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As curator of Behavioral Husbandry, visitors see animals doing something or “toys” that are specifically designed
Sullivan works collaboratively with the interesting. Here are some examples: to draw out a species-typical, healthy
animal care staff to identify natural • Food is hidden throughout an animal’s behavior. These include large balls
behaviors they want to see in animals and habitat, which draws it out into the for polar bears, frozen fish encased
devise strategies to draw those behaviors open to search for it. Animals do what in ice blocks for California sea
out of animals. “We always try to find they evolved to do—forage for food. lions, and plastic octopuses and
new ways to stimulate visibility and • Logs or browse are left in an animal’s pool noodles for dolphins. The
sometimes the best way to do that is to habitat. An insectivore, like a sloth animals’ antics entertain viewers.
stimulate activity,” he said. With increased bear, will use its powerful claws to rip • Bird perches and other “exhibit
activity, animals receive the health benefits up the wood in full view of visitors. furniture” are positioned in habitats
of exercise and mental stimulation and • Animals receive enrichment devices where the animals have some cover,
but can still be seen by visitors.
• Live prey is released into an animal’s
habitat. Asian small-clawed otters
chase live fish around their habitat
in TROPIC WORLD: ASIA.
• Animals are challenged to problem-
solve. Peanut butter is smeared up
high on a wall. Using a long stick as
tool, an orangutan will scrape the paste
off the wall and lick it off the stick.
• Timed feeders dispense morsels of
kibble or other foods at random times
during the day. “The feeders drive
the animals’ transit from one place
to another,” said Sullivan. “In doing
so, they make themselves very obvious
to the guests who see the animals and
some really cool behavior.” To reach
a timed feeder installed in TROPIC
WORLD: ASIA, gibbons climb down
from the tree canopy and walk across
the habitat floor. Adding three timed
feeders to the gorilla habitat increased
their foraging activity by 50 percent.

The animal enrichment program is
made possible in part by support from:
The Kainz Family Foundation and
Mr. and Mrs. Walter W. Becky II.

Above: Animal care specialists use succulent, fresh fruit treats to lure birds down
from their high perches and into public view.

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