Page 294 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

266 10 Making Training Educational for Zoo Visitors

VetBooks.ir Conservation Messages and Behaviours

Ocean Warrior Mascot, Rusty the Penguin; uShaka Marine World, Durban (South Africa)
Conservation behaviour: appropriate waste disposal.
Presentation: something as simple as an animal or bird putting rubbish into a bin can send a
strong message to visitors.
Ocean warrior Rusty the penguin puts litter into a dust bin. First he will be taught to pick up the
paper and rewarded each time he does, once he is holding the paper for a few seconds the bin is
placed close so when he drops the paper it falls directly in; again he receives the reward. As the
behaviour progresses the bin can be moved farther away and the bird will go to the bin to deliver
the paper and is rewarded for doing so.
Message: the visitor will be reminded to dispose of their rubbish in a suitable manner.

10.6 Conclusion behaviours having the potential to mislead
visitors, these behaviours have been used in
Whilst further research is needed into the some settings to raise public awareness of
extent of educational impact from visitor– environmental issues and model positive
animal interactions and presentations, it is behaviours. What is still not clear is where
clear that humans desire contact with to draw the line as to what is in the animal’s
animals. Extending natural behaviours to best interests and represents them as a
facilitate ease of visibility and focus learning species, versus the added value of coming
appears a valid use of animal training and into direct or close contact with an animal
has benefits in terms or veterinary and in terms of conservation concern and
husbandry practices. Despite non‐natural increased awareness.

References

Alba, A.C., Leighty, K.A., Pittman Courte, V.L. behavioral and physiological measures to
et al. (2017). A turtle cognition research assess the well‐being of animals used for
demonstration enhances visitor engagement education programs in zoos. Applied
and keeper‐animal relationships. Zoo Animal Behaviour Science 176: 150–162.
Biology 36 (4): 243–249. https://doi. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.
org/10.1002/zoo.21373. 2015.12.004.
Almeida, A., Fernández, B.G., and Strecht‐ Ballantyne, R. and Packer, J. (2016). Visitors’
Ribeiro, O. (2017). Children’s opinions about perceptions of the conservation education
zoos: a study of Portuguese and Spanish role of zoos and aquariums: implications for
pupils. Anthrozoos 30 (3): 457–472. https:// the provision of learning experiences.
doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2017.1335108. Visitor Studies 19 (2): 193–210. https://
Anderson, U.S., Kelling, A.S., Pressley‐Keough, doi.org/10.1080/10645578.2016.1220185.
R. et al. (2003). Enhancing the zoo visitor’s Ballantyne, R., Packer, J., Hughes, K., and
experience by public animal training and Dierking, L. (2007). Conservation learning
oral interpretation at an otter exhibit. in wildlife tourism settings: lessons from
Environment and Behavior 35 (6): 826–841. research in zoos and aquariums.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916503254746. Environmental Education Research 13 (3):
Baird, B.A., Kuhar, C.W., Lukas, K.E. et al. 367–383. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620
(2016). Program animal welfare: using 701430604.