Page 227 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

Box B4 Marine Mammal Training 199

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Figure B4.3 In situations where animals might be dangerous it can be prudent (and necessary) to train in a
protected‐contact situation; where the animal and trainer are separated in space by a barrier. Source: Robert
van Schie.

from their hind flippers. The board gives the echolocation, to give an individual the oppor-
trainer more time to back away if the animal tunity to request preferred reinforcers from
leaves the station or if they turn towards the their trainer (Starkhammar et al. 2007).
trainer. Some species may require multiple The provision of food for most marine
trainers that work together during non‐pro- mammals is considerably different compared
tected contact with large marine mammals to many other zoo‐housed species. Most
such as walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) or species housed in zoos, e.g. bears, elephants,
orca (Orcinus orca) in a way to maintain primates, parrot, and other species, might be
safety. Trainers can therefore watch each given multiple foraging opportunities
other whilst training to make sure the han- throughout the day. Various means of food
dler does not place themselves between the provisions and distributions are used, like
animal and water, which can be a hazardous scatter feeds, puzzles, or other feeding
position to be in and potentially provide opportunities in the enclosures. Most marine
feedback on the training session. mammal species however, such as sea lions,
Acoustic, visual, and tactile cues can be seals, and dolphins, obtain almost all their
used both above and below the water level to food from the trainer’s hand, in training ses-
facilitate a variety of behaviours. The stimu- sions and presentations, and are therefore
lus chosen should fit with the need of the dependent on successful participation. A
behaviour being trained. For example, acous- very small amount of food is given in envi-
tic and some visual stimuli can be perceived ronment enrichment devices or as frozen
over long distances. Underwater tones such treats. A ‘free feed’ is a session where no
as electronic sounds, words and even musical behaviours are trained, and the animal is just
instruments can also cue behaviours in pres- fed a part of the diet. During a ‘free feed’ the
entations without trainers being visible to the animals are mostly stationed in front of the
spectators. Interactive screens with symbols trainer whilst they are fed the food and these
work well, some of which can be activated by sessions are a regular practice in marine