, in the Florida Keys. Proceeds support animal conservation efforts. For more information visit www.dolphincQnnection.CQm or email Cheryl@dQ.IphincQnne.c.tiQn.Qrg. 2007 Rhino Keepers Workshop - 7-1 1 May, 2007 - at Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Zoo - Australia. For further info contact Brooke Squires; email - rhinoworkshop07@yahoo.com.au; website - www.rhinoworkshop07.com 6th Annual Callitrichid Behavioral Husbandry and Management Workshop -12-13 May, 2007 - Hosted by the Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI. This is a free workshop for those working with tamarins and marmosets and will include formal presentations, posters, invited speakers and open discussion covering a variety of topics such as husbandry, training, enrichment and conservation. For more information go to: http://www.rwpzoo.org/calendar/callitrichid.efm or email Jhennessy@rwpzoo.org Australasian Society of Zookeeping (ASZK) Annual Conference - 18-20 May 2007 - Alice Springs , NT , Australia; E-mail: slromer@bigpond.com Web: www.aszk.Qrg.au The Chimpanzee Care and Management Workshop 17-19 July 2007. Hosted by the Knoxville Zoo, Knoxville, TN and presented by the Chimpanzee SSP® A comprehensive three-day course covering all aspects of progressive chimpanzee husbandry. Topics include: managing complex social groups, social introductions, operant conditioning training, contraception strategies, and enrichment programs. For registration or other information contact Steve Ross, Lincoln Park Zoo at (312) 742-7263 or ross@lpzoo.org MIE: Macropod Information Exchange - 27-29 July 2007. To be held in Kansas City, MO. For more information visit: www.macropodinfo.com or contact Jacque Blessington at: Jacsprat65@aol.com International Conference on Environmental Enrichment - 5-10 August 2007. Hosted by Schonbrunn Zoo, Vienna, Austria. AAZK National Conference - 30 September - 4 October, 2007 - at Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX. Hosted by the Galveston AAZK Chapter. For more info watch the AKF or visit the Chapter’s website at www.gc.aazLQrg BIERZS The Symposium 2007: Bear Information Exchange for Rehabilitators. Zoos and Sanctuaries Location:U.S.A. TBA Dates: Fall 2007 - Information updates will be posted on www.bearkeepers.net 2008 Gorilla .Workshop - 23-27 January 2008 - Hosted by Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Brevard Zoo in Orlando, FL. For more information see 2008GorillaWorkshop.com. or call Beth Armstrong at (614) 506-7368 or Rachel Daneault at (407) 938-2337. Post Your Coming Events Here email to: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 49 pom tiiG Executive Director To the Membership: The Board of Directors has recently voted to revise the funding raised through Bowling for Rhinos sponsored by Blue Rhino® events and distributed to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the International Rhino Foundation. ASSOCIATION ■II im ■ ■ — M ».iina jmm Starting in 2007, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy shall receive the of ZOO KEEPERS first $150,000.00 in US funds raised through Bowling for Rhinos, sponsored by Blue Rhino®. This is an increase of $30,000 over the previous distribution agreement. Once the $150,000.00 plateau has been achieved, the International Rhino Foundation will receive all remaining BFR funds. The support from Blue Rhino® and the distribution of funds from Blue Rhino® to the entities supported by the Bowling for Rhinos, sponsored by Blue Rhino®, will remain unchanged. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the International Rhino Foundation will split equally, the $20,000 sponsorship underwriting fee from Blue Rhino®. This revision received the approval of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Zoo Keepers Inc, Blue Rhino® Inc, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the International Rhino Foundation, and their partner sanctuaries in Asia. Thank you for your continued support of Bowling for Rhinos, sponsored by Blue Rhino®. It is recognized around the world as a flagship program for species conservation - that works. Ed Hansen Executive Director/AAZK Notice on Discontinuation of 800# Effective 1 January 2007, AAZK, Inc. is discontinuing its toll-free 800 phone numbers for both the US (1-800-242-4519) and Canada (1-800-468-1966). This action was taken by the Board of Directors as a cost-cutting measure for the Association. While availability of these toll-free numbers over the past ten years has been convenient, it was costing AAZK an estimated $2000.00 per year. It is hoped the membership will appreciate the fact that this decision was made by the Board in order to maintain a fiscally responsible stance during AAZK’s current financial situation. Members will still be able to reach Adminis- trative Offices at (785) 273-9149 and staff members via email (Susan Chan: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com; and Barbara Manspeaker: aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmaiLcom) AAZK also maintains a fax at 785-273-1980. 50 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 AAZK Announces New Members Dyanna Feld, Zoo New England (MAA); Melissa Ciccariello, Roger Williams Park Zoo (RI); Gina Zullo, Turtle Back Zoo (NJ); Carol McCallum, Jenkinson’s Aquarium (NJ); Jamie Granfield, Bronx Zoo (NY); Leah Filo, Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks (NY); Catina Link, Seneca Park Zoo (MY); Douglas Kramer, no zoo listed (PA); Jennifer Kramer, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo (MD); Jonnie Capiro, The Maryland Zoo In Baltimore (MD); Brian Eisele, Jacksonville Zoo (FL); Kathleen Timko, Busch Gardens of Tampa (FL); Kelly Guinn, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere (TN); Phillip Weisenberger, Jackson Zoo (MS); Nick Fantozzi, Akron Zoological Park (OH); Sherrie Sinnott, Washington Park Zoo (IN); James Sanford, Kansas City Zoo (MO); Rebecca Leitner, Moody Gardens Aquarium & Rainforest (TX); and Joanna Husby, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CO). Renewing Contributing Member Jay R. Christie Racine Zoo, Racine, WI The Beaded Lizard {Heloderma Horridum) and Gila Monster {Heloderma suspectum): A Bibliography of the Family Helodermatidae By Kent R. Beaman, Daniel D. Beck & Brian M. McGurty 2006 Smithsonian Herpetological Information Service 136: 1-66 This bibliography is a compilation of references on the venomous lizards of the family Helodermatidae, the beaded lizard {Heloderma horridum) and Gila monster {Heloderma suspectum). Like all venomous reptiles, the Helodermatidae have long been shrouded in mystery, misinformation, and myth. This mystique is even reflected in their specific epithets: horridum (the horrible one) and suspectum (the suspect). In 1869, E.D. Cope chose the epithet “suspectum” for the Gila monster because he “suspected” it was venomous but it took the scientific community nearly another half century to agree that, indeed this was true. Unlike most other lizards, helodermatids cannot run swiftly. A painful venomous bite is an important feature of their ability to avoid predators. For us humans, the venom of helodermatid lizards is proving to be a surprising source of pharmacologically active peptides, some of which hold great promise for treating disease, such as diabetes. New Contributing Members Carolee Seaman Encinatas, CA Renewing Institutional Members St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO Jeffrey P. Bonner, President High Desert Museum, Bend, OR Forrest Rodgers, President Toronto Zoo, Scarborough, Ont., Canada Calvin J. White, CEO New Institutional Members Claws ‘n’ Paws Wild Animal Park Lake Ariel, PA Vince Hall, Director Lubee Bat Conservancy, Gainesville, FL Dr. Allyson Walsh, Director Wild Wonders, Inc., Bonsall, CA Jackie Navarro, Executive Director California Wolf Center, Julian, CA Patrick Valentino, Director Gorilla Foundation, Redwood City, CA Dr. Penny Patterson, Director A gratis PDF of this article is available from the CNAH PDF Library at http://www, cnah.org/ cnah__pdf.asp Source: Center for North American Herpetology, Lawrence, KS THE GOURMET RODENT, INC." RATS AND MICE Bill & Marcia Brant 12921 SW 1st Rd., Ste 107, PBM #434 Jonesville, FL 32669 (352) 495-9024 Fax: (352) 495-9781 e-mail: GrmtRodent@aol.com ^^ighl^jserved^^^^ Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 51 Bowling for Rhinos 2007 (Feel free to photocopy this form to submit to Patty Pearthree) It’s time to start planning for “Bowling For Rhinos 2007”, sponsored by Blue Rhino®. Please send in your information ASAP. There is a $25 administrative fee for each event. Send check made out to AAZK, Inc. to Patty Pearthree, c/o BFR, 318 Montibello Dr., Cary, NC 27513. Remember, if you want to be eligible to win any of the trips being offered, all money must be sent to Patty Pearthree by 1 September 2007, and you must be a national AAZK member in good standing to qualify. If bowling isn’t your thing, try “Rock’n for Rliinos”, “Run For Rhinos” or send a Chapter or individual donation. Every penny counts toward saving rhinos worldwide! Questions? (919) 678-0449 or ppear3@pear3,org website: http://aazkbfr.Qrg Please Print Clearly Contact person: Zoo/Organization: Address: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Night - City: Phone: Day - Email: Will you be hosting a Bowling for Rhinos Event this year? YES NO When? Where? How many Sponsor Forms do you anticipate needing? If you like sample BFR letters/flyers/posters, they are available at the BFR website - http ://aazkb fr.org 4 W4»y Mail to: Patty Pearthree c/o Bowling for Rhinos 318 Montibello Dr. Cary, NC 27513 Questions? (919) 678-0449 ppear3@pear3.org website: http://aazkbfr.org 52 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 CAGING ACCESSORIES ENRICHMENT Visit our web site at www.ottoenvironmental.com 262.642.5316 6914 N.124tlt street • Milwaukee, Wl 53224 • Phone: 414-3S8-1001 • FAX: 414-358-9035 • www.ottoenvironineiitaUoni Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 53 A AZK Award Nominations Are Now Being Accepted for 2007 The AAZK Awards Committee is accepting nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award (LA), the Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence (LHEE) Award , The Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Edcuation (CMZE). The Certificate of Excellence in Exhibit Renovation (CEER). and the Mazuri Animal Nutrition Award (MAN A). Nomination criteria for these five awards are listed below. These awards will be presented at the 2007 AAZK National Conference in Galveston, TX. The deadline for all award nominations is 1 June 2007, Information concerning the qualifications, nomination procedure, selection procedure and an explanation of the awards may be obtained by contacting Janet McCoy, Chair, AAZK Awards Committee, Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221; email - mccoyj@metro.dst.or.us Lifetime Achievement (LA) Award The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. This award is to be given at the end (retirement) of a keeper’s carerer. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding commitment to professionalism as a zoo keeper over a long period of time, and significant contributions to the community. The Lifetime Achievement Award was established by the 1 993 Awards Committee, Janet McCoy, Chair. Rachel Rogers proposed the award to the AAZK Board of Directors. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. Qualifications; 1. The nominee must be a full-time keeper retiring from a career of zoo keeping and employed in any North American zoological institution, aquarium or related facility. 2. The nominee must have been employed at least twenty years on permanent status at a zoo, aquarium or related facility. 3. The nominee must be nominated by two of his or her peers who have also been employed at that same zoo, aquarium or related facility. Supporting nominations may be submitted by management personnel from the same institution. Nomination Procedure; 1. List name, position, institution’s name, address, phone and Director, years of service in the field and the recommendation of peers or colleagues. 2. List and document outstanding achievements: exhibits, breeding, education, project participation, papers, etc. Verification of these facts must be signed by the zoo director, curator, or immediate supervisor of the individual being nominated. 3. Describe extra activities outside of zoo, aquarium or related facility work: working with conservation groups, animal related youth groups, rehabilitation wildlife officials, etc. 4. Paragraph of why the nominee fits the criteria. 5. Provide 3-5 references. 6. Deadline for nominations is JUNE 1st of each year. Selection Procedure; The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each nominee. 54 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 2 Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence (EE) Award The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence (LHEE) Award presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding keeper-initiated contributions to the art and science of environmental enrichment. It is hoped that recognition of outstanding efforts by keepers to improve animal care and welfare through environmental enrichment will provide incentive to keepers to continue to be leaders in this important endeavor. The Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence Award was established in 2001 by the AAZK Enrichment Committee. Lee Houts proposed the award to the AAZK Board of Directors. The award was renamed in Lee’s memory, and to honor her many contributions to the field of enrichment, following her death in 2005. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. Qualifications: 1 . The nominee may be an individual, group, project or program that has improved the well- being of an animal or group of animals through outstanding keeper-initiated enrichment techniques. 2. Nominees must have excelled in one or more of the following categories: -Innovative techniques developed, implemented and evaluated. -Creative fundraising efforts implemented which increased the availability of enrichment items fot staff to utilize. -Motivation of staff, volunteers and peers through development of an enrichment infrastructure that increased participation in in-house programs or disseminated information to the zoo community to advance the art and science of environmental enrichment. 3 . The nominee must be nominated by a keeper. NominationProcedure: 1. List name of keeper(s) who initiated the enrichment, institution’s name, address, phone and Director. 2. List and document outstanding achievements in one or more of the categories listed under qualifications. Verification of these facts must be signed by the zoo director, curator, or immediate supervisor of the nominee. 3. The deadline for nominations is JUNE 1st of each year. Selection Procedure: The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each nominee. The character of the AAZK awards includes either a plaque or certificate, letter of notification to the institution’s director and national recognition by professional Journals. Such journals include: the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) Newsletters, Animal Keepers’ Forum (AAZK), Awards, Honors and Prizes: Volume 1; United States and Canada. The latter is published by Gale Research Company based in Wheaton, MD and found in medium to large sized libraries across the U.S. and Canada. Some categories may include monetary awards. Award Nominations should be submitted to: Janet McCoy, Awards Chair, The Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221. Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 55 Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education (CMZE) The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education (CMZE) presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals, institutions and organizations in the zoological community most actively promoting educational programs for zookeepers. Examples of such support are: reimbursements for formal education, keeper training courses and staff seminars. The CMZE was founded by Jeff Roberts, 1976-1978 CHAIR, in 1978, to compliment the work of the AAZK Education Committee that had been formed at that time. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. Qualifications: 1. Any staff individual, institution or organization from a North American zoo, aquarium or related facility is eligible. 2. The keeper training program must have been in existance for at least one (1) year. Nomination Procedure; 1. If you feel that your institution, organization or a staff individual merits such an award, please submit a letter of nomination which mentions specifically the educational programs that are offered. 2. Claims made should be backed up with documentation for the committee to review. 3. List the institution or organization’s name, address, phone and Director. 4. The deadline for nominations is JUNE 1st of each year. Selection Procedure: The Awards Committee, consisting of five (5) keepers, will independently review each nominee. Certificate of Excellence in Exhibit Design Renovation (CEER) The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Certificate of Excellence in Exhibit Renovation (CEER) presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. The purpose of the award is to recognize institutions or organizations in the zoological community for the design and renovation of existing animal facilities which involved active keeper participation in the process. The CEER was established by Janet McCoy, 1990 CHAIR. Bill Whittaker proposed the award to the AAZK Board of Directors. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. Qualifications: 1. Any North American zoological institution or organization is eligible. 2. The renovated exhibit must be in full operation for at least two (2) years. 3. The exhibit must be nominated by a keeper at that same institution or organization. Supporting nominations may be submitted by management personnel from the same institution. 56 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 Nomination Procedure: 1. List institution or organization’s name, address, phone and Director. 2. Document local awards or commendations for exhibit, drawings, 8X10 color photos - no slides (2 before and 8 after), and renovated exhibit type: single or multispecies, and size. 3. Document keeper participation in the design and why the existing facility was renovated. 4. Document interface with other zoo divisions; and maintenance of exhibit after completion. 5. The deadline for nominations is JUNE 1st of each year. NOTE: Materials will not be returned. Selection Procedure: The Awards Committee, consisting of five (5) keepers, will independently review each nominee. Nominee Evaluation: The evaluation of each nomination is broken down into four categories based on the general guidelines outlined for the award. The four categories are: Keeper Involvement, Exhibit Functionality, Exhibit Management and Visitor Point of View/ Other Information. Items the committee is looking for are the following: A. KEEPER INVOLVEMENT: a) degree of keeper involvement with conceptual development of exhibit b) degree of keeper involvement with facilitation of completion of exhibit, (fundraising, promotion, assist with construction) c) contribution to educational experience (graphics, conservation message) d) originality - is it something new and different, or has it been tried before? B. EXHIBIT FUNCTIONALITY: a) versatility - indoor/outdoor, four seasons, protection from elements b) accommodates and encourages animal’s natural behavior - climbing structures, land area, height, water c) hard (gunite, concrete) vs soft (grass, dirt) environments - as to animal needs d) sight lines valuable to animal as well as visitor - important to some animals (polar bear, chimps) e) physical and visual barriers for animal’s use, animal safety f) flexible entrance/exits (hoofstock - more than one entrance) g) ability to exhibit natural social grouping h) breeding success C EXHIBIT MANAGEMENT: a) how management of exhibit interfaces with other zoo divisions (grounds, maintenance - simple repair, paint) b) keeper serviceability, overall maintenance of exhibit and surroundings c) adequate drains and properly located d) quality and versatily of holding areas - ease of separating animals, moving, breeding, sick e) keeper sight lines - can you see animal when they come into holding or when shifting them between areas, keeper safety Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 57 f) ease of providing time change items (browse, logs, feed, novel objects) g) environmental control (ease of seasonal adjustments - ventilation, heat) D. VISITOR POINT OF VIEW/OTHER INFORMATION: a) educational experience (conservation message) b) immediate and sustained viewer interest c) sight lines - not see doors, drains, fencing - does it have esthetics d) bonus point - local awards, commendation, “wow” factor e) include anything else pertinent to the renovated exhibit that you think is important The character of the awards includes either a plaque or certificate, letter of notification to the institution’s director and national recognition by professional journals. Such journals include: the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and the Canadian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquarium (CAZA) Newsletters, Animal Keepers ’Forum (AAZK), Awards, Honors and Prizes: Volume 1; United States and Canada. The latter is published by Gale Research Company based in Wheaton, MD and found in medium to large sized libraries across the U.S. and Canada. Mazuri Animal Nutrition Award (MANA) The American Assocition of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Mazuri Animal Nutrition Award (MANA) presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. The puipose of this award is to recognize individuals in the zoological community who have been actively involved in projects/studies/research concerning zoo/aquarium nutrition. The award will carry a cash award of $500.00 funded by the Mazuri® Foods Division. The character of the award includes a certificate, letter of notification to the institution’s director, and national recognition by professional journals. Such journals include: the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and the Canadian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquarium (CAZPA) newsletters; Animal Keepers ’Forum (AAZK, Inc.); Awards, Honors and Prizes, Volume 1 ; United States and Canada. The latter is published by Gale Research Company based in Wheaton, MD and is found in medium to large-sized libraries across the U.S. and Canada. The MANA was established in 2005. Mazuri proposed the award to the AAZK Board of Directors. Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters at the Indianapolis Zoo, and Heidi Bissel, nutritionist at the Memphis Zoo, assisted in the development of the judging criteria for this award. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. Qualifications: 1. The nominee must be a full-time keeper/aquarist in any North American zoological institution or aquarium who has been actively involved in projects/studies/research concerning zoo/aquarium nutrition. 2. The award candidate shall be a professional member of AAZK. 3. Supporting nominations may be submitted by management personnel from the same institution. 58 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 Nomination Procedure: 1. List name, position, institution’s name, address, phone and Director. 2. List and document keeper/aquarist project initiation and design, research, project involvement, and usage of new nutritional information. Verification of these facts must be signed by the zoo director, curator, or immediate supervisor of the individual being nominated. 3. The deadline for nomination is JUNE 1st of each year. Selection Procedure; The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each nominee. Award Nominations should be submitted to: Janet McCoy, Awards Chair The Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221 Next month we will include information on making nominations for the Jean M. Hromadka AAZK Excellence in Animal Care Award. The Lutz Ruhe Meritorious Achievement - AAZK Professional of the Year Award and The AAZK Chapter of the Year Award. D eadliriG for M ominaTions is 1 Juno 200T MOVIIVG? Please let us know when you change your address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 785-273-9149 to give a change of address. If you should get the answering machine, please speak slowly and clearly when giving an address change. Or you may e-mail address changes to: aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com THANKS ! Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 59 '7^, — — iiiii — jC : r : 1 1 1 1 4 :¥:• CeD C m ii V 0 1 1 P dinkimmk ¥ a The Complete Guide to the Care of Macropods A comprehensive guide to the Handrearing, Rehabilitation and Captive Management of Kangaroo Species By Lynda Staker 2006 Published in Australia by Matlida’s Publishing Printed in Australia by Panorama Print ISBN: 0-9775751-0-1 , , , Review by Jacque Blessington, Zoo Keeper 437 pages with over 700 color photos f. ^ * T T ^ ■ Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO $ 1 20 AU + $4 1 air postage This soft-cover, spiralbound book is the revised edition of Lynda’s previous manual “Don’t Step Backwards”. Lynda has spent 20 years caring for Australian native mammals. During this time she has used this book and her previous manual to conduct over 62 lectures in Australia and has presented in Ohio and consulted in Kentucky. The book begins with information on the rescue, handling and emergency aid to be given to joeys and adults. Half of the book then covers the raising and care of unfurred joeys to weaning and release. Within these chapters extensive information is included covering common problems, nutrition, exercise and housing requirements. Growth charts are included with physical characteristics of 24 different species. This information along with the growth charts is essential to anyone who works with or is around reproducing macropods. Nine of the latter chapters are devoted to veterinary care. Included are many of the drugs and agents that are commonly used with macropods along with charts and dose rates. A quick reference guide has been included for clinical diagnosis of common ailments in macropods. This reference is then followed up with a chapter on diagnosis and treatment of over 100 diseases, ailments and injuries. Separate chapters have been included for treatment of wounds, soft tissue injuries and skeletal injuries. Many of the skeletal injury treatments have detailed x-rays included. One notation to make is that an addendum that has been created to replace the imperial to metric dry weight conversions as the original had some incorrect data. I had the opportunity to review Lynda’s original manual and recommended it for any macropod caregiver’s library. After having reviewed this revised edition, I feel that it is vital it be included in your library not only if you have macropods in your care, but more importantly if you have a reproductive mob. For more information you can contact Lynda directly as noted below: Email: ]iiacr_Qp_o.dicmania@Qptusnet, com . au website: http://lyndastaker.hainsnet.com 60 Animal Keepers ’Forum, VoL 34 No. 2 ^r^TJSzx^^sss:^^"^' Repro4|leteb^9!§gy'ff;f|^^^ //X-^: Beha^ottfai^fitflnto^rrf€^i6g(^j/p^1^^ thtf m^ imp^gt cap^e-bf^cdjfig attempts: Cons^atl6^^atw$c^ U U I / O f > ( . M A M I I H » m ii V Finally, the 2007 officers for the Baton Rouge Chapter are: President/Chapter Liaison Kesei Nowell Vice President Erin Dauenhauer Secretary/Treasurer Courtney Kelly ...Courtney Kelly, Secretary/Treasurer Puget Sound AAZK Chapter In December our Chapter raised over $ 1 5,000 at our Holiday Auction and Bake Sale. This annual event has been both fun and fairly easy to organize with great results. If any Chapter is interested on the “How to” please contact any of our Chapter officers for helpful information. In March we plan to hold our 3rd Annual Earth Day Book and Bake sale. Proceeds from our current fundraising activities will be going towards hosting the 2009 AAZK and ICZ Joint conference. The dates have been set for 24 Sept 2009 thru 29 Sept 2009. Ice breaker on the 24th and banquet on the 29th. Conference will be at the Red Lion Hotel on 5th Ave, Seattle. Check out our website for updating information and mark your calendars! In January the Chapter held elections and our officers for 2007 are: President.... Carolyn Austin Vice President.... Norah Famham Secretary.... Pat Owen Treasurer... Roz Sealy Co-Treasurer.... Maureen Leahy The Chapter has also updated our website with a new look and more content. Check it out at http://www.pugetsoundaazk.org and stay tuned for more news about our greatest undertaking yet! ...Peter McLane, Chapter Liaison Riverside Zoo AAZK This AAZK Chapter, located in Scott’s Bluff, NE, adopted a new logo 1 December of 2006. The artist is Peter Johnson, husband of Myria Johnson, a keeper at the Riverside Zoo. The animal on the logo are the swift fox, meetkat and Waldrapp ibis, the zoo has all three of these animals in their collection. The swift fox was chosen because the zoo has a breeding program for this species. The meerkat, on the other hand, was chosen because it is one of hte most popular exhibits at the facility. The Waldrapp ibios was chosen because it is one of the most endangered of the bird species and very few zoos exhibit them. California Desert Chapter The California Desert Chapter would like to thank Lincoln Park and Brookfield for a wonderful 2006 National Conference. The three delegates that attended had an educational and entertaining time, it was great to see old friends and make some new ones. Thanks also to the crew from Detroit AAZK for their help getting us out of our accommodations mix up. We kicked off our lecture series with a presentation from Mike Langridge and Dustin Black from San Diego Zoo. They talked about their experiences in Kenya doing Grevy’s zebra research, and had some interesting stories and spectacular pictures as well. We would also like to thank them for their donation of a beautiful Masai bracelet for our chapter to use as an auction item. We have more free lectures planned in the coming months, including Venom ER star Dr. Sean Bush in April. Another fundraiser we are working on is collecting and redeeming cans and bottles from the bins around The Living Desert public and employee areas. I would like to thank all of our hard working board members and chapter members for their help in 2006, and hope to have a successful 2007. —Jeremy Konwiser, Chapter President What’s your Chapter been up to? Let us know about your successful fundraisers, guest speakers, conservation projects, new officers, new logos, etc. Do you have a new logo you want to show the membership? We want to hear from you! Send your Chapter News to the AKF Editor at: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 63 People Skills for Animal People By Jolene Hamrick, Tucson, AZ AKF Associate Editor/PSAP Column Coordinator My hope with this article is to spark a discussion among the membership as to how you feel you should be evaluated. Last year we kicked off this column with an article talking about how to get the most out of your performance evaluation. But what I want to focus on today is performance measurement in the animal keeping profession. Because the profession is different from most, measuring a keeper’s performance should also bear special circumstance, but let’s consider for one moment how people in other professions have their performance monitored. Take for instance a call center. Employees are measured by a set of metrics, or performance standards. They are measured by the call volume that they process, how quickly they handle the call, and the quality of their customer service as perceived by the customer among a plethora of other things. The metrics for these employees are objective. They are independent of the supervisor’s feelings or judgments of an employee. They are standardized; they can be followed from employee to employee and from year to year. Performance metrics can be virtually applied to any field. In factories, we count the number of widgets produced and the number that don’t pass quality control. In human resources we measure the amount of employee turnover, the time spent to recruit new employees, and we relate all of this back to the bottom line, how much it is costing the organization. But how do we measure keeper performance so that 1) what we are measuring is fair and objective and 2) what we are measuring supports the mission and goals of the organization while also being helpful in improving our work practices? Listed below are some general higher level as well as some lower level goals for many zoological institutions. Higher Level • Promotion of conservation • Promotion of public education • Providing of public entertainment • Development of research • Financial responsibility and success • Employee satisfaction • Low employee turnover Lower Level • Animal health through appropriate husbandry practices • Animal mental health through enrichment and training • Successful implementation of medical procedures through the aid of training • Clean and visually pleasing exhibits • Animals on display by zoo opening • Successful breeding for certain species or individuals of a species • Low mortality rates 64 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 Given the above goals for a zoological institution, what if we were to combine them with the types of metrics used by call centers or factories? Instead of counting the number of calls taken, we counted the number of enrichment items given in a day? Or the number of pools cleaned in a day? Instead of counting how long a call takes, we count how fast a keeper can get the animals out each morning. Or how many pools we can clean each week? And as for customer satisfaction, what if we put “secret visitors” around the zoo, who are sent to interact with animal keepers and then rate them on the quality of their interaction including friendliness, accuracy and breadth of knowledge conveyed, and professionalism? What if your performance were measured based on the following: cleanliness of water bowls measured by random bacterial tests; how well a particular animal performs trained behaviors for the vet during a medical procedure; how much time one of the animals in your charge spends pacing or performing some other stereotypical behavior? What if you were charged with setting up a nesting area for a pair of hombills, and you were evaluated on their breeding success? What if you are the keeper for the health center and your success was measured based on mortality rates? Of course, many of these suggestions are made tongue-in-cheek, to make a point. If your performance were to be evaluated on many of the above factors, you would be frustrated and your supervisor would likely be wasting much of his or her time. While it is important to have clean pools, cleaning them when they aren’t dirty, just to meet a minimum number of times they get cleaned is a waste of time and water resources. Although it is important that animal keepers do things in an efficient manner, rushing through a routine to meet a time constraint can compromise safety. The expectations must be fair and reasonable. Basing measurements on how well an animal does something, invites an element that is beyond a keeper’s control. While it may work to evaluate trends, evaluating on a single experience or incident does not give an accurate picture of either the keeper’s performance or the animal’s mental health or learned abilities. Performance measurement based on an animal’s breeding ability or mortality rate invites genetics and a slew of other factors beyond a keeper’s control. While most or all of the above metrics could be considered objective, many of them are not within your realm of control and some of them are just not helpful. Here are some basic rules that should be adhered to when setting up performance metrics. Performance measurements should: • Support the organization’s overall mission, values, goals and objectives • Have a way of being objectively and reliably measured • Be created so that the variables are within the employee’s control • Be meaningful. Don’t measure just for the sake of mc'^suring. • Be set appropriately to the level in the organization. More specific for animal keepers. Higher level and more general for mid- and upper-management. • Be limited in number. Do not measure more than 5-10 items at any one level of the organization. • Be re-evaluated from time to time so that they evolve and change with the changing needs of the organization A few more thoughts, based on personal experience. If specific measurable performance goals are being made for the first time in your organization, chances are managers aren’t going to get it right the first time. It is a learning process for them and for you. Often times when a performance metric is created, they have unintended consequences that send managers back to the drawing board. Or if they do not have benchmarks to work from (measurements based on previous experience in either your own organization or other institutions.) The criteria they set may be unreasonable and alterations will have to be made. Also, trust is an extremely important factor in this process. If there is a lack of trust between employees and management, the suggestion of this type of performance measurement Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 65 tends to strike fear into the work force. When people start being “measured” they start to feel like statistics are going to be used against them when, in reality, metrics should be used to identify performance gaps and how to improve or minimize the gap. Communication and time are two factors that can help overcome this obstacle. My guess is that there are many zoological institutions out there that have created viable, useful metrics, while there are also many that are struggling along without them. Hopefully this article has sparked a bit of interest in the subject. Ideally, I would love to hear from the membership about what your institution is doing. Of course, first get permission from your managers to share or feel free to submit anonymously. This is meant to be a forum of professional discussion and learning, and not intended to embarrass individuals or institutions. Submissions will be published accordingly. Looking forward to hearing from you! The AKF is seeking guest columnists for "People Skills for Animal People." If you have an interest in making a submission(s), please contact Jolene Hamrick at zooguru@cox.net . Also if you have a desire to see a specific subject addressed in this column let us know! Zoo Biology egroup an invitation to participate Zoo Biology is a discussion, question and answer group dealing with the diverse range of Zoo Sciences. The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved in the running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry, cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, management, record keeping, etc It is specifically a forum for professional Zoo Staff. Exceptions may be considered in the case of students or allied professions. You must be committed to both in- situ AND ex-situ conservation. Do be prepared to receive from 1- 30+ messages per day! ! The Zoo Biology Group is independent and not attached to any other group, society or organization. There are well over 1800 Zoo Biology Group members. The majority of these have between five and 40 or more years working in zoos. As a Zoo Biology member you can call upon the knowledge of somewhere in the region of 15,000+ years of practical zoo experience in a range of fields. As a zoo biology member it is hoped that you will both contribute and answer questions on subjects of which you have some experience. Replies to the group are well recieved and add to the searchable subject archives. Please post replies to the group rather than to the individual who posted the question. I, and many others are interested and can learn from replies. Zoo Biology members cover the whole spectrum of zoo staff from docent to director, zoo vet to zoo police, education officer to research scientist and everything in between, and more besides. Zoo Biology members may have worked in a variety of roles in their zoo careers, perhaps starting with reptiles and ending with apes and therefore carry diverse knowledge and can contribute from multiple expertise. To Subscribe to Zoo Biology send an e-mail to: zoo-biology-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Leave the subject and message area blank. Once you have taken the first steps to join this group send a separate e-mail to peterd48200 1 @yahoo.co.uk giving a brief biography about yourself eg your name, collection, work area and interests. All details will be kept strictly confidential. Failure to send this information will mean that your subscription will not be processed. Please mark this ‘APPROVE’ in the subject area of this e-mail. Your request to join the group will be held for seven days. Should your biography not arrive in that time your original request will be removed from the process list. Thank you. —Peter Dickinson 66 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 REACTIONS A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional on Crisis Management By William K. Baker, Jr, Curator Panthera Research, Maumelle, AR Question Are there safety items for cold weather environments? Comments Depending on your location, your needs for cold weather environments will vary to a certain degree. The best way I can see approaching this question is to provide some general guidelines and then follow that with some specific recommendations for the truly harsh winter environments. You can basically break down your cold weather needs into four categories: Basic Emergency Supplies, Animal Supplies, Vehicles, and Heavy Equipment. Basic Emergency Supplies • Flashlight and batteries • DOT or OSHA quality first-aid kit • Portable radio with weather band features and extra batteries • Non-perishable food and matches (or propane camp stoves) • Non-electric can opener and dish soap • Blankets and sleeping bags • Chemical heat packs • Bottled water or water purification tablets • Fire extinguisher (ABC type) • A high quality pocketknife, such as a Swiss Army® • A high quality snow shovel, preferably collapsible • An extra set of cold weather clothing Animal Supplies • No-freeze automatic waterers • Stock tank heaters for hoofstock • Heat tape for non-insulated pipes and water lines • A primary heat source such as ceramic, electric, or gas heat units • A secondary heat source such as propane heat units and heat lamps • Extra bedding materials for each species of animals in the collection • Insulation materials and canned insulating foam for crevices and cracks • Insure that there are adequate food supplies in the commissary and hay bam. • Consider maintaining supplies of 2 x 4’s, plywood, and wood screws to constmct windbreaks and temporary shelters as needed. Treated canvas tarps can also work in a pinch if needed. • T-posts and rolled fencing materials are helpful in the event that falling tree limbs take out fences. • Keep a supply of propane on hand and/or min-torches to de-ice exhibit locks. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 67 Vehicles • Good all-terrain tires with an aggressive tread pattern are a must have item. • Maintain extra fuel on-site such as gasoline, diesel, and propane. • Insure that you have a good ice scraper for each vehicle. • Canned de-icer is also a good product to keep on hand. • Keep a can of “hot start” carburetor spray with each vehicle. Heavy Equipment • Snow blowers are a must have item for areas that receive high annual snowfall. • Snowplows for all pieces of heavy equipment are extremely useful. • A front-end loader or tractor can be invaluable for clearing roads. ® Bobcat style vehicles can be extremely useful for handling snow removal in tight areas. • Keep extra tow chains with each piece of equipment for towing as needed. • Store all heavy equipment out of the weather. It will be accessible and start quickly. Harsh Winter Environmental Equipment • Snow shoes • Cross-country skies • Tow-able toboggans or sleds • Warming tents • Gore-tex® three-layer clothing systems • Neoprene® and Gore-tex® gloves • A warm hat • A high quality base layer such as Patagonia Capilene®, (3-4) • Plug-in engine warmers for vehicle radiators • Portable power generators and pumps Final Comments If your facility is located in an area that is prone to heavy snowfall, ice storms, and frequent power outages, then you really should consider acquiring stand-by generators. I don’t mean the small portable units that you can pick up at the big-box stores, but rather the industrial size units that can power an entire building or complex. Expect to pay between $5000 - $10,000 per unit; as a result these will be capitalized items that will need to be anticipated in your annual fiscal budget. When trying to decide how many to purchase, always consider what are your critical areas of the facility. Ideally you will want coverage for your veterinary clinic, quarantine area, commissary, and temperature-sensitive animal areas such as primates. Another facet to consider is where your base of operations will be during or after a severe winter storm. It should be an area that has adequate shelter for the staff and offer centralized communications. Many zoos use their administration buildings for this purpose. If this is the case then you will want an additional generator at that location. 68 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 1 should also mention that generators are powered by numerous fuel types such as gasoline, diesel, and propane. Some units can even be connected to existing gas lines. Of all of these types I prefer to use propane. The trick is to ensure that the tank is large enough to meet your needs for several days. Chances are if you need to use your generators, then you won’t be receiving any fuel shipments. My best recommendation is to have the fuel tanks topped off regularly after quarterly test runs and inspections. Next Month: What types of measures are available for preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases? If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published materials, please send them to: AAZK, Inc. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133 Topeka, KS 66614-2054 Attn: Reactions/AKF (About the Author: Since 1985 Bill has been active in the fields of science, zoology, and wildlife management. His education and experience include a B.S. in wildlife management and post-graduate studies in zoology. Lab and Museum Assistant, Shoot Team Leader, ERT Member, Large Mammal Keeper, Senior Keeper, and Zoo Curator at various zoological facilities. His area of research is crisis management in zoological institutions, which draws upon practical experience and training as a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross CPR/FirstAid Instructor. Away from work he operates Panthera Research, which is a research and consulting firm.) 'r iigerIreek Big Cat Internships Available Join us in “Saving Tigers One by One” As seen on Animal Planet® “Growing Up Tiger” Apply at www.tigercreek.org Leam about Big Cat Management. Internship involves Animal Care Apprentice and Public Education. We offer experience that counts towards employment. TIGER MISSING LINK FOUNDATION / TIGER CREEK WILDLIFE REFUGE Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 69 Addressing Aggression in Emperor Tc {Saquinus imperator imperator) Xlnrougli Training and Ndanagement amarins By Ivy Brower and Megan Ryder Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, CO In July of 2003 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo received a breeding pair of Emperor Tamarins (Saguinus imperator imperator). At first both individuals seemed friendly, but soon keepers encountered aggression from one or both individuals while performing daily duties inside the exhibit. The male quickly established himself as the main aggressor often jumping on keepers’ shoulders, biting and scratching. The exhibit, originally designed for birds, is a 9ft. x 9ft. xl5ft. (2.74m x 2.74m x 4.57m) naturalistic exhibit with low branches and no secondary holding to shift into. This left keepers no option but to enter the exhibit with the tamarins and have little space to maneuver. In order to gain control of the situation, the keeper staff began to develop a behavioral management and training program. This program was initiated by identifying triggers, establishing boundaries and implementing the training of cooperative behaviors. Identifying what triggered the aggression became the first goal of this program. Keepers initially marked on a calendar the days when aggression occurred to try and establish a pattern to the tamarins’ behavior. Unfortunately, no significant data was gathered leading keepers to establish the first draft of a behavior log. This first log was set up so that keepers only recorded data if the tamarins were aggressive and the keeper described what took place. Again, this log was not detailed enough to establish possible triggers or develop a pattern. Next keepers developed a log that was completed daily regardless of whether or not aggressive behavior occurred. This log noted all significant events and stimuli, changes in the keeper’s routine, how the tamarins were aggressive, the keeper’s response to the aggression, and how any of these things may have affected their behavior. These q. 1 Emperio Tamarin “Cannoli” logs were as detailed as possible including items such as how the keepers wore their hair, clothing worn and duties preformed. Using this log several triggers became apparent, enabling the keepers to adjust their routine in a manner that would hopefully reduce, and eventually eliminate, aggression. The stimuli that were most often associated with aggressive episodes could be grouped into eight categories: hair, hosing in exhibit, clothing, unknown personnel, public, new “furniture”, training stimuli, and changes in the routine. Using this data the keeper staff was able to address each category and make necessary adjustments. The tamarins, for reasons that are sill not understood, seemed to react aggressively towards keepers who wore their hair in a high pony-tail or loose. The only conclusion keepers could find was that the hair’s movement was triggering the aggression. Keepers began wearing their hair back and low on the head until this passed. Hosing in the exhibit was reduced to one time per week, as hosing seemed to be the trigger for the first serious aggressive incident. Initially hosing was only done from the doorway and the tamarins were given a few minuets of “quiet time” before keepers re-entered the exhibit. Keepers did not wear anything out of the ordinary (i.e. sunglasses, sweatshirts, hats...) while in the exhibit. Only primary keepers and the area supervisor were allowed to interact with the tamarins. Men seemed to especially upset them. 70 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 PERCENTAGE OF AGGRESSIVE INTERACTION but the aggression appeared to always be displaced towards the primary keepers, rather than the male “intruder”. Large crowds seemed to cause aggressive behavior leading keepers to perform cleaning duties and training sessions during off-peak times when possible. When new objects or “furniture” and/or new training equipment were introduced into the exhibit, tamarins were heavily rewarded for calm behavior. The tamarins were fed their diet prior to the keeper performing daily duties in the exhibit, which seemed to help keep them occupied. Every effort was made to feed at the same time each day and to make sure that all the keepers’ routines had as little variation as possible. Each time keepers entered the exhibit a treat was given in order to help establish the keeper’s presence as a positive event. These adjustments significantly reduced aggression from the female but unfortunately the same success was not observed with the male. When the male did not respond to the adjustments outlined above, keepers tried to extinguish the male’s aggression through the removal of rewards. If an aggressive act occurred, the keepers would leave the exhibit for a brief “time-out”, or if training, end the session. This seemed to have little and even the opposite effect that the keepers intended. The act of removing themselves from the exhibit appeared to be reinforcing for the male. A decision was made to approach the situation from a different angle. Instead of exiting the exhibit on the next aggressive encounter, one of the primary keepers stood her ground, turned her head and told him to “knock it off’. During this session the male displayed aggressive behavior towards the keeper on three separate occasions with each display escalating in severity. On the third aggressive display the keeper added shaking the shoulder that the male was perched on to the verbal reprimand to disrupt the behavior. This seemed to startle the male tamarin and he immediately dismounted. The training session continued from there with no further incident. The other two primary keepers continued to remove themselves at the signs of aggression while the third continued to experiment with “standing her ground”. There was an initial spike in aggression towards the third keeper, but the frequency and severity decreased significantly in the days that followed. The other two primary keepers adopted this method with similar results. The graph shows what appears to be an extinction-burst right around the time that this experiment was taking place. It was this act of “standing ground” that seemed to be the turning point that put the keepers back in control of the situation. In addition, all the keepers had less fear of the tamarin’s aggressive behavior. It was this change in the keepers’ attitudes that may have ultimately had the greatest influence on their success. AGGRESSION OVER TIME D MALE B female; TIME IN MONTHS (AUG 04-APR 05) During the process of data collection and adjusting the routine, a training program was put into place in an attempt to build a rapport and either bring some undesirable behaviors under stimulus Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 71 control or extinguish them. The first step was to establish a set of safety guidelines. Keepers initially trained in pairs to reduee eompetition between the tamarins for keepers’ attention. Foreeps were used to deliver rewards. Cotton swabs and dowels were used for targeting and desensitization to touch. At Right: 1.0 Emperio Tamarin “Poppyseed” exhibiting a “targef ’ behavior Below: 0. 1 Emperio Tamarin “Cannoli” doing a “scale” behavior The first behavior trained was targeting. Both tamarins caught on quickly, but the female was definitely more interested at first. Crate training was given priority in order to give keepers the ability to “shift” the animals during daily husbandry. The tamarins took well to the crate and were soon entering and being locked in for brief amounts of time. Unfortunately, due to an unscheduled emergency catch-up, this behavior was pushed too fast eausing a renewed fear of the erate. The “erate” behavior is currently being re-established. Keepers began to put the male’s shoulder jumping behavior on a cue in order to extinguish it. He learned this cue quiekly, however, this behavior has proven to be too self-rewarding and still to this day happens un-cued. To counteract this, keepers trained an “off’ cue that allows them to end the behavior. The tamarins thrived in the new training program, showing rapid progress and, when paired with the other modifieations discussed, developing a more cooperative relationship with the keepers. While still a work in progress, the tamarins have come a long way. They are much more accepting of new stimuli. Keepers are even able to use vacuums and power tools in the exhibit without triggering an episode. The staff is no longer cautious about what they wear and a few men have even “earned the right” to enter the exhibit. With the rapid decrease in aggression, keepers are now able to focus more completely on a positive training experienee in which the tamarins are fully engaged and progressing quickly. Through detailed record keeping, development of a system of rewards and eonsequenees, and trial and error, the keepers were able to identify and address aggression triggers. This ultimately has helped to build a more positive rapport in which keepers and tamarins can co-exist. 72 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 EO Editors - Dawn Neptune, Utah s Hogle Zoo and Rachel Daneault, Disney ’s Animal Kingdom Changing Enrichment Methodology to Eliminate a Recurring Shifting Problem of One Individual within a Mixed-species Exhibit By Sheila Woj dec hows ki, Senior Keeper, Primate Department Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, IL - (708) 485-0263 ext. 408 shwojcie@brookJieldzoo.org In February of 2001, a male and a female crested capuchin monkeys {Cebus apella robustus) arrived at Brookfield Zoo from the Rio Primate Center in Brazil as part of a new regional conservation breeding program for this endangered species from the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil, Sergio and Alexia were introduced to our current group of 0.4 brown capuchin monkeys {Cebus apella), and later introduced to our mixed species exhibit in Tropic World South America, which also contained 2.5 black-handed spider monkeys {Ateles geoffroyi), 0.1 black spider monkey {Ateles paniscus), 4.12 squirrel monkeys {Saimiri boliviensis), 0.1 giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), and 0.1 Brazilian tapir {Tapirus terristris). All of this was completed by September 2001, and our shift training to bring capuchin monkeys on and off exhibit seemed to be successful. We did not encounter our first problem until July of 2002. Sergio began refusing to shift onto the exhibit in the morning. At this point we reviewed our shifting protocols, implemented consistent shifting techniques between all the keepers, and began placing the capuchin monkey’s favorite food items on exhibit. Over the next couple months, Sergio’s shifting problem gradually disappeared. The problem reoccurred, however, in May of 2003. While maintaining our consistent shifting protocols, we also tried to make the exhibit seem more attractive by reducing the amount of food and enrichment Sergio received in the holding area. Once again, it took a few months to resolve the issue, but by September 2003 the problem was gone. When the problem occurred again in May of 2004, we recognized a pattern to this shifting problem: Sergio exhibits shifting refusal during each summer season. Because Sergio’s exhibit and holding areas are indoor climate- controlled areas, ambient temperature during the summer months was not considered a factor influencing Sergio’s lack of motivation to shift. Tropic World is a large exhibit with an open public walkway that can hold hundreds of visitors. We hypothesized that his shifting refusal was caused by the in- creased number of visitors during the summer. While Sergio’s exact rearing history is unknown, records indicate he was con- Sergio (photo courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society/ photographer Jim Schultz) Animal Keepers’ Eorum, Vol. 34 No. 73 fiscated from a private owner by the Brazilian government and was likely someone’s pet. While at Tropic World, we noted he has always shown an unusual interest in guests on the walkway. Identifying the cause of a shifting problem can be the toughest part of finding a solution. However, finding a solution to this particular problem was equally challenging. Closing the exhibit to the public was obviously not an option. Instead, we considered that increasing enrichment on exhibit could have a positive impact on Sergio and we could measure its success in establishing reliable shifting. The plan during the summer of 2004 was to compare Sergio’s behavior in his preferred area (the holding area) and his non-preferred area (the exhibit) to see what behaviors he was lacking in the exhibit and how we could encourage more of these behaviors there. Initially, six weeks of baseline data were collected on Sergio’s behavior in both of the areas. This comparison initiated several strategies to attempt to mimic his behavior on exhibit with that in his holding area. First, Sergio’s increased level of time spent foraging through hay in holding was replicated by us hiding treats in a forage pile made with spinach leaves. (We were unable to introduce hay on exhibit due to risk of ingestion by our anteater which could cause impaction.) Secondly, Sergio’s most preferred enrichment device in the holding area, a PVC pump feeder, was replicated on exhibit by introducing a spray- painted green (camouflaged) pump feeder onto his naturalistic exhibit. (This device requires the animals to pull on a small PVC piece to get juice out of a large PVC tube.) Thirdly, we began freezing insects into our normal frozen treats - insects being a favorite of Sergio. Finally, in addition to changing the type of enrichment, we also began placing these enrichment items in the exhibit areas that Sergio used most. The new enrichment rotation appeared as follows: Sunday Spinach forage pile Monday Plastic items with honey or apple sauce smeared on them Tuesday Small ice treats with bugs frozen in Wednesday Whole heads of romaine, escarole, or lettuce with bugs hidden inside Thursday Pump feeders Friday Large ice treat made with juice Saturday Keeper choice This new enrichment rotation was not completely successful. Shifting refusal was reduced from 60% of the days to only 20% of the days, but we were not satisfied with this result. Additionally, we were not satisfied with his behavior on exhibit. The six weeks of behavioral data collected with the new enrichment rotation revealed that Sergio had become less active on exhibit, spent less time foraging, and utilized enrichment items less. By this time summer had ended, and Sergio’s shifting refusal had resolved itself However, we knew that we had nine months until the problem would resurface. Throughout that time, data collection continued in order to generate ideas and to plan for the next summer. We initially hypothesized that Sergio’s summertime shifting refusal was influenced by the large crowds of people. However, last summer’s enrichment modifications generated some other possibilities. With the new enrichment rotation, we noticed an increase in interspecific aggression between the capuchin and spider monkeys. We also realized that from Fall through Spring, the capuchin monkeys were usually let on exhibit prior to the spider monkeys, and that they had time alone to forage and utilize enrichment before the more dominant spider monkeys were let out. Due 74 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 34 No. 2 to a change in work hours during the summer months, the spider monkeys were shifted onto exhibit very soon after the capuchin monkeys, giving the submissive capuchin monkeys little time alone. So our focus for the coming summer was on making Sergio comfortable with both - the spider monkeys and the large crowds of people. With our new understanding of Sergio’s behavior, preferences, and the interspecific interactions on exhibit we embarked on a new trial for his fourth summer in Tropic World, which involved three strategies. Strategy#!: Create a “safe” area on the exhibit for Sergio. One area of the exhibit, which Sergio already utilized frequently, was furthest away from the public and was previously avoided by spider monkeys. This was the area of the exhibit where we had placed special enrichment items for Sergio the previous summer. However, last year’s new enrichment attracted the spider monkeys, which were then aggressive towards Sergio. This denied him the opportunity to take advantage of these items. Now, this safe area of the exhibit contains food items that capuchin monkeys like and spider monkeys do not like (i.e. insects). We alternate between meal worms and crickets on a daily basis. During the winter we placed Sergio’s favorite holding-area puzzle feeder on exhibit, outside of the safe area without incorporating food. We left it empty until the spider monkeys lost interest in it. This step took a couple months to complete. By summer, we were able to move the puzzle feeder to Sergio’s safe area and now place insects in it daily without interference from the spider monkeys. Strategy #2: Modify our enrichment rotation. We did not think that it was feasible to provide enrichment specifically for Sergio that would not attract the spider monkeys. Instead, we came up with items that would fall into one of two categories: (1) items that last a long time and would be attractive to Sergio after the spider monkeys had lost interest or (2) small items that could be broadly distributed and not monopolized by the dominant spider monkeys. The enrichment rotation was as follows: Sunday Keeper choice Monday Many large chunks of vegetables (1&2) Tuesday Dry pasta, rice, oatmeal, or puffed rice (2) Wednesday Many small ice treats (2) Thursday Peanut butter, apple sauce, yogurt, or honey drizzled (2) Friday 4 pump feeders (1) Saturday 2 Large ice treats (1) Strategy #3: Strategic placement of enrichment. This year, we did not put any of the enrichment items or vegetables in Sergio’s safe area. Sergio would need to make the choice to leave the safe area to acquire these items when he felt comfortable doing so. Since technically 85% of the food we placed on exhibit belongs to the larger spider monkey group, we broadly distributed this proportion of the food/enrichment on the side of the exhibit used most by the spider monkeys. This created less competition amongst the eight spider monkeys, keeping them in their foraging area. The smaller amount of enrichment/food placed near Sergio’s safe area attracted the spider monkeys less, making Sergio more likely to go there to eat. All of these plans were in place before the 2005 Summer season. Behavioral data collection began again and this time we were pleased with the results. During this summer, the percentage of time Sergio was inactive was the lowest it had ever been; while the time spent utilizing enrichment was Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 34 No. 75 the highest it had ever been. The amount of time he spent foraging for non-enrichment food items remained at the same level, but he spent more time locomoting in order to get to the foraging areas. With the enrichment rotation from the summer of 2004, the data showed that the spider monkeys spent 45% of their early morning time near Sergio’s safe area. That amount of time had now been reduced to 10%. Also, the number of aggressive bouts observed per hour dropped from 2.57 to 0.28. Most importantly, Sergio’s shifting refusal was not only reduced, but was completely eliminated. In September 2005, we celebrated the completion of our first summer in four years without any shifting difficulties. Acknowledgements; I would like to thank everyone who provided aid with this project. Assistance with data collection was provided by Amy Martens. Monitoring the shifting problem, developing solutions, and forming protocols was a team effort and included the following keepers: Dawn Buczak, Terrie McLean, Nicole Hoffmann, and Danielle Fogarty. Constructive feedback on this manuscript was provided by Vince Sodaro, Tim Sullivan, Jay Petersen, and Melinda Pruett-Jones. Sergio on Exhibit in Tropic World (photo courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society/ photographer Jim Schultz) Leather EJYes Enrkhme^^^^^ Attention all AAZK members, it’s time to put your thinking caps on. The AAZK Enrichment Committee and The Leather Elves are happy to be sponsoring the 6“’ Annual Enrichment Device Design Contest. If you’ve got an idea for a device that’s just taking up space in your brain, or if you have built something that has worked particularly well with your animals, share it with the world. Entries will be judged on safety, innovation and affordability. Keep in mind The Leather Elves do not weld, and they do not use materials such as sheet metal. The winning device will be named after you, built by The Leather Elves and a portion of the proceeds for each sale will go to AAZK. Please send a written description and a diagram or drawing of your idea (don’t worry- you do not need to be a professional artist!!) to: Robin Shewokis/ The Leather Elves, 43 Mutton Lane, Weymouth, MA 02189. Entries must be received by 30 April 2007. The winning design will be announced at the AAZK National Conference in Galveston, TX and highlighted in a subsequent issue of the AKF. Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence Award - Let Someone Shine! Have you been impressed with an initiative that an individual or group has developed to better enrich their animals? Has an individual or group you know, developed an activity for a species in their care that has brought forth breathtaking natural behavior? Do you know an individual or group that has spearheaded a dynamic program helping their department move forward with sustainable, accountable, zoo-wide enrichment? Has this individual or group inspired you through their dedication to enrichment for captive wildlife? If so, you can let them and their colleagues know just how much their hard work is appreciated through the Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence Award. Information on making a nomination is in this issue of the AKF, so start thinking about that special person or group who you think may be an Enrichment Hero! Award recipients and their work will be highlighted in an issue of the AKF. 76 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 Call for Submissions for Enrichment Options Column - from EO Column Editors Enrichment Options readers - WE NEED YOU! ! We are looking for any and all articles that discuss enrichment processes and philosophies as well as device articles. We are, however, looking for device articles to discuss not only the construction of the device but also the goals, behaviors to be encouraged, process of documentation and findings upon evaluation. We also want to know about the programs, processes and philosophies at your institution and how they work for you. But here comes the critical piece to this equation. We need you, our readers, because you are our most important contributors. We need you to submit articles for publication because the column simply cannot exist without you. We want to share information with institutions all over the world, but we can’t do it without your submissions. We want to hear about how the enrichment process works for your facility. We want to know about specific enrichment devices that are working for your animals. We want to hear your creative perspectives on all things enrichment! Submissions may be sent in hard copy (also include a disk or CD) to: Enrichment Options, AAZK, Inc., 3601 SW 29th St, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Or you may submit material electronically to akfeditor@zk,kscoxmail.com. Please send photos, graphs or charts as separate jpg or tif files. Make sure to provide captions and photo credits. Manuscripts should be sent in MS Word format only. Please provide your contact information, including email and daytime phone number. We hope to hear from YOU soon! Thank you in advance for your contributions! - Enrichment Options Co-editors Rachel Daneault, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo. (Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations. Always think ahead and use good judgement when trying new ideas. You are invited to submit material for the Enrichment Options Column. Look in the January 2004 issue of AKF for guidelines for articles acceptable for this column s format or contact the editor at akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com for a copy of the guidelines. Drawings and photos of enrichment are encouraged. Send to: AKF/Enrichment, 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054, USA. Eds.) BL Career Advancement? I Just Getting Started? Certification Program and The ABI Advantage individual Classes: • CEU approved • Convenient • Fun • Flexible • Exotic Animal Management •Exotic Animal Conservation •Animal Enrichment •Animal Training and More! Qnimaledu.com enriching their lives and ours 866-755-0448 Animal Behavior Institute" Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 77 AAZK Grant Report A Trip Down Under By Jessica Munson, Keeper- Rover Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI This past May I had the opportunity to go Down Under and attend the Second International Congress on Zoo Keeping held at the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. The conference drew 2 1 5 attendants from 24 countries representing Europe, Asia, South and North America, and Australia. I was lucky enough to be able to travel with a good friend and ex-coworker, Amanda Hall from Scovill Zoo. Having a good friend along made the 16-hour flight much more bearable. The conference format had paper sessions part of the day with a trip to an animal park for the other part of the day. My favorite paper of the first day was on semi-free ranging black bears presented by R. Cisneros from the San Diego Zoo. The staff trained several black bears (Ursus americanus) to come into holding pens, urinate on command, and take pole injections to study reproductive physiology of this species. It was amazing what these animals were trained to do and in the short time frame it occurred. After the papers were done we were off to Dreamworld. Dreamworld was similar to Busch Gardens by having animals, shows, and amusement rides but smaller and exhibiting mostly native animals. Dreamworld had a private tiger {Panthera tigris) show for the conference delegates to see. The handlers entered the exhibit with two or three adult hand-raised tigers and had them perform different behaviors such as climbing trees and jumping across objects. It was an impressive but scary show to watch knowing what these tigers could do to the handlers if they chose to. After the show, several of the Dreamworld keepers had native education animals out for us to see and touch with a baby wombat {Vombatus ursinus) wrapped in a blanket being my favorite. While walking around the park at dusk I saw wild flying foxes {Pteropus scapulatus) and kookaburras {Dacelo novaeguineae). It was exciting to see these animals flying around in their native land. The second day started with an early trip to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This was a very nice park. Like some zoos in the U.S. they had lorikeet feedings but unlike in the U.S., they had wild birds that would come in for the feedings. These birds were very friendly for being wild. While 1 was standing with my nectar cup I was covered in birds, including several on my head. It was a lot of fun. After our time at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary we headed back to the hotel for our afternoon paper session. The highlight of the paper session for that day was a training seminar given by Steve Martin. From the couple of times I have seen him speak I have always learned something new and how to apply what he is saying to my situation. The always-popular silent auction ended our second day. I was happy to tell the Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) aviary keepers at Milwaukee County Zoo that the penguin painting they provided me to donate for the auction was pulled for the live auction and went for a good price. The third day consisted mostly of paper presentations. One paper that really caught my attention was on training Nile Crocodiles {Crocodylus niloticus) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom given by A. 78 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 2 Parton. It was surprising how the keepers were able to get all the crocodiles to move into holding areas for feeding and getting them to willingly crate for weights and treatments. Later in the afternoon we were headed for Sea World. This Sea World differed from the ones in the U.S. by not having orcas {Orcinus orca). The park replaced the whales with a huge tank holding large species of shark including bull shark {Carcharhinus Leucas) and tiger shark {Galeocerdo cuvier). It was very impressive seeing such large sharks in person rather than on TV. While looking into the tank from the outdoor viewing deck, you were able to see the sharks’ dorsal fins break the waters surface allowing you to imagine what it would be like to see such a thing while swimming in the ocean. This is not something you want running through your head while snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, which I would be doing later in the trip. The final day of the conference was a day of presentations. I was able to attend a workshop on regurgitation and re-ingestion in western lowland gorillas given by B. Walsh from the Dublin Zoo. There was a lot of good discussion in this workshop because everybody’s gorillas were doing very different behaviors when it came to this topic. It was a huge learning experience for everyone, including the presenter. There were several good papers this day but the one that stuck in my mind was one not of animals but of people. Several zoos have a “Dreamnight at the Zoo”. Currently there are roughly 97 zoos in 20 countries that put on Dreamnights for .children. Dreamnight entails inviting a select number of chronically ill or disabled children and their families for a fun-filled evening at the zoo. If this is done right, a zoo can have a Dreamnight inexpensively or free by using volunteers and having sponsors to help cover the costs. The key is to give these kids an unforgettable night with special activities and programs set up around the zoo. It sounded to me like the zoo itself gets as much out of Dreamnight as the children do, everyone feels good in the end. (Editor s note: See http://www.dreamnightatthezoo.nl/ for information about this project and how you and your zoo can participate. SC) Beach off Great Barrier Reef Overall, this was a great conference. I learned a lot and was able to pass this information on to the appropriate departments at my zoo. It was so much fun getting to talk with keepers from all over the world and to see how zoo keeping is done in their countries. Not only was the conference a great experience, the conference committee set up an excellent post trip to Northern Queensland. I was able to walk through the Crocodile Hunter’s Zoo, ride a train and sky rail through a rainforest in Cairns, go on a crocodile cruise in Daintree, do some snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, and eat breakfast with birds at the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Port Douglas. The whole trip was awesome and left me wanting to see more of Australia. I have several people to thank for making this trip possible for me. First I would like to thank the National AAZK for awarding me the AAZK/Geraldine Meyer Professional Travel Grant. The grant was very helpful when it came time to pay for all the costs of the trip. I would also like to thank the Director, Mike Borders, and Assistant Director/Curator, Dave Webster of Scovill Zoo in Decatur, IL. When I applied for the grant I was working at their zoo, they provided me the reference letters I needed for the grant application. I also would like to thank the Milwaukee County Zoo for providing me financial support and paid leave during the conference. I was fairly new to Milwaukee County Zoo at the time of the conference so without their support this trip would not have been possible. All of you gave me an opportunity of a lifetime that I will never forget. As they say in Australia, “no worries” and “g’day mates”. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 79 Mak inq a (I^onnection with l^eeper Talks By Jennifer Cavarra, Zoo Atlanta Wildlife Theatre, Atlanta, GA Jay Pratte, Zoo Atlanta Giant Panda Keeper, Atlanta, GA and Member A AZK Animal Training Committee Zoos today are asking more of their keeper staff, including scheduled talks, training demonstrations and animal encounters. These events are playing an expanded role in animal areas zoo wide. Training presentations and similar programs are not just for wildlife shows and elephants anymore. The visitors need motivation to pay the entry fee, or buy a membership and return numerous times. There needs to be inherent entertainment value associated with a visit to the zoo. On a business level it increases the value of a zoo ticket. For example, longer visits encourage purchase of concession items. On a mission level it promotes learning and concern for animals and their habitat. Kids who are inspired have their parents buy books and stuffed animals. Adults and children, impassioned by what they learn, may further support the zoo, outside conservation efforts, and take action in their own homes. These types of responses help secure the future o,f zoos and conservation. The zoo public is a complex demographic with attitudes varying widely among visitors. Zoo guests are diverse in age and experience, and each visitor who walks through the gate has a different goal for his/her visit and a different perspective. Guests may be interested in a myriad of topics. Natural history, conservation efforts, school programs, or just relaxation or entertainment are but a few possible examples. Keepers through demonstrations, talks, and training sessions become the face of the zoo. We are experts in our fields. We are the ambassadors for our animals and the eco-system in which they live. Visitors place inherent trust in what we share, based on our role as animal caretakers, and we are a critical link between a hugely diverse group of animals and the public. Keeper talks and encounters are a simple, cost-effective addition to daily or weekly activities that visitors may attend. That is, keeper talks are intended to be a simple addition to our day that the zoo can schedule so that visitors may attend. We are all faced, however, with a huge daily schedule of cleaning, documentation, enrichment and training. Keepers are astoundingly busy, and talks become just one more thing to squeeze into a demanding schedule. Keepers are here to work with animals. Changing that focus to interactions with guests can be challenging for keepers without experience or desire to speak publicly. Given the level of experience and the extremely detailed nature of our work, it can be a challenge to convey our expertise to the public. Keepers need to try to evolve their perspective, viewing talks and presentations as an opportunity to educate the visitors. Since guests cannot inherently know how involved our careers are or how demanding a keeper’s routine is, we can use our experience and passion for the field to generate interest from zoo guests. Within the diversity of visitor interests lies the inherent challenge with any public presentation. Every visitor has a different perspective on the zoo and the animals, and so has different questions, different needs to be addressed. Addressing the wide range of views and perspectives of visitors can prove difficult, particularly in group settings such as keeper encounters, animal feedings, or wildlife and bird shows. Keepers should learn to focus these expansive and diverse interests into articulate presentations. By listening to the visitors and paying attention to what it is they are looking for, keepers can guide a presentation in a direction that allows them to answer questions, while still presenting the desired message or theme. The questions asked by guests often reflect a need for basic understanding of animals, and the keeper’s role in interacting with them. The standard ones many keepers hear are often “Does it 80 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 bite?” or “Can I touch it?” Some questions pose a complicated challenge. For example, when visitors ask giant panda keepers at Zoo Atlanta “Why don’t you know if the female is pregnant?” the answer to this question is detailed, and involves biological explanations that some people will delight in learning. Yet often visitors do not or cannot process the technicalities involved, and so addressing the question becomes a distinct challenge. Zookeepers everywhere field questions like this daily. Such questions signal a need for preparedness in presentations and shows, and can be used to further shape and guide entertaining and educational interactions. Still need more material? Use the resources of your facility to learn about shows and presentations. Share the messages from conservation lectures, focus on your zoo and mission statement, and offer anecdotes about the animals that inspire such dedication to the job. Attend a wildlife show, or other scheduled presentations, and observe the guests’ expressions. Visitors’ reactions, such as surprise or laughter, demonstrate how engaged they are in the material being presented. By observing other demonstrations, keepers can get a feel for how they would like to interact with guests, and be provided with many new ideas about how to successfully educate and simultaneously entertain. When deciding on an approach for a keeper talk or presentation, consider the strengths and weaknesses of a script. Scripts can be a reliable and secure design, as the wording and information are uniformly ordered and length is often precise. The exact nature of scripts allows many people or departments The necessity for keeper talks and the challenges they embody do not have to be stressful for keepers. Start by talking about your job and educating zoo visitors on your vital role in daily animal care. A voluntary blood draw from this male panda, taken behind-the-scenes, is an incredible accomplishment to narrate to guests to get them thinking about husbandry. Until confronted with the reality, visitors don’t seem to give the behind-the-scenes, or after-hours care, a second thought. Share the many roles that are undertaken daily, the skills and experience required, and share the anecdotes that result. Keepers monitor even the most basic details, ranging from water quality for fish, to preferred bamboo species for pandas. We are practiced trainers well beyond the funny antics seen on TV. We support research, expanding our knowledge of animals, thereby improving our ability to care for them. We participate in local and national committees on conservation and fundraising. During interactions, staff members represent themselves, their profession, the zoo, and corresponding professional associations. Introduce yourself; build your credibility as a professional, and share your background. Guests are often interested in keeper history. Did you go to school? How did you get the job? Where did you learn how to train? As a keeper with expertise in your species it is important to speak with passion and enthusiasm about your animals, and the importance of your work and the role of zoos in the “big picture.” Outline the many contributions keepers make in global conservation efforts, through research, fund-raising, even involvement in TAG’S and SSP’s. The numerous aspects of our routine that keep us busy and inspired to work with animals are great educational material for a keeper talk or training demonstration. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 34 No. 81 such as education, marketing, and curators to contribute to the information presented to the public. Individuals who are new to an area, or are extremely nervous, ean memorize the words of a script and recite them to the publie. The exact scope of a seript can also focus the information regarding an animal speeies into a smaller quantity, usually easier for the public to understand. Conversely, the preeise nature of scripts leaves little to the imagination and can lead to difficulty in messaging. Animals on exhibit or in a training session are blissfully unaware of the content and timing inherent in seripts, and aetivities may not corrobo- rate well with the information dietated. Scripts cannot accurately refleet the daily activities of your animals, or of changing schedules, exhibit issues, animal group dynamics, etc. It will be difficult to follow a script discussing the importanee of gorilla conservation in Africa if no one is listening because the newest twins are playing tug-of-war in front of the viewing window where you are speaking. Seripts also may not elaborate on those areas of diverse interest that each guest possesses. If a child wants to know the differenee between a turtle and a tortoise, and the seript is addressing the home range of Aldabra tortoises then an opportunity to engage and maintain interest may be lost. Unrevised fact recitation can become monotonous and boring for presenters and guests alike. Jennifer, during a wildlife show, diseusses the importance of recyeling with an African Pied Crow {Corvus Albus) demonstrating. Another alternative is a non-scripted show, perhaps outlined in bullet points. Observations about the animals’ eurrent aetivities can be ineluded, as well as questions posed by guests. Focus and emphasis ean shift based on input from the visitors, and what they find interesting. However, exact presentation of information, precise length, and uniformity of delivery is lost. A non-scripted encounter can require a good general knowledge of several areas, as discussions can lead in many directions. Yet this directionless, informal style of presentation may prove more difficult for inexperienced individuals. Transitions from one topie to another often require spontaneity and imagination. Diffieult topics can arise, and the presenter will be expected to supply truthful, yet diplomatie answers. If time is short, or there is not adequate time for preparation, guests will enjoy even a brief question-and-answer encounter with a keeper. In our experienee, the spontaneity and engagement of an informal style encourages involvement and greater interest from zoo guests. Regardless of seript or experience it is vital to make a connection with visitors. There are innumerable methods for achieving this goal. Harness your experiences and anecdotes, and make it relevant to the guests’ lives. Show guests features that you find interesting about a particular species, and employ their knowledge of natural history. For example, have guests focus on the eyes of the milky eagle owl. Have guests make a fist to demonstrate the size their eyes would be if they were an owl, requiring noeturnal vision to survive. Ask what their favorite animal is and why, then build on their response. If they like the giraffe, and your presentation is about tigers, find commonalities between the species to spark interest in what you have to teaeh. Perhaps segue from giraffes in Africa, to lions in Africa, to big cat social groups, and then to why tigers in zoos are often solitary. Use animal life histories, your experiences, and quiek thinking to maintain a connection with your guests. Take into aecount your environment. Is there a vantage point where you can see some behind the scenes doors? Is there enriehment in view that can help direct a discussion? Altering your locations 82 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 allows you to share various features of the habitats and can add depth to your encounter. Have guests imagine how strong a fence must be for an elephant that can uproot a tree, or how important it is to be sure the otters have a clean pool. Explain the value of off-exhibit areas, and discuss specific housing or care for reproduction. Evaluate your surroundings, and decide if changes could be made that might facilitate a presentation. For example, a habitat wall for the giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta was recently modified to allow for outdoor training demonstrations. Guests would often express interest about the various training methods mentioned during keeper talks. However, training on view to the public was not feasible with the original design of the enclosures. When a wall between two outdoor habitats required replacement, the opportunity to provide a demonstra- tion area was taken. A large mesh door Jay trains a male giant panda (Ailuwpoda melanoleuca) through mesh doors allowing guests to simultaneously view trainer and animal on exhibit. was installed where keepers could safely train a giant panda on the other side, in full view of the public. Although this was a large modification, observe your environment with new eyes, looking for even small means of improving it for the benefit of visitor education. Biofacts are an excellent tool for focusing the attention of children and adults alike. They are also an excellent resource for presenters who might be unsure about how to initiate an exchange, or to trigger questions from guests. It does not have to be an expensive or sophisticated prop. Rather, it can be as simple as bringing out a bucket with the animal’s diet in it. Kids like to look into the bucket to see if orangutans eat what they do. Take a large stamp pad to your animal’s next physical exam, make a paw print and laminate it, and then you can point out foot features, and let visitors compare size with their own hands. Collect shed lion whiskers in a bag and illustrate the immense size difference between the “king of the jungle” and their own housecat. Using biofacts, or artificial devices that relate the animals to something pertinent in the visitors’ lives may forge a strong connection to your messaging. This connection is vital for your message to have an impact, hopefully making the important leap to personal involvement, both in the zoo and in personal conservation efforts. Show the knowledge and depth of detail you possess for each animal. Share names, stories and anecdotes that the guests will enjoy. Above all, turn the animals into individuals. Everyone has someone they look up to, be it a parent, teacher, or movie star. Discuss your animals as “animal stars”. For example, Willie B is the huge star at Zoo Atlanta. His story lives on even after his death. He lived alone for years in a steel and cement enclosure. As conditions at Zoo Atlanta improved, he was introduced to a natural exhibit and other gorillas. He enjoyed the naturalistic habitats for the rest of his life and sired several offspring. Now his descendants live in the new habitat, continuing a legacy. The story touches most visitors, because anyone can understand the pain of isolation and embrace the change from a barren life of cement and tile, to grass and trees outdoors. Engage the guests and then use similar stories or successes to tie into what keepers do daily, the importance of enrichment, and how animals that can perform natural behaviours will likely breed better, live happier, and be more entertaining. Regardless of scripting, props, location, etc., keep the talks entertaining. Use a sense of humor, and keep guests involved. The more that you let visitors contribute, the more they will take away with Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 83 them. Keep the messaging simple. Guests really only need 1-3 fun faets to remember, facts that may remain with them for a lifetime. Don’t avoid difficult or sensitive topics, but learn how to answer the questions diplomatically and truthfully. One fun personal anecdote recalls relatives visiting the zoo years ago, when one of the authors began a tour with a rhinoceros feeding. The topic of breeding was discussed, including our male’s lack of breeding experience and the zoo’s current lack of a baby rhino. The keeper diplomatically informed everyone that the female had the right real estate; the male just couldn’t find the right location. And as we all know, location is everything. The relatives were amused and educated simultaneously, and discuss the impact of that statement to this day. Finally, we encourage any program to discuss what visitors can do to aid zoos and conservation themselves. Instill a sense of responsibility that can easily be accomplished. An excellent example is to point out the number of cellular phones carried by guests. Explain how cell phones have been linked to mining minerals for the circuits, endangering or destroying critical habitat in Africa. Discuss recycling electronics, and | transition into the benefits of recycling their glass, plastic, and paper on a regular basis. Point out “Do Not Feed the Animals” signs, and explain their importance. Then encourage people not to throw their trash out a car window, as it may end up in the stomach of a crow or curious otter. There are no vets for wildlife and many animals can be- come sick and die from human garbage. Empower visitors to take a simple conservation message home, and provide a sense of accomplishment for undertaking simple changes in perspective. A Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara Araraund) forages for his dinner, guests can watch the show from a window. When the keeper talk or presentation is over, say a fond farewell to the attendees. Share with them an appreciation for their questions and interest, letting them know that the busy life of a keeper awaits. After a well-orchestrated interaction, visitors should leave with a sense of appreciation for each animal as an individual and with a respect for its natural history. Remind them of their fun facts, how they can make a difference, and encourage them to observe and learn more at each animal exhibit. Then remind them that they are valued and important, and invite them to come again. Keeper talks are a powerful tool that can be used in every area. A well-designed keeper talk is an open, entertaining forum in which keepers can make a difference in visitors’ zoo experiences and lives. All photos provided by the authors 84 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 2 AAZK Membership Application (Please Print) check here if renewal [ ] Name [Email Mailing Address City □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Zoo Affiliation (if any)_ Zoo Address Title State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country U.S. Members Canadian Members $40.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ $40.00 Professional Full-time Keepers $35.00 Affiliate Other staff & volunteers $35.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility □ □ $40.00 Affiliate Other staff & volunteers $40.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $65.00 or up - Individuals Contributing/U.S. □ $65.00 or up - Individuals Contributing/Canada $125.00 or up Institutional/U.S. Organizations/Institutions (requires Board approval) □ $125.00 or up Institutional/Canada Organizations/Institutions (requires Board approval) $125.00 Commercial Members I I Library Only (i.e.Animal-related food & supplies) $40.00 Library Available ONLY to public & university libraries (in U.S.) International Members $55.00 International All members outside U.S. &Canada regardless of category My check is enclosed (AAZK, Inc.) 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