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334 Box C2 TTis Generationns CTallenge

VetBooks.ir (a) (b)

Figure C2.1 One of the many benefits of integrating training into zoo animal management is that ability to
maintain and support healthcare; as evidenced here by the ability to take blood without the need for
anaesthetics (a) and brushing a bear’s teeth (b). Source: Steve Martin.

variety of animals in zoos and aquariums are with our captive management of animals,
now being conditioned to facilitate husbandry such as computers, televisions, and radios
aimed to ensure their care and long‐term sur- (Clay et al. 2011). Biologically, the reduction
vival. During the past two decades, bypassing of stress is a critically important component
the risks of anaesthesia, scores of endangered in reproduction. In two short decades, the
species from giant pandas (Ailuropoda mel- advance of the application of conditioning
anoleuca) to orangutans (Pongo sp.), to tigers through positive reinforcement has become a
(Panthera tigris) have been trained to volun- zoological institutions best practice and its
tarily accept ultrasonography, radiography, application is rapidly spreading across all tax-
the giving of blood and tissue samples, as well onomic boundaries.
as a wide variety of other routine health care The challenge faced by this generation
procedures (e.g. see Figure C2.1a and b). regarding the preservation of the earth’s ani-
From the radiographs and biological samples, mals and their habitats is unique in all of
geneticists and reproductive physiologists human history. The time is now. There will not
determine genetic diversity and better under- be a second chance and the consequences of
stand the reproductive biology of the species. failing to do all we are able, using every tool at
The technology is also applied to minimise our disposal, is inconceivable. No better, more
the effect of stress that may be associated ethical, or responsible option is available.

References

Che‐Castaldo, J.P., Grow, S.A., and Faust, L.J. Gusset, M. and Dick, G. (2011). The global
(2018). Evaluating the contribution of North reach of zoos and aquariums in visitor
American zoos and aquariums to numbers and conservation expenditures.
endangered species recovery. Scientific Zoo Biology 30: 566–569. https://doi.
Reports 8 (9789): 1–9. org/10.1002/zoo.20369.
Clay, A.W., Perdue, B.M., Gaalema, D.E. et al. Wong, B.B.M. and Ulrika, C. (2015). Behavioral
(2011). The use of technology to enhance responses to changing environments.
zoological parks. Zoo Biology 30 (5): Behavioral Ecology 26 (3): 665–673. https://
487–497. doi.org/10.1093/beheco/aru183.