Photo: Jolene Westerling
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OPTIMIZING ANIMAL WELFARE THROUGH TRAINING
Training plays a vital role in promoting the well-being of animals in managed care. The ZAA’s Animal Training Committee champions integrating evidence-based animal training practices as an essential component of comprehensive animal care alongside factors like nutrition, veterinary care, enrichment, and appropriate habitats.
THE BENEFITS OF ANIMAL TRAINING
Contemporary animal training transcends simple behavior change. By employing a combination of behavior analysis, ethology, phylogeny, and extensive practical application, today’s animal training fosters a deeper understanding of animal behavior, allowing for the development of training programs tailored to an animal’s individual needs and specific contexts. These programs provide numerous benefits for animals in managed care, including the following:
Enhanced Animal Welfare: Training facilitates cooperation in medical care, allows for the implementation of enriching activities, supports day-to-day care, and promotes overall well-being.
Conservation Support: Training can be instrumental in learning about a species, preparing animals for reintroduction programs, and teaching behaviors that contribute to conservation efforts.
Guest Engagement: Well-trained animals can serve as effective ambassadors for their wild counterparts, inspiring guests to become advocates for wildlife conservation.
Interested in Learning More about The Animal Training Committee? View their factsheet below!
Photo: Jolene Westerling
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Advocate | ZAA Washington, D.C. Fly-In
Educate | Award Winning Teddy Bear Hospital
Conserve | ZAA’s Newest Animal Management Programs: Clouded Leopards
Behavior Buzz | Manners Matter
Benefits of Training Foundation Behaviors for Long-Term Successes in Training
Wild About Welfare | If You Build It, Will They Come?
Bonus Article - Advocate: Supporting Zoos and Animal Experience Operators Through Innovation and Collaboration
Bonus Article - Educate: Seeing Stripes: Grevy’s Zebra Births at Texas Zoofari Park
Bonus Article - Educate: A Lifesaving Training: Why We’re Teaching Dogs to Fear Snakes
Bonus Article - Conserve: A Recipe for “Saving Rhinos”
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