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| How Do They Do That? An Introduction to Operant Conditioning at the Zoo |
| Friday, May 25, 2012 |
| 8:00 AM–3:00 PM |
| 204 (Convention Center) |
| Area: AAB/PRA; Domain: Service Delivery |
| CE Instructor: Eduardo J. Fernandez, Ph.D. |
| EDUARDO J. FERNANDEZ (University of Washington), CHRISTY A. ALLIGOOD (Disney's Animal Kingdom) |
| Description: Over the past several decades, zoos around the world have begun to use operant conditioning to implement husbandry training for the species in their care. Animals living in managed circumstances need regular veterinary monitoring and care to maintain optimal health. Traditionally, animals are restrained or chemically immobilized to receive this care. A well-planned program of husbandry training can reduce the need for these practices. In addition, the number of physical captures and handlings can be minimized, reducing safety hazards to both animals and caretakers. Training can also facilitate research at zoos and aquariums; results from these studies can enhance our ability to understand and care for animals. In this exciting workshop, participants will have the rare opportunity to learn about various techniques used in husbandry training with exotic species, and then to apply their newfound knowledge to hypothetical animal behavior scenarios. Following the classroom portion, participants will travel off site to Woodland Park Zoo, where they will observe applications of operant conditioning first hand. The registration fee includes workshop materials and transportation to and from the zoo. Net proceeds will benefit the Applied Animal Behavior Special Interest Group's student and membership support programs. |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
Give three examples of husbandry goals that can be facilitated through the use of operant conditioning and describe the benefits of training in each case
List five behaviors commonly included in husbandry training programs and describe a typical procedure for training each behavior
Identify three obstacles commonly experienced in husbandry training programs and describe potential solutions for each obstacle
Create a training plan to meet the needs described in various animal behavior scenarios |
| Activities: Presentations, including video examples, will be interspersed with dynamic problem-solving activities in the classroom portion. Participants will then travel to Woodland Park Zoo, where they will have the opportunity to directly observe operant conditioning at work with several different exotic species. |
| Audience: Have you ever wondered how zookeepers conduct a physical examination of a crocodile, move an elephant or tiger voluntarily throughout its exhibit, or weigh a giraffe? This workshop is designed for individuals interested in the application of operant conditioning to the behavior of animals at zoos. Participants will learn how zoos develop training programs to facilitate husbandry goals in a variety of species. Following classroom activities, participants will travel off site to Woodland Park Zoo to observe applications of operant conditioning first hand. The registration fee includes workshop materials and transportation to and from the zoo. Net proceeds will benefit the Applied Animal Behavior Special Interest Group's student and membership support programs. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. |
| Content Area: Practice |
| Instruction Level: Basic |