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13.7 Free‐contact or Protected‐contact 323

VetBooks.ir reinforcement for training should be consid- the neck. The same is true for event markers
ered carefully. The type of container should
such as clickers if on some form of tether
allow for fumble‐free extraction of the food
and be within easy reach of the zoo profes- meant to keep it on the wrist or belt. Loose‐
fitting clothing should be avoided when
sional but not the animal. If the food con- working around animals and leave dangling
tainer is on the zoo professional’s person, the jewellery at home or in a locker. Following
attachment should be of a type that allows these suggestions is a good start but zoo pro-
easy separation if grabbed by the animal. fessionals must always be aware of their posi-
Whistles used as bridging stimuli should be tion in relation to the animal (Figure 13.4). It
placed on break‐away lanyards if worn around is critical to know the danger zones that are
within the animal’s reach. A safety line denot-
ing these areas is only effective if zoo profes-
sionals stay mindful of them at all times.

13.7 Free‐contact or
Protected‐contact

One of the most hotly debated topics in the
training field of recent years is about where
and how zoo professionals work with their ani-
mals. The confusion starts when people con-
fuse the terms free‐contact or protected‐contact
as being training systems; they are not. Animal
learning and, therefore, animal training does
Figure 13.3 Food reinforcement provided via a safe,
feeding pole for a polar bear. Source: Chicago not rely on where the zoo professional is
Zoological Society. relative to the animal. Additionally, a pervasive

Figure 13.4 Zoo professional in reach of an elephant during husbandry (noted: picture was staged). Source:
Tim Sullivan.