January 2018, Volume 45, No. 1
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5 ABOUT THE COVER
6 FROM THE PRESIDENT
8 COMING EVENTS
9 ANNOUNCEMENTS
FEATURED ARTICLES
10-13
The Development of Simulated Termite Mounds
for Sanctuary Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes):
Construction Methods and Materials
Leilani Case and Amy Fultz
14-17
Describing the Introduction of a Francois Langur
(Trachypithecus francoisi) and
Muller’s Gibbon (Hylobates muelleri) Pair
in a Mixed-species Exhibit.
Austin Leeds, Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz, Heather
Mock Strawn, Katie D'Agostino, Mike Negron,
Dr. Elena Less, and Tad Schoffner
ICZ ANNOUNCEMENT
18-21
International Congress of Zoo Keepers
WORDS ON WELFARE
22-23
Striving for Evidence-based
Animal Welfare Science
Beth Posta
TRAINING TALES
24-28
Training of Voluntary Blood Draw on
2.0 Western Lowland Gorillas
Julie Good, Austin Leeds, Brian Price,
and Angel Mitchell
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AMERICAN
ASSOCIATION
OlZQQ KIEFERS
1967-2017
MISSION STATEMENT
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. exists to
advance excellence in the animal keeping profession,
foster effective communication beneficial to animal care,
support deserving conservation projects, and promote
the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.
ABOUT THE COVER
This month's cover photo features a Francois' Langur ( Trachypithecus francoisi) at the
Cleveland MetroparksZoo by Dale McDonald. Francois' Langurs can be found in the southern
Guangxi province of China, northern Vietnam and west-central Laos. Francois' Langurs have
blackfurwith a white stripe stretchingfrom ear-to-earand a black crest atop the head. Young
langurs display bright orange coloring, an adaptation that scientists believe may encourage
females in the group to offer care. This primate species occupies dense forests, where they
climb through the canopy in search of leaves on which to feed.
Francois Langurs feed primarily on leaves. Because leavesare low in nutrients,the monkeys
have a multi-chambered stomach that helps them digest their diet. Special bacteria in the
stomach also aid the process. The species lives in groups consisting of 3-10 individuals.
The females show allomothering behaviors, with non-mothers cooperating in their care and
feeding of young. Males define their territory with hoarse vocalizations.
Francois' Langurs are listed as an Endangered species. The are managed within AZA as
a Yellow SSP.
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 e-mail
contributions of late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space
allows. Phone (330) 483-1104; FAX (330) 483-1444; e-mail is shane.good@aazk.org. If
you have questions about submission guidelines, please contact the Editor. Submission
guidelines are also found at: aazk.org/akf-submission-guidelines/.
Deadline for each regular issue is the 3 rd 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.
Regular back issues are available for $6.00 each. Special issues may cost more.
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Animal Data Transfer Forms available for download at aazk.org. AAZK Publications/Logo
Products/Apparel available at AAZK Administrative Office or at aazk.org.
ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM
TO CONTACT THE AKF EDITOR:
Shane Good, AKF Editor
P.0. Box 535, Valley City, OH 44280
330-483-1104
Shane.Good@aazk.org
AAZK Administrative Office
American Association of Zoo Keepers
8476 E. Speedway Blvd. Suite 204
Tucson, AZ 85710-1728
520-298-9688 (Phone/Fax)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE/FINANCIAL OFFICER: Ed Hansen
E-mail: Ed.Hansen@aazk.org
ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM - EDITOR
Shane Good, Shane.Good@aazk.org
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Elizabeth Thibodeaux, Elizabeth.Thibodeaux@aazk.org
ENRICHMENT OPTIONS COLUMN COORDINATORS
Julie Hartell-DeNardo, Heather Dunn
Stephanie Miner, Beth Stark-Posta, Beth Ament-Briggs
TRAINING TALES COLUMN COORDINATORS
Kim Kezer, Jay Pratte, Angela Binney
CONSERVATION STATION COLUMN COORDINATOR
Lauren Augustine
ANIMAL WELFARE COLUMN COORDINATORS
Julie Hartell-DeNardo, Heather Dunn
Stephanie Miner, Beth Stark-Posta, Beth Ament-Briggs
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OVERSIGHTS
PRESIDENT: Bethany Bingham, Bethany.Bingham@aazk.org
Conference Manager
VICE PRESIDENT: Mary Ann Cisneros, Maryann.Cisneros@aazk.org
Ethics Chair
Bylaws
Program Chair: Rebecca Filippini, Rebecca.Filippini@aazk.org
BOARD MEMBER: Bill Steele, Bill.Steele@aazk.org
Awards Committee
Chair: Jan McCoy, Jan.McCoy@aazk.org
Vice Chair: Denny Charlton, Denny.Charlton@aazk.org
Grants Committee
Chair: Jessica Biggins, Jessica.Biggins@aazk.org
Vice Chair: Amanda Ott, Amanda.Ott@aazk.org
BOARD MEMBER: Azzara Oston, Azzara.Oston@aazk.org
Conservation Committee
Chair: Christy Poelker, Christy.Poelker@aazk.org
Bowling for Rhinos Program
Program Manager: Carol McCallum, Carol.McCallum@aazk.org
Vice Manager: Kym Janke, Kym.Janke@aazk.org
Trees for You and Me Program
Program Manager: Christy Mazrimas-Ott, Christy.Mazrimas-Ott@aazk.org
Vice Manager: Anthony Nielsen, Anthony.Nielsen@aazk.org
BOARD MEMBER: Lee Hart, Lee.Hart@aazk.org
Professional Development Committee
Chair: Ellen Vossekuil, Ellen.Gallagher@aazk.org
Vice Chair: Kerri D'Ancicco, Kerri.D'Ancicco@aazk.org
International Outreach Committee
Chair: Yvette Kemp, Yvette.Kemp@aazk.org
Vice Chair: Noah Shields, ncshield@gmail.com
BOARD MEMBER: Hardy Kern, Hardy.Kern@aazk.org
Communication Committee
Chair: James Weinpress, James.Weinpress@aazk.org
AAZK Resource Committee
Chair: Robin Sutker, Robin.Sutker@aazk.org
Vice Chair: Rebecca Salinas, Rebecca.Salinas@aazk.org
National Zoo Keeper Week Program
Program Manager: Kristen Scaglione, Kristen.Scaglione@aazk.org
BOARD MEMBER: Paul Brandenburger, Paul.Brandenburger@aazk.org
Behavioral Husbandry Committee
Chair: Megan Wright, Megan.Wright@aazk.org
Vice Chair: Kaitlyn Wiktor, Kaitlyn.Wiktor@aazk.org
Safety Committee
Chair: Kelly Murphy, Kelly.Murphy@aazk.org
Vice Chair: Sara Morris, Sara.Morris@aazk.org
January 2018 |Vol.45 No. 11 5
FROM THE PRESIDENT
2017
by the numbers
7
The AAZK Board of Director’s
swore in four new members and
expanded to a 7-person Board.
$819K
AAZK Chapters raised $819,038.79
during the calendar year 2016 for
conservation locally, nationally,
and globally. Once the Chapter
recharter process is complete for
this year we will hopefully see that
trend continue in the reflection of
2017 funds raised.
100
The AAZK membership
grew by approximately 100
members in 2017.
Happy New Year!
As we look forward to what 2018 may bring us, I hope we can all be proud of our accomplishments
during the past year.
In 2017, AAZK celebrated its 50 th anniversary and we were honored to have the annual conference
hosted by the National Capital Chapter of AAZK in Washington, DC. Throughout the year we highlighted
ourgolden anniversary by offering a Golden Animal Photo Contest for the cover of the Animal Keeper’s
Forum, a Golden Keeper Contest, monthly AAZK Golden Trivia and anniversary merchandise in the
AAZK shop. I hope you enjoyed celebrating with us.
AAZK Committees and Programs
Recognition
► The AAZK Grants Committee recognized the efforts of six AAZK professionals and one AAZK
Chapter with specialized grant opportunities.
► The AAZK Awards Committee hosted the first upscale evening Awards ceremony during
the National Conference that included some excellent entertainment and rhino statues to
accompany awards in honor of our 50 th anniversary.
Education
► The AAZK Professional Development Committee, in conjunction with the Conference Host
Chapter and facility, brought you three new Professional Certificate Courses in Reptile and
Amphibian Husbandry, Keeper Excellence in Research, and Zoo Nutrition.
► The AAZK International Outreach Committee hosted the first recipient of the Latin America
Travel Grant during the National Conference.
Conservation
► The AAZK Bowling for Rhinos Program reached a milestone with the all-time total surpassing
$7 million dollars, marking 27 years of contributions toward rhino conservation.
► The AAZK Trees for You and Me Program had an incredible fundraising year in 2017 and
raised $18,364.45 which will be split between two recipients to plant trees this year for
habitat restoration.
Communication
► The AAZK Resource Committee organized the first Committee and Program table during the
annual conference so that delegates could have the opportunity to network and learn more
about what we are working on and working towards.
► The AAZK Communication Committee helped to increase our followers on Facebook by more
than 2,600 for a total of more than 13,600 followers.
Regulation
► The AAZK Behavioral Husbandry Committee completely reviewed and edited the AAZK
Enrichment Notebook publication and created the fourth edition, which will be available for
purchase in early 2018.
► The AAZK Safety Committee presented its second Topical Workshop during the National
Conference and authored its first article, on hurricane and flood safety, in the October issue
of the Animal Keeper’s Forum.
As we welcome in 2018,1 hope we all continue to foster our passion for animal care. Share your
passion by recruiting new members to the profession, to AAZK and to your Chapters. Continue to
network with your peers and seek professional development opportunities to become the very best
that you can be in your field. Be champions for conservation through AAZK programs locally and
globally. And challenge yourselves to have excellent communication with one another. I believe that
communication is interwoven into everything we do as animal care professionals and is the most
important tool we have to keep us engaged with our profession, our animals, and our communities.
Be precise. Be relevant. Be accessible. Be credible.
On behalf of the Board, we are always available. I look forward to hearing from you. All the best,
6 | ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM
Bethany
Bethany.Bingham@aazk.org
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
'Roll into 2018 with as!
The Wildlife Toy Box animal enrichment balls are offered in 48" 36" 24", 18"
and 12" Balls. These are offered in five different wall thicknesses, making
these great for ALL animals! All of these balls are supplied with standard with
a metal hex plug. If you require a plastic patch instead let us know when you
are ordering.
Metal Hex Plug
Order the LShaped Hex Drive
when ordering your
enrichment items. This tool is
$12 and works on all our metal
hex plugs. Add liquid or sand
through this port,
www.wi Id I ifetoybox.com
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Plastic Patch have to worry
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(866) 793-0376 5ales@wildlifetoybox.com
COMING
EVENTS
Post upcoming events here!
e-mail shane.good@aazk.org
March 24-29, 2018
AZA Mid-Year Meeting
Jacksonville, FL
Hosted by Jacksonville Zoo
and Gardens
For more information go to:
aza.org/conferences-
meetings#mym
April 8-13, 2018
Animal Behavior
Management Alliance
(ABMA) Annual Conference
San Antonio, TX
Hosted by San Antonio Zoo
and Sea World San Antonio
For more information go to:
theabma.org/abma-annual-
conference/
April 10 or 11, 2018
(*same workshop held each day)
Ape Cardio Health Workshop
Waco, TX
Hosted by Cameron Park Zoo
For more information contact:
orangutan@wacotx.gov
May 4-6, 2018
Recon: Reconnecting with
Elephants in Restricted
Contact.
Colorado Springs, CO
Hosted by
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
For more information go to:
cmzoo.org/index.php/recon-
elephant-workshop/
May 7-11, 2018
Practical Zoo Nutrition
Management
Front Royal, VA
Hosted by Smithsonian-Mason
School of Conservation and National
Zoological Park. Goto:
smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/
graduate-and-professional/
professiona l-tra i n i ng-cou rses/
nutrition/
August 23-25, 2018
International Symposium
on Pangolin Care and
Conservation
Brookfield, IL
Hosted by Chicago
Zoological Society
For more information contact:
a my. ro be rts@ czs. o rg
September 23-27, 2018
AZA Annual Conference
Seattle, WA
Hosted by Seattle Aquarium
and Woodland Park Zoo
For more information go to:
aza.org/conferences-
meetings#mym
October 14-18, 2018
International Congress on
Zookeeping
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hosted by Fundacion
Temaiken and the
International Congress
of Zoo keepers
For more information go to:
iczoo.org/congress
October 15-20, 2018
Otter Keeper Workshop
Portland, OR
Hosted by Oregon Zoo
For more information go to:
otterkeeperworkshop.org/
October 25-27, 2018
Waterfowl Conservation
Workshop
Greenville, NC
Hosted by International Wild
Waterfowl Association and
Sylvan Heights Bird Park
For more information go to:
waterfowlconservation.org
October 4-8, 2018
[. AAZK National Conference
0 Denver, CO
AMERICAN
Hosted by the Rocky Mountain
AAZK Chapter and Denver Zoo
ASSOCIATION
rmaazk.org/2018-national-
of ZOO KEEPERS
aazk-conference/
8 | ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2018 AAZK AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPENED
The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) Awards Committee is accepting nominations for
the following awards:
► Lifetime Achievement - AAZK Professional Service Award
► Lifetime Achievement - Meritorious Service Award
► Lutz Ruhe Meritorious Achievement - AAZK Professional of the Year Award
► Jean M. Hromadka AAZK Excellence in Animal Care Award
► Nico van Strien Leadership in Conservation Award
► Lee Houts Advancement in Enrichment Award
► Certificate of Merit for Zoo Keeper Education
► Certificate of Excellence in Exhibit Renovation
► AAZK Excellence in Animal Nutrition Award
Awards will be presented at the 2018 AAZK Conference in Denver, CO. The deadline for nominations
is 1 May 2018. Information concerningthequalifications, nomination procedure, selection procedure
and an explanation of the awards may be obtained at www.aazk.org, under committees/awards
Rocky Mountain AAZK invites you to the
46 th Annual AAZK National Conference
Please join us October 4th-8th, 2018 in Denver, CO
We are excited to offer three Professional Certification Courses
this year:
Paper and Poster Abstracts submissions will be accepted later
this year-stay tuned!
If you are interested in teachings workshop, Workshop Abstract
Submissions are currently being accepted, so be sure to
download the application from our website and submit to the
Professional Development Committee by January 15th, 2018.
► Elevating Your Impact: Leadership,
Process-Improvement, & Teambuilding
► Advanced Behavioral Husbandry
► Innovations in Small Primate Care
For the most up to date information visit our website
www.rmaazk.org Or email us at aazkdenver2018@gmail.com.
January 2018 | Vol. 45 No. 11 9
The Development of Simulated Termite Mounds
for Sanctuary Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes):
Construction Methods and Materials
Leilani Case, Behavior Specialist
Amy Fultz, Director of Behavior and Research
Chimp Haven
Keithville, Louisiana
Chimp Haven is a sanctuary for over 200 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes),
some of whom are rotated through large forested habitats of 12,140
to 20,234 square meters. Chimp Haven has an extensive enrichment
program and, as part of that program, we provide different types of
occupational enrichment (Panu, 2006). Environmental enrichment
is defined as “the provision of animate, inanimate and nutritional
environmental modifications that promote the expression of species-
appropriate behaviors (e.g., foraging)” (Reinhardtand Reinhardt, 2008).
Chimpanzees in the wild often use tools to "fish” for termites or ants
(Goodall, 1986). In captivity, we simulate this type of behavior using
a simulated termite mound (Nash, 1982). Since 2006, we have built
and installed three termite mounds in three separate forested habitats.
Figure 1: Termite mound 1 going through the door of habitat with tractor.
Each time we have manufactured a termite mound, we have learned
something new. In this article, we provide the basis for each of our
termite mounds, lessons learned, and materials and methods for our
most recently constructed termite mound in the hope they will assist
others with providing occupational enrichment to the chimpanzees in
their care.
Over the last 10 years, we have employed different methods of creating
termite mounds. We have based all of our termite mounds off the
mound created by the Honolulu Zoo ( www.honoluluzoo.org l One of the
first questions that arose during our termite mound building was, how
much will this cost? At the time, we could not locate any information on
Figure 2: Termite mound 2 with multiple chimps.
10 | ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM
Figure 3: Termite mound 3. View of the first steps beginning with metal sheeting
for base and door. Placing diamond mesh around the metal doorframe and
welding rebar to the base.
approximate cost to build a termite mound, so we had no way to budget
for it. The next question that came up was, who will build it? Maintenance
staff? Keepers? Enrichment staff? Interns and volunteers? The third
question was, where should we build it? In the enclosure? In another
location? If we build it outside the enclosure, how will we get it into the
enclosure? The final question was, how long would it take to build it?
Termite Mound 1:
This termite mound was our first and construction began at a staff
member’s home in 2005. It took over a year to build and install in an
animal area in 2006. The staff member donated many of the materials,
so the overall cost is unknown. Several individuals were involved in
the building of the termite mound, including additional staff members
and volunteers. Building the overall form of the termite mound offsite
required transporting the initial form from this location to the sanctuary.
This created difficulties due to the weight and size of the termite mound,
which required a tractor to lift it onto the bed of a trailer. Thankfully, it
was a short distance from the home to the sanctuary. Because of the
weight of the termite mound, we decided to add the last layer of cement
within the chimpanzees’ habitat. This meant that we had to move it into
the habitat first, which required the use of a crane and tractor (Figure 1).
We forgot to consider the size of the entrance to the habitat area, which
the tractor barely cleared. Finishing the final layer of cement inside of
the habitat required locking the chimpanzees in for a few days to allow
the cement to dry. Initially, we used wood for the back door access
area of the mound (this is where humans access the mound to clean
it) and the chimpanzees broke it immediately during a display. We then
converted the door to metal sheeting. We learned from this that having
our maintenance team involved was key, from the construction of the
frame, which required welding and manipulating metal, to placing the
termite mound in the habitat. Other staff members or volunteers could
complete attaching the PVC pipes (schedule 40) and adding cement.
We built this mound for a group of approximately 17 chimpanzees, but
it accommodates six chimpanzees at the most at one time.
Termite Mound 2:
After our experiences with the first termite mound, we made a few
changes when we decided that to add one to another habitat. We
constructed this mound in 2007 over a period of five months. Building
began onsite in the maintenance shop by our enrichment technician and
our maintenance staff who dedicated many hours to its construction; we
then moved the mound into the habitat as before. After observing the
chimpanzees at our first termite mound, we decided that we would like
to accommodate more chimpanzees at the mound and have multiple
places where they could perch while using the mound. To accomplish
this, we made the mound larger and added peaks and flat spaces.
We improved a few other features as well. First, we made the human
door opening to the inside larger as the prior mound required a small
caregiver and was a very tight space. Then we attached a metal door
with two locking points to close it, rather than one, as was the case in
the first termite mound. This gives the door added strength and integrity
against the chimpanzees’ assaults. We also added more PVC pipes to
accommodate more chimpanzees and reduce competition. The PVC
tubes are at a vertical orientation in order to aid filling the device with
liquids/semi-liquids such as applesauce. We built this mound for a group
of 17 chimpanzees, but it typically accommodates 8-10 chimpanzees
at a time (Figure 2).
We identified several problems with termite mounds 1 and 2. For both
of our initial termite mounds, the schedule 40 PVC pipe has broken
overtime, and it is difficult to secure with cement and glue both initially
and during inevitable repairs. In addition, because the PVC pipes are
not removable, they are difficult to clean, as we cannot bring them to
a regular sanitizing area. We have to carry water a long distance (with
chemical disinfectant and detergent) in order to clean them.
Figure 4: View of the metal nipple welded to rebar and the covering of diamond
mesh. Included is the view of the PVC portion of the tube, typically filled with
edible items (see Table 1 for PVC items).
January 2018 | Vol. 45 No. 11 11
Figure 5: Filled PVC portion of tubes. The PVC TOE nipple is glued to the PVC
schedule 80 nipple, but the PVC threaded cap remains removable. Note: We
fill the termite mound six to ten times each year. Because of the time between
fillings, we sometimes froze the PVC portion. When we did so, the chimpanzees
in this group did not finish all of the edible material. Therefore, we are unlikely
to freeze the PVC in the future. We fill the remaining metal portion of the tube
when we attach the PVC in order to entice the group to use the termite mound.
Termite Mound Number 3:
In 2014, we decided to add a termite mound to a new chimpanzee
habitat. We wanted to improve on our two prior termite mounds as
well as create a list of materials, costs, and steps to share with other
institutions. This model includes a list of supplies and prices, the amount
of time it took to construct the mound, and more detailed step-by-step
instructions. Our maintenance crew and enrichment technicians built
this mound with the assistance of volunteers and interns at various
times throughout the process. Implementation of this termite mound
took longer due to competing duties and an issue with one chimpanzee:
she preferred to remain outdoors, making it difficult to work on the
mound after moving it into the habitat area. From beginning welding 4.
(by maintenance staff) to installing the finished product in an outdoor
Figure 6: The amount of cement (or mortar mix) that goes through the diamond
mesh and then seals to itself. This view includes the metal nipple welded onto
the rebar.
area took a year and a half. Our termite mound measures 1.22 m wide,
.914 m deep, and approximately 1.83 m tall (for the highest peak) and
was built to be used with a group of up to 26 chimpanzees; however,
at this time it has only been tested with groups of up to 12 individuals.
We constructed the mound in our maintenance area at first and then
moved to other areas, still away from animal enclosures. We completed
this entire mound before placing it into the habitat to avoid having to
lock animals inside for any length of time.
Our list of supplies contains some items that we had onsite, which may
be true for others as well. The most expensive items on the list were the
metal decking, rebar, and QUIKRETE® (Table 1). Miscellaneous materials
include a lock (or two) to weld to the door in order to shut it and lock it
(so chimpanzees cannot access it) and metal attachment points welded
to the door in order to have a place to put the locks on.
The steps to construct this mound follow with figures to illustrate some
steps:
1. Weld all metal components together in a shape roughly
resembling a large termite mound in Africa and other termite
mounds in captivity (Figure 3).
2. Bind the diamond mesh using hog rings to the rebar, then weld
the metal portion of the metal nipple (Table 1), TOE nipple, 1.25"
X 6" (item #1XBT8)) to the rebar (Figure 4).
3. Bend the rebar down to make appropriate peaks and valleys
for a simulated termite mound. Then add the metal nipples
by welding them to the rebar. The threaded end of the nipple
allows you to screw on the PVC portion after filling it with edible
substances (Figure 5). The PVC tubes include the female
adapter 1.25" (item #22FJ12) (this screws onto the metal
nipple); nipple 1.25" X 4", PVC gray (item #3FIFT1); and threaded
cap, 1.25" (item #22FJ29) (Table 1). The total length of the
entire tube including the metal nipple is 10 inches.
Add mortar mix to outside of diamond mesh. The cement and
mortar mix were added in two phases: first an uncolored layer
for a solid base, then a colored later. Try to avoid getting cement
on or in the metal tubes as this inhibits the attachment of the
PVC and the filling of the tubes. Note: Using regular cement
became an issue due to the presence of rocks. The rocks do not
allow the cement to go through the mesh, which leads to the
material falling off the metal. We switched to mortar mix (without
rocks), which pushes through the diamond mesh and attaches
to itself on the inside (Figure 6).QUIKRETE® dries very quickly
(within a day, in most cases). Flowever, drying times vary due to
thickness, humidity, and rain. For this termite mound, the first
layer took two days to dry. When applying the mix in batches, if
not used within a few hours, the top layer of a batch can dry and
become too difficult to apply. Follow instructions on bag.
Once the first layer is finished, move the entire mound near the
enclosure using a tractor (Figure 7).
Mix the remaining mortar mix with cement color (per instructions
on bottle) and apply a second layer to the outside for aesthetics
and extra structural support. This layer dried within a day
because it was thinner. We combined the mortar mix with the
coloring in the bucket of a tractor.
Glue the female adapter (female adapter 1.25", item #22FJ12)
to the schedule 80 PVC nipple (nipple 1.25" X 4", PVC gray, item
#3FIFT1) using PVC glue. The final portion of the PVC section is a
removable threaded cap, which aids in cleaning (threaded cap,
1.25", item #22FJ29). Once the threaded cap is on you can fill
with any food item of interest; we typically use no-sugar-added
applesauce (Figure 5).
12 | ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM
Table 1. List of materials and costs to build termite mound 3 at Chimp Haven.
Item
Vendor
Amount of
Material
Cost per Total for
unit Item
Rebar
Local construction
company
200ft
$5.25
$105.00
Metal Decking
Local construction
company
8 X 4ft
$330.00
$330.00
QUIKRETE (R), 50 lbs,
mortar mix
Lowe's
44
$4.98
$219.12
27" X 96" diamond
mesh
Lowe's
3
$7.85
$23.55
Female adapter 1.25",
item #22FJ12
Grainger
14
$0.91
$12.74
TOE nipple, 1.25" X
6", item #1XBT8
Grainger
14
$12.80
$179.20
Nipple 1.25" X 4", PVC
gray, item #3HFT1
Grainger
14
$5.49
$76.86
Threaded cap, 1.25",
item #22FJ29
Grainger
14
$1.34
$18.76
QUIKRETE (R), terra
cotta cement color
Lowe's
2
$5.43
$10.86
Hog rings
Lowe's
40-pack
$1.57
$1.57
Boron alloy lock
Philadelphia Security
Products, Inc.
2
$16.35
$16.35
Oatey 8-fl oz PVC
Cement and Primer
Lowe's
1
$8.78
$8.78
GRAND TOTAL: $1,002.79
Figure 7. Finished view of metal portion of the mound: notice the bottom and
back where we began adding the QUIKRETE®.
All termite mounds installed in our outdoor habitats have issues with
pests. We encounter skunks, wasps, bees, fire ants, spiders (including
the harmful black widow), and other non-hazardous insects.
In conclusion, we created a simulated termite mound for sanctuary
chimpanzees in a relatively short period for around $1000. This provides
the chimpanzees with a stimulating and species-typical activity (Figure
8). The latest version of our termite mound is easier to fill, clean, and
access than previous models and serves as a template for future
termite mounds, both here at Chimp Haven and at other organizations.
Having a detailed list of supplies and their costs allows us to budget
for additional termite mounds and can even provide a prospective
donor with an informed option that will directly affect the lives of Chimp
Haven’s chimpanzees.
Acknowledgements:
The authors thank the many people who contributed to the building of
our termite mounds and, in particular, our hard-working maintenance
staff who are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the happiness
and welfare of Chimp Haven’s resident chimpanzees. We thank Mr.
Steve Snodgrass for editing advice. The views and opinions expressed in
this publication, presentation, or abstract represent the authors’ views
alone, and do not express or imply the views, endorsement, or financial
support of the federal government or any of its agencies, including the
National Institutes of Health, unless otherwise stated by an authorized
representative thereof.
References:
Honolulu Zoo Termite Mound http://www.honoluluzoo.org/support-
the-zoo/enrichment/chimp-enrichment-termite-mound.html
Nash, V. 1982. Tool Use by Captive Chimpanzees at An Artificial
Termite Mound. Zoo Biology 1:211-221.
Goodall, J. 1986. The Chimpanzees ofGombe: Patterns of Behavior.
Cambridge, Massachusetts: Belknap Press.
Panu, L.D. 2006. Chimp Haven’s Integrated Enrichment Program.
Animal Keepers’ Forum 33(6):251-253.
Reinhardt, V., and A. Reinhardt. 2008. Environmental Enrichment
and Refinement for Nonhuman Primates Kept in Research
Laboratories: A Photographic Documentation and Literature
Review. ISBN 978-0-938414-92-6.
Grainger Products in Table 1 https://www.grainger.com/
Lowe’s Products in Table 1 https://www.lowes.com/
Philadelphia Security Products, Inc. in Table 1 http://allpadlocks.com/f(|^
Figure 8. The chimpanzees at Chimp Haven using the completed termite
mound 3.
January 2018 | Vol. 45 No. 1 1 13
Describing the Introduction of a Francois Langur
(Trachypithecus francoisi) and
Muller’s Gibbon (Hylobates muelleri) Pair
in a Mixed-species Exhibit.
Austin Leeds, Graduate Research Associate
Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz, Graduate Research Associate
Heather Mock Strawn, Animal Keeper
Katie DAgostino, Animal Keeper
Mike Negron, Animal Keeper
Dr. Elena Less, Associate Curator of Animals
Tad Schoffner, Curator of Animals
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland, Ohio
Background
The long-term sustainability of animal
populations in zoos is dependent on a variety
of factors. One such factor is maintaining
sufficient space within zoos to manage ideal
population sizes. The natural social structure of
a species can further complicate a population’s
space requirements. For example, although
many primates live in one-male, multi-female
groups in the wild, most primates maintain
an equal birth/sex ratio in zoos. This means
that many male primates are not immediately
needed, or are ever destined for management
in a breeding situation. As a result, these
males are often housed in all-male bachelor
groups, which has proven to be an effective
management strategy for male socialization.
However, this puts additional stress on a
population’s housing requirements, as zoos
need to commit to managing non-reproductive
groups to sufficiently keep up with breeding
requirements.
One method for increasing a population’s
available space is to house groups as part of
a mixed-species exhibit. Mixed-species exhibits
are becoming increasingly common in zoos
and have been shown to be an effective way
to manage some primate species (Dalton &
Buchanan-Smith, 2005; Leonardi etal., 2010;
Wojciechowski, 2004). The Francois’ langur
(Trachypithecus francoisi) population, which
is currently facing space limitations due to an
increased need to manage bachelor groups,
could benefit from this type of housing (Species
Survival Plan®, Bocian et al., 2016).
At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Francois langurs
have been managed in the zoo’s RainForest
exhibit since its opening in 1992. Two males
were born into Cleveland’s current group in
2011 (Tin Tu) and 2012 (Bronson). In 2014,
when a new breeding male was introduced
to their family group, the two males (then
aged 3 and 2-years-old) were formed into a
separate bachelor group due to aggression.
Since then, this bachelor group has been
periodically housed off-exhibit at Cleveland’s
Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological
Medicine, as well as on exhibit at the Primate,
Cat and Aquatics building (PCA). In the fall of
2016, it was decided to try to integrate the
bachelor group (now aged 5 and 4 years,
respectively) in their current exhibit in the PCA
building with a mother-son Muller’s gibbon
(Hylobates muelleri) dyad (0.1, Laisel, 26 yrs;
1.0 (castrated), Pika, 17 yrs). This exhibit was
large, and it was thought that the pairing would
provide a more enriching experience for both
species, as well as provide a more permanent
housing option for the bachelor dyad. The
purpose of this paper is to describe the
behavior of the langurs and gibbons following
this introduction and provide a discussion
on how mixed-species housing may be a
potentially beneficial method for managing
bachelor Francois langur groups.
Behavior Observations
Behavior observations were conducted by AL
and LBK using the ZooMonitor app (Ross et
al., 2016) on an iPad Mini 2 (Apple Inc.). Over
the three week period in which the dyads
were together, a total of 20 observations were
recorded, each for 30 minutes. This included
four observations on the day of the introduction
(two back-to-back observations immediately
following the introduction, and two additional
observations in the afternoon), then, for the
following week (week one), observations were
conducted twice daily (one AM, one PM) over
four days. During weeks two and three, four
observations were conducted each week (two
AM and PM per week). During observations, the
14 | ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM
social proximity of the closest gibbon-langur
pair was recorded, along with information on
each individual’s exhibit space use, and all
occurrences of social interactions.
Species Introduction
The two dyads were introduced on exhibit at
PCA. The exhibit was an all-indoor exhibit,
approximately 210m 2 in size with 7.6m of
vertical space and perched extensively with
branches, ropes and other climbing features
(Figure 1). The exhibit had two shift areas at the
back of the exhibit: one on ground level hidden
beneath rockwork, and one mesh howdy
cage mounted approximately 3m above the
ground on the back of the exhibit. The exhibit
had no traditional off-exhibit holding area.
Prior to the introduction, all individuals had
spent time housed in this exhibit, so both the
exhibit itself and the shift cages were familiar
to both groups. The langur dyad had been
housed alone in this exhibit for approximately
three months prior to the introduction and
the gibbon dyad, which had been housed on
an outdoor island for five months prior to the
introduction, had been previously managed in
this indoor exhibit as well. The day before the
introduction, the mesh howdy was wrapped in
a blanket to create a visual barrier, and Pika
was transferred from the outdoor island exhibit
to the covered mesh howdy. The following
morning, Laisel was transferred from the
island to the elevated howdy to join Pika. After
a short period of time to allow Laisel to settle
in, the two dyads were introduced by opening
the howdy to allow the gibbons into the exhibit.
Social Proximity
For the first hour they were together, the two
dyads spent an average of 92.3% of their time
at a distance of greater than 5m apart. Overall
for the first day, they spent an average of 67.7%
of their time at this proxim ity. Over the following
three weeks, compared to the first day of the
introduction, their time spent at this proximity
decreased, while time spent within l-5m of
each other increased. Time spent within lm
of each other was rare throughout the study,
and peaked at 3.3% the final week. (Figure 2).
Social Behavior
Over the course of the study, no affiliative
interactions between the gibbon and langur
dyads were observed, nor were any instances
of contact aggression, defined as aggressive
behavior resulting in physical contact.
Displacement, defined as the approach of
one individual resulting in the approachee
relocating, and non-contact aggression, defined
as aggressive behavior such as chasing and
lunging that did not result in physical contact,
were observed throughout the study. Aside
from one instance of non-contact aggression
that was initiated by a langur in week three,
the other 101 displacement and non-contact
Figure 1. The gibbon/langur exhibit as viewed from facing the left side (A) and right side (B) of the exhibit.
aggressive interactions were initiated by the
gibbons towards the langurs (typically initiated
by Pika). Relatively few interactions were
observed on the first day of the introduction,
which had an average of 1.5 (SE = 1.3)
displacements and 0.75 (SE = 0.6) non-contact
aggression interactions per observation. The
rate of non-contact aggression increased in
weeks 1 and 2, and then began to decrease in
week 3 (Figure 3). The rate of displacements
increased in week 2, but otherwise stayed
relatively constant throughout the study period
(Figure 3). Though the rate of non-contact
aggression increased following the initial
introduction, anecdotally, the intensity of these
interactions decreased over time. Initially,
these interactions were characterized by fast
chasing, but as the introduction proceeded,
they changed to light attempts at grabbing or
lunging with little chasing.
Group Separation and Discussion of Future
On November 14, 2016 (beginning of week 4),
keepers found both langurs to have sustained
several injuries overnight; most notably, Tin
Tu had a large gash on his inner thigh that
required veterinary intervention. The dyads
were separated, and given the severity of the
wound, it was determined that the two pairs
would not be reintroduced. Further, it was
noted that the night before the injuries were
discovered, the elevated howdy, which was
normally closed overnight, had been open. It
was hypothesized that the langurs entered the
howdy to sleep and were cornered by at least
one of the gibbons. While staff generally agreed
that this type of encounter was unIikely to occur
again, it was deemed not worth risking the
welfare of the langurs to attempt to reintroduce
the pairs.
Overall, this three week introduction had
proceeded positively, and though it cannot be
said for certain, it could possibly have been
maintained indefinitely with minor husbandry
changes. On two occasions, both at Omaha’s
Flenry Doorly Zoo, a Francois langur group has
been successfully housed with a single male
Muller’s gibbon (Strange, 2013). The first
pairing was with a 1.2 breeding group formed
in 2005. The gibbon was ultimately removed
prior to births in the group over concerns of
injuring an infant langur, but it was considered
a successful grouping. The second pairing
occurred in 2012 with a 3.0 Francois and a
4.0 silvery langur (Trachypithecus cristatus)
group. Ultimately, the groups were separated,
not because of gibbon-langur aggression, but
because of fighting within each respective
langur group. Though the pairing at Cleveland
was not ultimately successful, it does provide
further evidence that pairing of bachelor langur
groups with other primate species could be
feasible, especially in light of other successful
gibbon-langur pairings.
One suggested improvement could be to pair
groups based on age. In this introduction,
the langur group was young (average age 4.5
years) and the gibbon dyad was much older
(average age 22 years). It is conceivable that
housing the bachelor group with another
young primate group would provide for a more
cohesive situation, given that the groups may
be more behaviorally similar. While not a
mixed-species group formation, this age-based
strategy has been highly successful in the
formation and maintenance of bachelor gorilla
groups in zoos (Stoinski et al., 2004), with the
hypothesis being that placing young animals
together will allow for increased opportunity for
affiliative behavior. The resulting social bonds
developed in these early years are then thought
to successfully carry on into adulthood when
affiliative behavior naturally decreases.
A second consideration for a bachelor langur
mixed-species exhibit could be to house
the langurs with a terrestrial species. Some
mixed-species exhibits have focused on
combining terrestrial and arboreal species,
so that the different groups share the same
exhibit but utilize different tiers of the exhibit,
though other arboreal-arboreal and terrestrial-
terrestrial mixed-species exhibits have been
successful (Strange, 2013). This study included
two primarily arboreal species, and it was
hypothesized that given the vertical complexity
of the exhibit, housing these two arboreal
species together would not be an issue. It
is unclear if the dyads experienced difficulty
16 | ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM
100
8 Sim ■ 1-Sm >5m
00
m
tutnoducticm P9v Week l Week 2 Week 3
Figure 2. Average proximity of the closest gibbon-langur pair by introduction phase.
■ Displacement
Non-Contact Aggression
introduction Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
Figure 3. Rate of displacement and non-contact aggressive behavior directed towards
the langurs from the gibbons during the introduction period.
sharing vertical space in this introduction,
and although both species appeared to have
sufficient space to share, it cannot be ruled out.
Finally, another point of improvement could
be to provide each species a “time out” from
each other. The design of the exhibit in this
introduction did not have off-exhibit space to
separate the groups for long periods of time,
thus, the groups were together on-exhibit for
approximately 23 hours a day, only being
separated for exhibit maintenance purposes.
Such a pairing may do better if the groups can
be comfortably housed off-exhibit overnight in
separate areas. This is particularly significant
to this report, as the incident that ended
the introduction occurred overnight when no
staff were present. Sufficient holding space
is important to the successful management
of most single species exhibits and likely was
a contributor to the outcome of this pairing.
This introduction provides evidence that
housing a bachelor langur group with another
primate species may be an appropriate way to
improve the space availability for this species
and further ensure the long-term viability of the
species within AZA zoos. However, additional
attempts and monitoring are needed to better
understand this species’ long-term suitability
in a mixed-species exhibit. We hope that other
zoos can use this information to improve upon
the management of bachelor langur groups in
mixed-species exhibits.
References
Bocian, D., B. Jacobs, and S. Sullivan. (2016).
Francois langur population analysis &
breeding and transfer plan. Association of
Zoos and Aquariums.
Dalton, R., and H.M. Buchanan-Smith.
(2005). A mixed-species exhibit for
Goeldi’s monkeys and pygmy marmosets
Callimico goeldii and Callithrix pygmaea at
Edinburgh Zoo. International Zoo Yearbook
39:176-184.
Leionardi, R., H.M. Buchanan-Smith, V.
Dufour, C. MacDonald, and A. Whiten.
(2010). Living together: behavior and
welfare in single and mixed species groups
of capuchin ( Cebus apella) and squirrel
monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus). American
Journal of Primatology 72:33-47.
Ross, M.R., T. Niemann, J.D. Wark, M.R.
Heintz, A. Horrigan, K.A. Cronin, M.A.
Shender, and K. Gillespie. (2016).
ZooMonitor (Version 1) [Mobile application
software]. Available from httos://
zoomonitor.org.
Strange, D. (2013). Old world monkey taxon
advisory group mixed species manual.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Stoinski, T.S., K.E. Lukas, C.W. Kuhar, and
T.L. Maple. (2004). Factors influencing the
formation and maintenance of all-male
gorilla groups in captivity. Zoo Biology 23:
189-203.
Wojciechowski, S. (2004). Introducing a
fourth primate species to an established
mixed-species exhibit of African monkeys.
Zoo Biology 23:95-108. fffc-
January 2018 | Vol. 45 No. 11 17
ICZ CONSERVATION
COMMITTEE
The ICZ promotes the value of zookeepers in conserving species and habitats, supporting all
activities geared towards establishing links between keepers, educators and conservation
organizations. Key outcomes include sustainability, population management, scientifically-based
research and education programs that promote awareness, and actions that will contribute to
the conservation of wildlife.
Mountain chicken Iroc
CMonlserraS Island. UK]
© Gerardo GarcGa
ICZ represents a resource of over 7,000 keepers worldwide. Keepers have a large range
of specialized skills and knowledge that can be harnessed for conservation work not only
involving breeding of threatened species in zoos, safaris, aquariums, rehabilitation centres and
sanctuaries but which can extend into work in the field. These talents include good observation
and identification skills, knowledge of animal behaviour, animal handling, recording of scientific
information and good physical fitness for undertaking strenuous work in the field. All of these
must be taken in consideration as a huge potential for conservation.
Keepers are a key in keeping, managing and breeding most animal species in captivity. Many
keepers are inspirational in instigating captive components of conservation breeding programs
as well as working in the field on recovery programs. Their intricate knowledge of many species
from working with them on a daily basis can be invaluable for researchers involved in these
programs. The passion of these keepers for the conservation of species is often shown in the
way they volunteer in their own time to work on, or run, numerous in situ programs.
18 | ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM
Zeehontfaicreche Pieterbureii
(The Nelherlancfe)
© Marfa Viedma A
Clephnnf w&rkshop.
in Thailand,
Cl Geiardo Mariuw
i *
Centre Recuperation des
Pnmafcs da I mo ('RPCongo)
© Hitdegufln Johanneses
The ICZ Conservation Committee would like to create a database for
zookeepers involved in any Conservation Project anywhere in the world. As
you know, conservation is very important for ICZ and we would like to share
information from these conservation projects as widely as possible.
Our plan is to compile information on all of these conservation projects and
encourage the involvement of other zookeeper, or better still maybe some will
start new ones of their own. Many conservation projects are run, managed or
helped by animal keepers.
Please, send an email to rvation ic^o for more information
January 2018 | Vol. 45 No. 11 19
WHAT DOES THE ICZ CONSERVATION
COMMITTEE DO?
1. Keeper Notes
We publicise conservation projects, where keepers are involved in any
manner, in the quarterly ICZ electronic newsletter. The aim of this is to
assist spreading the word of the work being done by the project and
informs ICZ members how they can assist themselves.
2. Conservation Map
We created this Map for encouraging keepers to share their projects
with us. The reason is to have a visual picture of where keepers are
involved in conservation projects and reinforce the feeling of pride
about being a keeper, as in many countries keepers are not very well
recognized.
3. Database
The ICZ hold a database of projects which are managed by keepers
around the world. The objective is to share the information as widely
as possible and encourage the involvement of other animal keepers,
or even better, inspire them into starting their own project.
At the moment, we have 63 conservation projects from 12 different
countries.
4. ICZ Website Conservation Section
We aim to display a list of conservation projects in need of volunteers
or assistance with other resources or funding.
5. One Euro from ICZ Congress Registration
The ICZ donates 1 Euro from each registration at the ICZ congress to
a NGO related with reforestation.
In the 2015 Congress in Leipzig this money went for planting trees on
Nusa Penida, an island close to Bali, in Indonesia, where the forest
is disappearing and the Bali starling is very endangered. The project
is run by Friends of National Parks Foundation. Thanks to ICZ they
planted 215 saplings through their agro forestry and we have their
GPS coordinates.
With this action we:
► Helped the planet planting trees and sequester carbon while
they are growing, helping to eliminate the footprints by our
flights to attend the congress.
► Help the economy of the local people: they take care of the
trees and cut them for wood when it is the time.
► We will give bigger carrying capacity for all birds and other
wildlife (seeds, fruit, place...) after about five years post-planting.
6. ICZ Keeper Conservation Grant
We are proud to offer an annual grant for conservation projects involving
keepers up to the value of $US1,000.
The grant applications are assessed by the ICZ grants committee based
on who is most able to make best use of the funds. We consider the
importance of how the project is currently funded, a detailed budget,
if the project is part of a recovery project, if there is any keeper
involvement either through volunteer work or fundraising, and how the
grant may benefit the community through education.
For 2015, and due to the challenge of the ebola crisis in Africa, we had
an appeal from Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Sierra Leone (when
in fact the grant was not officially presented) and they received our first
Conservation Grant. Thanks to international help, like the one provided
by ICZ, donations allowed Tacugama to keep all their staff during the
epidemic, which means they have been able to provide the same
standard of care for the chimpanzees, but also none of their staff have
been left without a job during the crisis. The ICZ grant has covered the
salary of two keepers for two months.
In 2016 the recipient was the project titled "Ecological Monitoring of
Drill for Future Release” by the German association “Save the Drill” in
cooperation with Limbe Wildlife Center (LWC), Cameroon. LWC has a
group of 92 drills living in a stable and cohesive reproductive group,
which is intended to be released in a semi-free naturally-forested
enclosure. With the Grant they were able to monitor them collecting
important behavioural data. The daily observations were made by
keepers or educators in association with a Cameroonian researcher.
The equipment required was bought with the Grant.
In 2017 we received 11 applications and after scoring all of them the
recipient was the project titled "Increasing Reproductive Success of
Imperilled Bornean Hornbills Species” and was submitted by keepers
from Phoenix Zoo, USA. The project works with other NGO’s and the
local community and is aimed at creating artificial nests, which will
incorporate remote sensing equipment to monitor both the artificial
and natural nest cavities.
All the projects submitted were of a very high standards and we had
a difficult time in scoring the submissions. We have to thank Fundacio
Llufs Coromina, in Spain, which sponsored the ICZ Keeper Conservation
Grant 2017.
Applications will be called for on the 1st of September each year
with a closing date of 31 December. The successful candidate will be
announced the first of February.
20 | ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM
For further information about
the committee please e-mail:
conservation@iczoo.org
Raul Cabrera
ICZ Conservation Chair
www.iczoo.org
conservation@iczoo.org
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January 2018 | Vol. 45 No. 11 21
WORDS ON WELFARE
Striving for Evidence-based
Animal Welfare Science
Beth Posta
A note to readers: As you might have already
noticed, AKF launched a new column last
spring focused on bringing objective
animal welfare science to the forefront
of zoo and aquarium care and combine
it with the subjective “art” of animal
welfare. This collaboration of science and
art will allow us as a zoological community
to make educated decisions that are
backed by objective evidence. The goal for
this column is to highlight current animal
welfare research being completed in zoos
by leaders in the field, and provide readers
with relevant information regarding how
to undertake similar projects, or start a
conversation, at your own institutions.
The AZA defines animal welfare as “Animal
Welfare refers to an animal’s collective
physical, mental, and emotional states over
a period of time, and is measured on a
continuum from good to poor.
An animal typically experiences good welfare
when healthy, comfortable, well-nourished,
safe, able to develop and express species-
typical relationships, behaviors, and cognitive
abilities, and not suffering from unpleasant
states such as pain, fear, or distress. Since
physical, mental, and emotional states may be
dependent on one another and can vary from
day to day, it is important to consider these
states in combination with one another over
time to provide an assessment of an animal’s
overall welfare status.”
As the field of animal welfare has grown, we
have learned that simply focusing on negative
indicators of welfare (e.g., stereotypic behavior)
or finding new ways to improve animal care
cannot ensure that an individual animal is
thriving. For example, providing an animal with
food, shelter, and social companionship does
not tell us anything about animal welfare, as
welfare is a characteristic of the animal, not
the environment.
So as we look at how those caring for zoo and
aquarium animals impact animal welfare, we
must consider the relationship between the
physical, emotional and behavioral health of
the animal at any point in time. Welfare is an
effect of a number of input factors, or those
that contribute to the animal’s experience.
These might include diet, training, enrichment,
social housing, natural history, the animal’s
environment, and many others. These inputs
combined, contribute to measurable outputs,
or the measures that can indicate the animal’s
welfare state, whether on the positive end of
the scale or more toward the negative end of
the continuum. Outputs might include physical
measures such as body condition, coat, scale
or feather condition, fecal condition, and blood
values. Emotional states are difficult at best to
measure. However, behavioral measures, such
as activity budgets and behavioral diversity,
especially combined with other physiological
measures such as endocrine function (e.g.
cortisol levels), can provide insight into an
animal’s emotional state.
While welfare is the condition of the animal
itself, the personality and attitude of the
caretaker can have a profound effect on an
animal’s wellbeing. Numerous studies within
the farming community have highlighted the
positive effects of calm, caring, nurturing
animal handling and care on animal health
and productivity in farm animals and the
negative effects of heavy handling and negative
attitudes on productivity, animal health
and welfare (e.g. Hemsworth et al., 1992;
Waiblinger et al., 2006; Hannah et al., 2009).
Similar studies have been conducted in zoos,
examiningthe positive and negative impacts of
keeper attitude and personality on the welfare
of the animals in their care (e.g. Carlstead,
2009; Claxton, 2001; Hosey and Melfi, 2012).
These examples touch the tip of the iceberg of
animal welfare. However, the trend today is for
evidence-based evaluation of individual animal
welfare focused on measurable outputs. While
we recognize that assessing animal welfare
should be based on science, we also know
that not all measures are feasible at all times.
Therefore, we also rely on qualitative, objective
assessments when scientific measures have
not been validated. Continuously monitoring
the collection and using information from a
variety of sources to take an evidence-based
approach to animal welfare management
will help ensure high levels of welfare for the
individual animals within a zoological facility.
References
Carlstead, K. (2009). A comparative
approach to the study of keeper-animal
relationships in the zoo. Zoo Biology 28(6):
589-608.
Claxton, A.M. (2011). The potential of
the human-animal relationship as an
environmental enrichment for the welfare
of zoo-housed animals. Applied Animal
Behaviour Science 133(1): 1-10.
Hanna, D., I.A. Sneddon, and V.E. Beattie.
(2009). The relationship between
the stockperson’s personality and
attitudes and the productivity of dairy
cows. Animal 3(5):737-743.
Waiblinger, S., X. Boivin, V. Pedersen, M.V.
Tosi, A.M. Janczak, E.K. Visser, and R.B.
Jones. (2006). Assessing the human-
animal relationship in farmed species: a
critical review. Applied Animal Behaviour
Science 101(3):185-242. flfc'
22 | ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM
Professional
Development
Committee
AAZK Professional Development Committee
Final Call for Topical Workshops
2018 AAZK National Conference
The 45 th Annual AAZK National Conference
Denver, CO October 4-8, 2018
Conference Theme: “Adjust Your Altitude”
The American Associmicrn of Zoo Keepers
Final Call for Topical Workshops
The AAZK Professional Development Committee is pleased to announce the FINAL call for Topical Workshops
for the 2018 AAZK National Conference hosted by the Rocky Mountain Chapter of AAZK. The Host Chapter has
chosen the theme “Adjust Your Altitude”, which will highlight innovative new ideas in the animal care profession.
Deadline for Submission of Abstracts for Workshops: January 15, 2018.
Authors will be notified regarding acceptance no later than February 15, 2018.
Workshops-Format
Workshop subjects should be in-depth explorations of animal health, animal management, taxa-specific
husbandry, and keeper professional development. Workshops should be two hours in length. Subjects that
require more than two hours should be submitted as “Part One” and “Part Two”.
Open Topical Workshops
The Open Workshop format will offer unlimited attendance (based on the capacity of the ballroom) and will be
best suited for lecture-based workshops with a Q & A session at the end.
Limited Topical Workshops - Held in limited capacity breakout rooms, this format is best suited for small group
interactive workshops and will have a cap on the number of participants.
How to Submit Your Abstract for Consideration:
► Go to the 2018 conference website
► Download the Application for Topical Workshops
► Fill out completely and submit to pdc@aazk.org no later than January 15 th , along with your workshop
abstract (see below)
NOTE: If you do not use the new application, your abstract will not be reviewed.
Guidelines for Abstracts:
► Abstracts should be no more than 250 words and should focus on the main theme of the Workshop
► Abstracts and Applications should be submitted as a Microsoft Word® document via e-mail to: pdc@aazk.org .
► File should be named WorkshopAbstractAuthorlastname2018
Any questions should be directed to pdc@aazk.org with ATTN: Topical Workshop as part of the email subject.
January 2018 | Vol. 45 No. 11 23
TRAINING TALES
COORDINATORS: Jay Pratte, Henry Doorly Zoo • Kim Kezer, Zoo New England • Angela Binney
Training of Voluntary Blood Draw on
2.0 Western Lowland Gorillas
Julie Good, Lead Animal Keeper
Austin Leeds, Graduate Research Associate
Brian Price, Animal Keeper
Angel Mitchell, Registered Veterinary Technician
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
INTRODUCTION
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (CMZ) managed
2.0 Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla
gorilla), Bebac (aged 32 years, deceased
January 2017) and Mokolo (aged 29 years).
Having lived together for 22 years, they were
the longest tenured bachelor group in North
America. Both gorillas had been diagnosed with
heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy),
which has been the focus of intense monitoring
via daily heart rate recordings and biweekly
cardiac ultrasound. In addition, they received
regular medication (Lisinopril, Carvedilol) to
improve cardiac function, were weighed weekly,
and provided with a strict, high fiber, biscuit-
free diet. Due to the gorillas’ heart disease,
anesthetic procedures have been avoided
whenever possible because of potential
stress to their cardiac system. In order to
obtain bloodwork diagnostics, another useful
measure in managing their heart disease,
voluntary blood draws became a necessary
aspect of their management. In the fall of
2014, the CMZ team began training Bebac and
Mokolo for voluntary blood draw.
BLOOD SLEEVE DESIGN
Afull mesh, rectangular sleeve is used for blood
draw access. The sleeve attaches to the holding
area mesh (2”x 2” crimped, woven stainless
steel) via a port cut through the wire. The port
opening has a safety door that can be secured
to allow the sleeve to be detached or to block
access to the sleeve from the gorillas. The
sleeve is also composed of 2”x 2” crimped,
woven stainless steel mesh, 9” wide by 9”
tall, and slightly over 3 feet long. The sliding
door opening in the side of the sleeve for the
blood draw is 4” high x 6” wide. The port for
the sleeve attachment is at a height that allows
both gorillas to sit and slide their arm in at
approximately shoulder level.
TRAINING PROCESS
Training sessions were conducted with each
gorilla two to three times per week. Keepers
used the bridge “Good”, reinforcing primarily
with green beans and apple. At the end of a
successful session (accepting needle poke
and hold), grapes or pineapple were provided
as high value reinforcers. The gorillas were
together for Mokolo’s training sessions, but
separated for Bebac’s training sessions
since he is subordinate to Mokolo. When
separated from each other, visual and auditory
access between the animals was maintained.
The gorillas progressed through nine major
training steps before the keepers were able to
consistently collect blood samples:
1. Desensitize to sleeve: Gorillas were
given access to the sleeve and allowed
to investigate it. They were rewarded
when they reached their hand and
arm inside. They were encouraged to
investigate the sleeve by offering a food
reward in the sleeve that they had to
reach in to retrieve.
2. Ask for "Hand”: The gorillas were
already conditioned to grab the wire
mesh of their holding enclosure. This
behavior is often used for ultrasound
exam positioning. The trainer asks
for "Hand,” and the trainer’s hand is
used as a visual target, mimicking the
visual and verbal cues used for “Hand”
in ultrasound positioning. The gorillas
grasped this concept quickly, but
remained on this step for several weeks
for the trainers to determine exactly
where the gorillas had to have their
hand placed in order to place their inner
elbow in the window of the sleeve.
3. Move inner elbow toward sliding door:
The animals were asked to hold the cue
“Hand”, and positioning was worked
on to have them move their inner elbow
toward a PVC target, moving the inside
of their elbow closer to the sliding door
opening in the sleeve. A dowel rod was
placed vertically inside the sleeve to help
guide the arm close to the sliding door.
The position of the dowel rod was changed
until the best position was found.
4. Introduce a safety person: A safety
person stands at the end of the sleeve
furthest from the port hole and focuses
on the hand of the gorilla. If the gorilla
releases the mesh and starts to pull
out of the sleeve, the safety person
immediately communicates this to the
trainer and technician. Upon hearing
“Break” the technician moves away
from the window and the trainer stops
rewarding the gorilla. The safety person
assists by allowing the technician to
focus on getting blood and not worry
about the gorilla moving, and allows the
keeper to focus on rewarding the animal
safely without having to look away from
the animal’s face to check on the grip of
the hand.
Several months after the blood draw behavior
was established, the safety person was
eliminated since the gorillas exhibited no
aggression toward the trainer or technician.
When the gorillas released the mesh and pulled
out of the sleeve, the movement was slow and
gradual. In addition, the sliding door that the
technician uses for blood draw is small and at
an acute angle, so the gorillas have difficulty
reaching out of it.
24 | ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM
5. Desensitize gorilla arm to “Touch:
Initially, the trainer touched the arm
(inner elbow area) at the command
“Touch.” During the training, the gorilla
was expected to maintain its grip on
the mesh and allow palpation of the
arm. Training step 3 made establishing
“Touch” easier. The gorillas learned in
step 3 to direct their inner elbow to the
sliding door area of the sleeve. As the
trainer moved to touch their inner elbow,
the gorillas targeted their inner elbow to
the keeper’s fingers, helping to facilitate
contact. Once "Touch” was established
with the trainer, the technician was
substituted to palpate the arm when
the trainer issued the cue. This step
allowed desensitization of the gorillas to
a technician locating the blood vessel as
well as for the eventual insertion of the
blood draw needle.
6. Desensitize inner elbow to clippers:
Mokolo had a low tolerance for the
clippers used to shave hair from the
blood draw site, sometimes pulling out
of the sleeve and going to a corner to
brush the shaved area. Bebac seemed
more comfortable with the clippers and
would hold in the sleeve for long periods
of time for shaving. Once keepers could
shave the blood draw site on each
gorilla, training progressed to the next
step since the ultimate goal was blood
draw. Bebac was desensitized, but
Mokolo was not completely desensitized
prior to advancing to step 7.
7. Desensitize gorilla arm to alcohol swabs:
Alcohol swabs are used to clean the
blood draw site prior to sticking with
a needle. This step required only one
session for each gorilla.
8. Desensitize gorilla arm to blunt sticks:
A blunt needle was used initially for
training and began with showing the
apparatus in the technician’s hand.
Gradually the needle was moved closer
and closer to the arm. The arm was
then touched with a blunt needle,
sometimes multiple times. When the
behavior was established, the gorilla
would hold for a long, blunt stick with
plenty of pressure, so that it would feel
similar to a stick with a real needle.
A routine was developed that would be used
for each blood draw attempt. The trainer would
ask for “hand” to guide the gorilla’s arm in the
appropriate position. The trainer then steps
back and the technician kneels in front of the
sliding door opening of the sleeve. The trainer
remains behind the technician and rewards
the gorilla by feeding over the technician’s
head. The safety person (when used in the
The blood sleeve utilized for voluntary blood draw with gorillas.
This photo shows normal positioning of the trainer (standing behind) and technician (kneeling in front) for
the blood draw behavior. The trainer is rewarding the gorilla for holding position while the technician works
on the blood draw. The burlap is serving as a visual barrier in this picture, and the trainer is utilizing an
alternate hand position for the gorilla in this training session. The trainer's hand is gently laying on top of
the gorilla's hand. This gorilla tended to fidget less if the trainer had contact with his fingers.
The veterinary technician utilizing a blunt needle to illustrate the approximate location on the arm to poke.
January 2018 | Vol. 45 No. 11 25
Normal positioning of the gorilla's hand and inner elbow within the sleeve. The trainer is rubbing numbing
cream onto the gorilla's arm.
training phase of the behavior) was in place
at the end of the sleeve, watching the gorilla’s
hand. The trainer gives the command “Touch”
and the technician palpates the inner elbow
area to find the vessel. The trainer gives the
command “Touch” again for the technician to
swab the arm with alcohol. The trainer gives
the command “Touch” a third time and the
technician palpates once more, relocating the
vessel immediately prior to utilizing an infusion
set needle, blunt or real.
The trainer would run through the entire
routine, guidingthe gorillas arm placement and
givingthe touch commands forthe technician.
After the second palpation, the trainer would
say “Ready” to the technician, signaling
preparation for feeding a valuable reward.
The technician would respond “Poking” as the
gorilla was poked with the blunt needle. The
gorilla received high value rewards throughout
the poke.
9 . Desensitize arm to sharp needle
sticks: The same verbal cues are
used for sticking with a blunt or sharp
infusion set needle. The trainer would
communicate to the technician “ready”
and the technician would respond
“poking”. Initially, the gorilla was lightly
touched with the needle, allowing them
to feel the difference between a sharp
needle and a blunt one, then graduating
to an actual needle stick.
The CMZ veterinary team considers voluntary
blood draw of gorillas to be the most difficult
veterinary behavior to train and maintain
consistently. A 25 gauge, 3 A” (0.50 x 19mm)
winged infusion set with 12” (30cm) tubing
and a six (6) ml syringe are routinely used.
Blood is drawn from the medial antebrachial
vein located 2-3 cm distal to the crease of the
elbow on the medial (inner) aspect of the arm.
The vessel is not visible, but must be located
by manual palpation. After completing the
draw, the needle is removed from the vein and
the technician calls out “holding off”, applying
digital pressure to the venipuncture site. The
gorilla is continuously rewarded throughout this
routine, receiving high-end reward items during
the actual needle stick.
TRAINING OUTCOMES
Mokolo and Bebac were successfully trained
for this behavior in three and four months,
respectively, utilizing two-three training
sessions per week. The behavior of the gorillas
was used as the indicator as to how much to
push each session. If they appeared to be
nervous or uncomfortable, an easy training
session was in order. If they appeared to be
unconcerned, or recently trained perfectly
during the routine, an advance was made in
the training. The trainer and technician would
discuss the behavior of the gorillas and make
the decision together at the beginning of each
session for each animal.
Mokolo continues to maintain the blood
draw behavior and holds perfectly, even if he
indicates feeling a needle pinch by a vocal
grunt. He will hold well for a poke and one or
two redirects of the needle, but then jerks his
arm in the sleeve for multiple redirects. We
made the decision to redirect no more than
two times, then stop if blood is not collected.
Mokolo has never pulled out of the sleeve for
a blood draw attempt.
Bebac initially refused to participate for a sharp
needle stick. He would pull his arm out of the
sleeve when stuck with a sharp needle, but
would hold perfectly still for a blunt needle
stick. To alleviate the feel of the needle stick,
a skin numbing agent (EMLA Cream, Lidocaine
2.5% and Prilocaine 2.5%, ACTAVIS Pharma,
Inc., Parsippany, NJ 07054,1-800-272-5525)
was rubbed on his arm about an hour before an
actual attempt. Blood was successfully drawn
using this technique.
Bebac exhibited some regression even after
successful blood draws with the use of the
numbing cream. He would stare at the infusion
set during training and appear to try and
determine whether the needle was sharp or
blunt. He performed the entire routine perfectly
if a blunt needle was used. If a sharp needle
was substituted, he performed perfectly until
the technician moved the sharp needle toward
his arm, at which point he would pull out of
the sleeve.
Gradually, he again allowed a real needle
blood draw. Then, he noticed blood flowing
into the syringe and pulled his arm out of the
sleeve. A syringe and tube colored with red
dye to desensitize him to the look of blood
took a couple sessions. By rotating the routine,
sometimes using a real needle with just a
touch in training, sometimes the blood-colored
26 | ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM
J4/44,..
'K2
syringe, sometimes a blunt needle with
pressure, and sometimes numbing him but
not attempting a real draw, the behavior was
reestablished and he began holding for blood
draws with a sharp needle again.
After performing well and accepting several
actual pokes with a real needle, Bebac again
showed regression and began to focus on the
needle itself intensely as it approached his arm
during the cue “poking.” Keepers decided to
implement a visual barrier in order to redirect
his attention to the trainer and food rewards
during the poking step. Keepers hung a burlap
sack from the mesh of holding using quick
clips. The burlap sack blocked the view of the
needle, but the trainer could still feed around
it. Keepers kept the cues and routine the same
so that Bebac would know exactly what was
happening at each step of the behavior. The
visual barrier did successfully result in Bebac
returning his attention to the trainer and food
rewards and away from the needle. Bebac
allowed several pokes with a real needle with
the visual barrier in place.
The biggest challenge is consistently locating
the medial antecubital blood vessel on the
inside of the elbow for the blood draw. Currently,
as we attempt a voluntary blood draw, we tend
to be successful within three attempts (which
would be performed on separate days). When
we first completed the behavior, we often
needed more than three sessions before we
successfully located the vessel.
Diet and Motivation: Both gorillas appear
to be motivated to participate in the behavior
even though Bebac appeared to fear the
actual needle. Training difficult behaviors,
such as blood draw, has become easier as the
gorillas are motivated to participate in order
to receive select food items. CMZ gorillas are
provided a strict, heart-healthy diet of greens
(usually romaine, endive, and dandelion),
browse, resistant starch (Hi-Maize Resistant
Starch, Honeyville Inc., 1080 North Main
Street, Suite 101, Brigham City, UT 84302,
(435) 494-4200) with ground flax seed, alfalfa
hay (consuming both stems and leaves), and
green beans. They do not receive any type of
processed biscuit. To ensure that they are
getting necessary vitamins and minerals, they
receive a chewable multivitamin/multimineral
supplement (Spectravite, CVS Pharmacy,
Woonsocket, Rl, 02895,1-800- 746-7287etc.)
plus chewable vitamin D3 gummies (Vitafusion,
Church & Dwight, Ewing, NJ 08628, 1-888-
334-5389) daily.
They receive their heart medication (Lisinopril,
Carvedilol) in a small amount of peanut butter.
They train primarily for green beans and are
given fruit for high priority behaviors.
Since the transition to the restricted diet
seven years ago, the gorillas are maintained
at more healthy body weights, spend more
time foraging, have reduced blood cholesterol
and insulin levels, eliminated regurgitation and
reingestion behaviors, and advanced markedly
in their training. (Less et al., 2014a,b,)
Conclusion
CMZ uses a team-based approach to provide
the best care possible for the animals in our
collection. Veterinary Services met with animal
care staff and the curatorial team to establish
the priority of training for the gorillas to allow
voluntary blood draw. The Facility Operations
team met with the veterinary and animal care
teams to design and build the blood draw
sleeve for the gorillas. Veterinary Services
scheduled technicians to work with keepers
each week in order to train the behavior.
Keepers in the Primate, Cat, and Aquatics team
volunteered to act as the safety person, as did
curators and technicians. The Conservation
and Science team volunteered a graduate
research associate to observe the training
sessions and offer feedback throughout the
process. Because this training had support
from so many staff, the goal was achieved in
a relatively short period of time.
References
Less, E.H., R. Bergl, R. Ball, P. Dennis, C.W.
Kuhar, S. Lavin, M. Raghanti, J. Wensvoort,
M.A. Willis, and K.E. Lukas. (2014).
Implementing a low-starch biscuit-free diet
in zoo gorillas: The impact on behavior.
Zoo Biology 33(1):63-73.
Less, E.H., K.E. Lukas, R. Bergl, R. Ball, C.W.
Kuhar, S. Lavin, M. Raghanti, J. Wensvoort,
M.A. Willis, and P.M. Dennis. (2014).
Implementing a low-starch biscuit-free diet
in zoo gorillas: The impact on health. Zoo
Biology 33(1):74-80.
BHC Comments by Jay Pratte:
As the authors provided so much excellent
detail, there is not really a lot of information
that needs to be added. I would like to use the
examples of Mokolo and Bebac to highlight
one point, though. As trainers we can develop
shaping plans, and design a program with well
thought out steps and goals. Yet the animals
will forever be that inconstant variable. Every
animal has their own personality, perception
of the world, and learns differently, just as
humans do. These two gorillas clearly had a
different perception of the process, and the
team deserves recognition for their creative
efforts in keeping Bebac on the same track.
The thoughtful use of the burlap, the red dye,
but most importantly responding to what
Bebac was communicating, all led to improved
success in reachingthe training goal. One size
does NOT fit all. Great work, and thank you for
your Tale! f#-
We want to hear your Training
Tales: the good, the bad and
the fabulous!
Did you enjoy the latest Training Tale? Was
this information useful or inspiring? Do you
have any operant conditioning experiences
that others would benefit from reading?
Please submit your “Training Tales” and
experiences in operant conditioningto share
with Animal Keepers’ Forum readers. This
opportunity provides a convenient outlet
for you to exhibit your training challenges,
methods and milestones with the AAZK
member network. Please submit entries
based on the following guidelines:
a. Submit a brief description of a training
project at your facility. These can be
500 words or less, in text or bullet
points - it can be longer (up to 1000
words); however, short and simple
descriptions with a few images are just
as perfect. Details should include the
following:
1. Define the training goal (what
did you try to do and for what
purpose?)
2. List important steps (How did you
do it - include plans that changed
along the way/what worked and
what didn’t work)
3. Timeline used (how long did it take)
4. Tips you learned along the way
b. Include 3-5 digital photos that clearly
depict the animal in the learning
process or performing the desired
goal (provide photo caption and
photographer of each image). Photos
need to be 300 dpi and at least 1200
x 1800 pixels.
Please send submissions or questions to:
Kim Kezer at kkezer@zoonewengland.com
or
Shane Good atshane.good@aazk.org
(use Training Tales Submission
as the subject).
28 I ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM
JOIN TODAY
atAAZK.ORG
Membership with the
American Association of
Zoo Keepers includes a
subscription to the Animal
Keepers’ Forum, member
rates for AAZK events and
products, access to the
*V-'- Members Only section of
aazk.org, plus much more!
_
January 2018 | Vol. 45 No. 11 29
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