Page 280 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

252 10 Making Training Educational for Zoo Visitors

VetBooks.ir of non‐domestic species, many will utilise section of its bird show to parrots talking and
performing impressions. The audience find
domestic species (e.g. rabbits, goats, sheep) in
their educational programmes. Unfortunately
specifically to see the speaking parrots
the use of native species appears to be some- these performances entertaining and return
what rarer in educational programmes, (Spooner 2017). Whilst knowing that a par-
although it is certainly not unheard of (it is rot can talk is not the desired outcome of the
more common in Australasia). An informal show, it is hoped that although visitors came
survey of zoo websites from each continent of to see a talking parrot they may also have
the world (Table 10.2) indicates the predomi- gained some biological or ecological under-
nant use of mammalian species, in particular standing about parrots and other species.
pinnipeds, giraffes (Giraffa spp.) and big cats, Likewise, unnatural behaviours can be used
followed by a range of birds, whereby far fewer to raise awareness about activities such as
examples of reptilian, fish, or invertebrate recycling by getting parrots to model respon-
species were highlighted in marketing material sible behaviours (picking up litter and putting
for zoo displays or encounter programmes. In it into an appropriate bin).
a recent review of the use of zoo animals in When considering animal performances,
encounter programmes (Whitehouse‐Tedd one of the most well‐known types is that of
et al. 2018), a bias towards smaller, less active sea lion (e.g. Zalophus californianus) shows.
animals was determined for these encounters. At Flamingo Land the sea lion show is one of
This is likely as a result of increased handling the most popular events, attracting just
ability and safety (Fuhrman and Ladewig under 25% of the park visitors (Spooner
2008), but is somewhat at odds with the known 2017). The sea lion show (like the bird show)
ability of larger, more active animals to hold runs as a separate unit within the theme park
visitor attention (Fuhrman and Ladewig 2008; under the management of APAB Ltd (UK),
Ward et al. 1998). However, in this respect, it is and aims to convey a mixture of behaviours
unsurprising that large, active animals such as to entertain the visitors whilst imparting
marine mammals, giraffe, big cats, and birds of animal facts. Sea lions were previously
prey were frequently advertised as integral encouraged to balance balls and bowling pins
parts of zoo presentations and performances. on their noses whilst a trainer explained
that they are only able to do this due to their
vibrissae (Figure 10.1). All non‐natural
10.3 The Behaviours and behaviours such as catching hoops and balls
Training Involved in Public were explained thoroughly by comparing to
Displays the animals’ natural behaviours in the wild.
Whilst these examples have a clear entertain-
Behaviours performed by animals in zoo ment basis, they are attempting to bring key
education and entertainment programmes environmental issues to the general public on
range from simple, natural behaviours such their day out.
as locomotion, to more complex natural The most basic animal presentations
behaviours performed in either natural or involve a zoo professional providing com-
unnatural contexts, and up to entirely unnat- mentary on what the animal is doing within
ural behaviours (Table 10.3). The justifica- an enclosure. This is the least disruptive type
tion for incorporating entertaining and of display as the commentator is merely
anthropomorphic animal behaviours is often providing a narrative and explanation of the
that it draws visitors in; the hope being that if animal’s natural behaviours, with the animal
visitors are interested in something they being free to choose which behaviour to
will want to know more about it (Moss and display (within the context of a captive envi-
Esson 2010). For this reason, Flamingo Land ronment). Animal talks fall within our pres-
(Yorkshire, UK) still dedicates a sizable entation classification as they do not require