Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
John Pameri - Head of General Security Monday, October 6th , 10:30-10:50am, Palm ABDE
John Pameri is a distinguished conservationist with over 30 years of experience safeguarding wildlife and supporting communities across northern Kenya. John began his journey in 1992, walking over 100 km to Lewa in search of an opportunity. He was fortunately accepted as a volunteer across wildlife monitoring functions. From carrying fence posts as part of his ranger recruitment to becoming one of Africa’s few conservation pilots, his journey is a story of grit, purpose, and innovation. Today, he leads a ranger force of over 100 personnel safeguarding 284 rhinos and other endangered species across the Lewa-Borana Landscape. Under John’s leadership, Lewa has celebrated consecutive years of zero rhino poaching incidents since 2019. He has been instrumental in modernizing security operations—transitioning from open-channel radios to encrypted communication and incorporating EarthRanger/LoRA systems for real-time wildlife tracking and response. His presentation will dive deeper into the role rangers play in conserving and protecting wildlife in and around the Conservancy and how they build trust and partnerships within local communities. From his own experience and leadership position, he will share a snapshot of a day in the life of a ranger and what it means to be part of Lewa’s conservation mission. Beyond the field, John serves as an international ambassador for wildlife protection and community-led conservation through global conservation forums, proving that impact is not defined by academic papers but by perseverance and vision. “Until my life ends, it’s about conservation and wildlife. That is my bottom line.” ~ John Pameri.
International Rhino Foundation & AAZK: Support for Indonesian rhinos
Caroline Harrison - International Rhino Foundation Monday, October 6th , 10:50-11:10am, Palm ABDE
For nearly 30 years, the American Association of Zookeepers’ Bowling for Rhinos program has played a vital role in the fight to save two of the planet’s most endangered mammals: the Javan and Sumatran rhinos. Through AAZK’s unwavering support, the International Rhino Foundation has achieved major milestones—welcoming new Sumatran rhino calves at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS), funding Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) in Way Kambas National Park, strengthening security around the SRS, and supporting Wildlife Protection Teams (WPTs) in Aceh. These collective efforts are not only safeguarding these critically endangered species but also providing the vital data needed to ensure their survival. During this presentation, attendees will get a closer look at how this continued support is turning the tide for Javan and Sumatran rhinos and hear inspiring success stories made possible by AAZK’s dedication.
Community-led Cheetah Conservation
Mary Wykstra and Kiris Simon Lentaam - Action for Cheetahs in Kenya Monday, October 6th , 11:10-11:30am, Palm ABDE
Cheetahs are a cryptic predator, making long term research a challenge. More than 75% of Kenya’s cheetahs live outside of protected areas, on ranchland and in community managed landscapes. Where people and predators live together, it is essential that co-existence is more than just a tolerance for each other, but that the people who share land with carnivores care about the animals that are often a cause of economic and emotional loss. The Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK) team have spent the last 24 years learning about the survival of cheetahs in the pastoral communities that surround protected areas. In order to maintain harmony, cultural and traditional elements of land management are combined with modern and scientific standards to create a theory of change that is essential for cheetah survival. Since 2010, AAZK has supported the development of ACK and embraced our role in conservation across Kenya.
Financial Impact of Bowling for Rhinos 2024: Supporting Global Rhino Conservation
Frank Verney - BFR Program Manager Monday, October 6th , 11:30-11:45am, Palm ABDE
In 2024, AAZK chapters throughout the United States and Canada remained dedicated to rhino conservation by organizing over 50 Bowling for Rhinos (BFR) events. These events, held across different chapters, contributed to a total fundraising amount of $303,997.16 for BFR in 2024.
The funds raised through BFR are allocated to several key conservation projects:
● Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC), Kenya: Supports Black and White rhino conservation efforts.
● Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia: Protects the critically endangered Javan rhino.
● Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) and Way Kambas, Indonesia: Safeguard the Sumatran rhino.
● Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK): Contributes to the conservation of cheetahs sharing habitats with rhinos.
Chapters are continuously inspiring the BFR team with their unique event ideas and funds raised. The Brevard Zoo AAZK chapter hosted a Putting for Rhinos event at Golf-N-Gator in 2024. The event featured mini golf, a silent auction, go-karts, raffles, and food, successfully raising over $2,000 for rhino conservation. The Cincinnati AAZK chapter continuously sets the bar and raised the most money in 2024 with a total of $32,000.00 with their traditional Bowling for Rhinos event. Over the years, BFR has become a significant contributor to conservation efforts, with total funds raised exceeding $9.35 million as of 2024. The 2024 fundraising efforts exemplify the dedication of AAZK chapters and their commitment to rhino conservation. BFR continues to thrive, demonstrating the collective impact of grassroots initiatives in preserving these majestic creatures and their habitats.
Trees for You and Me 101
Cindy Roberts – TFYM Conference Liaison Monday, October 6th , 11:45am-12:00pm, Palm ABDE
Class is in session, American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) members! Learn the 101 basics of the awe-inspiring AAZK Trees for You and Me (TFYM) program. AAZK TFYM is a grassroots program that provides grants to local and international non-profit organizations. These projects focus on forest rehabilitation and combating climate change. Learn more about this amazing program and how the work of AAZK TFYM has impacted changes and protection for endangered species all over the world. Broaden your knowledge about two TFYM grant recipients and how they have made such a large impact on forest rehabilitation, building corridors for Golden Lion Tamarins and Red Pandas. These incredible projects, funded by TFYM, are helping to revitalize forests, protecting populations of endangered species, while providing jobs for residents in the local communities. Get schooled on how your local AAZK chapter can help raise funds so the TFYM program can continue to provide grants to organizations all over the world. Take note and help in another way by purchasing merchandise at the TFYM Bonfire store with unique designs that have been created over the years. You can be a tree super hero and help TFYM by revitalizing forests, protecting endangered species and saving the earth for many generations to come. Class is dismissed!
Shipments Happen: A Comprehensive Approach to Animal Transfers
Rebecca Zwicker Tuesday, October 7th , 10:30-10:50am, Palm ABDE
Moving animals between facilities can be stressful for everyone involved—the animals, the staff, and even the people receiving them. At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, we are rethinking the transfer process to make it smoother and less stressful for all. Instead of just relying on the traditional Animal Data Transfer Form, we are asking more specific, behavior-focused questions to connect teams at both facilities. These conversations help us understand the quirks and needs of each animal and get a clearer picture of what their current environment is like. By doing this, we can figure out what skills the animal might need to learn ahead of the move and set them up for success. Our goal is to ease the stress of the transfer by preparing the animal and making their new surroundings feel as familiar as possible. Once the animal arrives and enters quarantine, we have started using a quality-of-life tracker to monitor how they are settling in. This gives us real-time data on their adjustment and helps us make any changes they might need. With this new approach, we are making transitions easier for the animals and giving our staff the tools they need to provide top-notch care.
Strengthening the Zoological and Aquarium Industry through Collaborative Professional Development
Kelly George, PhD Tuesday, October 7th , 10:50-11:10am, Palm ABDE
It is no secret that the zoological and aquarium industry faces many challenges to maintain the social license to exist, as well as regulatory conditions to be successful. It is also no secret that ex-situ conservation inspires and promotes in-situ conservation, which creates the need to build from the bottom up an industry that understands the challenges and leads ex-situ conservation to a bright future. This talk will discuss some of the challenges facing our industry and how, through organizational collaboration, we can effectively address these challenges. Organizational collaboration reduces expenses and the waste of resources while expanding education and networking opportunities to develop a new generation of professionals to lead the industry. This talk will also provide some examples of the ways ZAA and AAZK are currently collaborating in professional development and how these efforts will ultimately lead our industry to help wildlife rise above extinction!
Crocodilian Engagement Specialist
Pascal Smith Tuesday, October 7th , 11:10-11:30am, Palm ABDE
In early 2024 we found that all 10 of our American Alligators had ingested metal foreign bodies, which pose medical concerns such as gastric ulceration. Through further investigation, it was discovered these foreign bodies were either thrown or dropped into the habitat by guests. When faced with a compromise to our animals’ welfare we spent time looking at all the angles to address the problem and chose to start our Crocodilian Engagement Specialist program (C.E.S). Our solution impacts not only our animals, but also staff and guests and allows us to focus on our mission to inspire, educate, and engage while also prioritizing animal wellbeing. Using the passion and knowledge of both paid and unpaid staff, the goal of the C.E.S. program is to “Foster a sense of compassion and understanding in our guests for our Alligator and Crocodile families throughout the zoo by highlighting all the unique traits they possess.” The ability to explain natural behavior, including the ingestion of gastroliths, helps guests understand the issue with foreign bodies in the water without focusing on negative human behavior. Emphasis is placed on sharing our animals’ personal stories to build connection and empathy. Through the implementation of our (C.E.S) program, we have seen a number of benefits. The presence of foreign objects has been reduced by 82%. Alligator behavior has increased in amount and variety, due to increased interaction from staff and guests. Guest engagement and positive feedback have increased, as well as alligator toy sales in our gift shop.
What’s Your Team Vibe? Staff initiatives to create psychologically safe opportunities for bolstering team inclusivity, cohesiveness and trust
Joy Kotheimer Tuesday, October 7th , 11:30-11:50am, Palm ABDE
While organizations aim to decrease the likelihood of occurrences of human error–especially regarding physical safety incidents– realistically, mistakes will still happen. This extends beyond protocols; there has been an increasing frequency of animal care professionals asking how to navigate toxic work environments or approach communication challenges among staff. Many of these frustrations can lead to burnout and mental fatigue. In turn, this can create circumstances that result in errors of judgement or misperception, and ultimately end in mistakes or conflict on multiple levels. In order to help prevent these sticky situations, staff-led workshops and discussion topics can help create a space for individuals to learn strategies for creating a psychologically safe environment among their teams and provide perspective for effective communication and inclusivity. This presentation will provide examples of how the “Inclusion Insights Series” at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has helped initiate important conversations among staff, and how you can create or support opportunities for important conversations and growth with your teams.
Introducing two François’ Langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) groups at San Antonio Zoo
Jaimie Howard Tuesday, October 7th , 10:30-10:50am, San Pedro
Since the spring of 2022, San Antonio Zoo has had three François’ Langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi): a male “Chay”; and two females “Ravalina” and “Lang.” Based on the Species Survival Plan’s (SSP) recommendations, three females (“ingJing,” “MeiMei,” and “Athena”) moved to San Antonio Zoo in early 2024. Introductions between the two established groups began on 19 March 2024. It was predicted that the females would have a more difficult time integrating among themselves, so they were all introduced together first. They began chasing each other and eventually had to be separated after multiple prolonged physical altercations. For the next month, animal care staff incorporated various howdy-ing techniques, fission-fusion groupings, and multiple small-scale introductions in order to achieve a full unification of the two groups. On 17 April, the full group was introduced again together. Although minor displacement was observed, all of the langurs were seen grooming, hugging, and positively vocalizing with each other. Since then, the group has been fully merged, resulting in the first successful integration of two established langur groups.
Breeding Tropical Avians in A Desert Environment
Ryan Vittetoe Tuesday, October 7th , 10:50-11:10am, San Pedro
The hottest city in the United States is not where you would expect to find a healthy breeding population of tropical birds. In fact, without a variety of factors being implemented at the Phoenix Zoo, many of these birds could not survive. The “Tropical Flights” trail currently houses 30 species of tropical birds in habitats that mimic their natural environment, a dramatic change from the Sonoran desert climate just inches away from the towering ficus trees that provide shade for the birds. Within the trail, 7 chicks from 5 tropical and subtropical species hatched in 2024, including multiple species at risk for extinction. Facing searing temperatures as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it requires a multi-faceted approach to see these results. As the primary keeper for Tropical Flights and the adjacent lake, I have the unique opportunity to see these elements come together and allow for the birds to successfully breed.
Becoming Crane Operators: Creating Meaningful Educational Experiences with a Resident Sandhill Crane
Alexander Suleski & Joseph Whitehead Tuesday, October 7 th , 11:10-11:30am, San Pedro
As Penn State University’s nature center, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center operates as a community and university native wildlife zoo. Historically, the aviary at Shaver’s Creek has had a focus on educating with species of raptors native to Pennsylvania. Following a reimagining of the space, and conservation connections our program could make, the Wildlife Education staff decided to bring in a young Sandhill Crane. Since her arrival at Shaver’s Creek, Jane the Sandhill Crane has joined our regular public programming, as well as her own series of experiential private programs we call Flock Walks. On these walks, visitors can join Jane and staff to explore the trails around Shaver’s Creek on a curated wildlife encounter experience with a focus on inspiring empathy and conservation action. Her Flock Walks have enhanced our program opportunities, expanded our revenue generation, and solidified Jane as a symbol of our grassland habitat conservation efforts. In this paper, we will discuss the steps taken to build Jane’s skills and prepare her to be successful in her new role, as well as the vision, creation, and implementation of her Flock Walk programs.
The Acclimation of an Orphaned Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Affected by Human Activity into Human Care
Kathleen Hankins Tuesday, October 7th , 11:30-11:50am, San Pedro
Humans, even with good intentions, frequently perform actions towards wildlife that lead to negative outcomes. These actions include feeding, approaching, and unnecessarily rescuing wild animals. A vivid example of how human actions can negatively impact wildlife is seen with Little Bear, a black bear (Ursus americanus) that arrived at the Museum of Life and Science in the fall of 2021 after being orphaned in the wild and fed by people. There were numerous challenges to overcome for her to survive and thrive at the museum, as she exhibited severe separation anxiety and multiple stereotypic behaviors. Staff utilized a variety of techniques and adaptable strategies, including increased enrichment, medication, modified care routines, expanded behavioral monitoring and welfare assessment, and physical habitat changes, to provide Little Bear with the greatest opportunity to adjust to her new home. Through many variations of management and several years, Little Bear gradually settled into life at the museum and began behaving like a typical black bear, especially after bonding with one of the adult bears at the facility. The process emphasized the damage that human action can cause to wildlife, even if performed with positive intentions. It also generated a useful case study for caretakers dealing with similar challenges facilitating the necessary adjustment of a wild animal into human care. Little Bear’s story can help educators connect people with the potential negative consequences of their interactions with wildlife, building empathy and improving the likelihood of human-wildlife coexistence rather than conflict.
Conservation of Free Roaming Cheetah on farmlands in South Africa
Deon Cilliers Thursday, October 9 th , 8:00-8:20am, Palm ABDE
Established in 2000, the Cheetah Outreach Trust is a registered conservation NGO based in South Africa. Our objective is to ensure the conservation of free-roaming cheetahs and other large, vulnerable predators in the farmlands where they occur naturally. We accomplish this by implementing practical human-predator coexistence projects, integrated conservation programs, research, and education outreach initiatives. Our Livestock Guardian dog Project is the flagship of the conservation work we do and this is securing predator tolerant habitat for cheetahs to roam over by reducing farmer conflict due to predation losses. The first free roaming cheetah census in South Africa is also underway as part of a partnership project to determine the real conservation status of cheetah in South Africa. The Cheetah Outreach Trust remains the only NGO in South Africa, solely committed to conserving free-roaming cheetahs on farmland while taking into account the farmers and landowners who are the species' stewards. The projects of the Cheetah Outreach Trust are unique as the work is focused on free roaming cheetah that occur in fenced commercially farmed areas where both livestock as well as antelope species have a financial value which creates unique co-existence challenges.
Rising above extinction: How a small volunteer nonprofit supports the conservation of the critically endangered Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus ssp. sumatranus)
Mary Miller Thursday, October 9th , 8:20-8:40am, Palm ABDE
Asian Elephant Support (AES) is an all-volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to the care and conservation of elephants in Asia. AES’s focus is providing financial support for those that are working to help captive and wild elephants, creating awareness about the needs of elephants for the future, and providing educational opportunities for those working and living in the regions of the 13 range countries in which Asian elephants exist. Currently, an approximate population of 1,200 Sumatran elephants are left in the wild. Increasing fragmentation of their habitat has led to an increase in human-elephant conflict (HEC), which presents a major threat to elephants. Historically, HEC has been handled by capturing elephants, driving them away, or scaring them off using sound and fire. Capturing elephants as part of mitigation methods has caused a significant decline in the wild elephant population. Increases in HEC incidents threaten elephants as this leads to both retribution killing and the capture of elephants, which then remain in captivity. It is imperative for humans and people to learn to co-exist for the sake of Sumatran elephant conservation. Conservation Response Units (CRUs) are an important step in the development of a strategy to conserve Sumatran elephants. Asian Elephant Support provides funding support for activities of CRUs in Sumatra, Indonesia which employ trained elephants, their mahouts, and local community members to conduct human elephant conflict management and habitat patrols.
Sloth Bear SAFE and Wildlife SOS: Partnering for Education and Conservation
Paul Brandenburger Thursday, October 9th , 8:40-9:00am, Palm ABDE
In 2023, the AZA Sloth Bear SAFE hosted a project trip for AZA keepers to work with Wildlife SOS in India. Wildlife SOS is a wildlife conservation organization, and an AAZK Conservation Partner, established to make lasting change to protect and conserve India’s natural heritage, forest, and biodiversity. Wildlife SOS houses hundreds of sloth bears between four large natural sanctuaries in India that they rescued and rehabilitated as part of their work to eradicate the brutal practice of ‘dancing’ sloth bears. For about two weeks, myself and other professionals consulted with Wildlife SOS caretakers at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) on bear training, enrichment, and welfare evaluations while learning about the care, management, and backstories of the bears at ABRF. Outside of the ABRF, participants were able to visit Wildlife SOS’s nearby Asian Elephant Conservation and Care Centre and see the sloth bears’ natural habitat in Ranthambore National Park. Sloth Bear SAFE project trips are offered annually to AZA staff and grant professionals an incredible opportunity to spread their knowledge in animal husbandry while also experiencing conservation efforts firsthand.
American Institute of Rhinoceros Science: An amazing team effort by the rhino community pays off
Elizabeth Donelan Thursday, October 9th , 9:00-9:20am, Palm ABDE
The American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS) is a multifaceted project focused on four key areas: Reproduction (Repro), Wellbeing (WB), Iron Overload Disorder (IOD), and Physical Fitness (PF). Over three years, rhino keepers, caretakers, and managers answered hundreds of survey questions, collected >2000 serum samples and over >fecal samples, welcomed AIRS scientists into their spaces to gather >1300 hours of behavioral observations, and helped put activity trackers on their animals. This collaborative effort, involving over 20 scientists studying 181 rhinos across 67 institutions, is already uncovering valuable insights. Repro: Reproductive hormones demonstrate that most white rhinos are reproductively active, hyperprolactinemia is not associated with acyclicity, and bulls may have significant impact on females’ progesterone cycles. WB: Temperament assessments showed rhinos express multifaceted temperaments, understanding these can help managers modify management to maximize wellbeing, and serum evaluations indicated that DHEA, a novel wellbeing biomarker, may offer useful insight into pregnancy in addition to wellbeing. IOD: Many minerals can be measured in rhino horn, but concentrations are too low to offer medicinal value to humans; although iron is present in horn, unfortunately concentrations do not correlate to those in livers. PF: Activity trackers and husbandry surveys disclosed when, where, and how rhinos utilize their habitats, and body condition scores confirmed most rhinos are over-conditioned. These findings highlight how much we can learn by working together and considering the whole animal instead of studying a single discipline, and this is just the beginning of what AIRS will help teach us about rhinos.
Getting SMART about Conservation: A Zookeepers Journey into International Conservation
Lauren Larsen Thursday, October 9th , 9:20-9:40am, Palm ABDE
Zookeepers are deeply committed to animal care but often have limited avenues to contribute directly to broader conservation efforts, despite having passion and valuable experience. As a zookeeper at the North Carolina Zoo, I strive to bridge this gap by integrating conservation technology into my role, in alignment with the Zoo’s mission to protect wildlife and wild places. The North Carolina Zoo is a founding partner of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), a software used across 100 countries for wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts. Motivated to gain expertise in SMART, I expressed interest to our conservation department and independently trained myself on the software. This initiative led to the selection to join the deployment of SMART for an Inuit-led wildlife monitoring initiative in the Canadian Arctic. Building on that experience, I explored ways to integrate SMART within the Zoo. I collaborated with our elephant team to track browse harvesting efforts and developed a data model for our herpetology team to monitor relocation and identify hotspots on zoo grounds. Outside of the Zoo, I designed a data model for Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, enabling them to digitize their game farm inspection process. By integrating conservation technology into my work and using available time to expand my role, I’ve helped strengthen the connection between animal care and field conservation. These experiences have enriched my ability to share meaningful, firsthand stories with guests and demonstrate how their visit supports real-world wildlife protection efforts around the world.
The International Cheetah Studbook: The Importance of Keeping Non-AZA Cheetah Data
Dr. Laurie Marker Thursday, October 9th , 9:40-10:00am, Palm ABDE
All over the world, there are programs adjacent to the AZA’s SSP Program. The American ZAA (Zoological Association of America) has the AMP (Animal Management Program). BIAZA (British/Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) have the EEP (European Endangered Species Programme). The Australasian ZAA (Zoo and Aquarium Association) has the SMP (Species Management Program). These plans are extremely important to regional management of a species, but how are they collectively intertwined, and what can be done with the whole picture? On a global scale, WAZA manages GSMPs (Global Species Management Plans) and many international studbooks. Incorporating zoos that fall into all the above categories, plus facilities that are not accredited, is extremely important especially when managing endangered species. Just because a facility doesn’t have an accreditation, doesn’t mean its inhabitants aren’t important to the species. This ideology holds true especially for the cheetah, who’s studbook is managed by the Cheetah Conservation Fund. First published in 1988 by Dr. Laurie Marker, the International Cheetah Studbook contains the records for 1794 cheetahs held in 306 facilities in 43 countries (as of December 31, 2024). With less than 7000 wild cheetahs left on the planet, knowing each and every individual in captivity worldwide could mean life or death for the species. The International Cheetah Studbook serves as a bridge between regional and global animal management plans, increasing the possibility of practical solutions for conservation.
A Case Study in Training a Parent-Reared, Non-releasable Owl
Robert Gabel Thursday, October 9th , 10:30-10:50am, Palm ABDE
In recent years, the traditional methods of raptor training have been examined more closely, with an eye toward improving wellbeing. One notable example is a position statement published by the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators in March of 2018, which formally discourages the use of parent-reared owls in ambassador programs. As more facilities transition to using hand-raised owls as ambassadors, it presents the question: how can we improve the lives of parent reared, non-releasable owls already in human care? In this paper, I will present a case study of my team’s experiences training “Little One” a male Short Eared Owl who resides on display at the Lee G Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, a satellite facility of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. I will explain how a positive reinforcement training program has led to an increase in wellbeing, decrease in stress, and the opportunity for him to voluntarily participate in his care. This journey has taken over 400 training sessions, from March 17, 2022, to the present. In this time, “Little One” has gone from exhibiting behaviors commonly associated with fear and distress during husbandry, to voluntarily stationing, flying A to B, sitting on a scale, and the early stages of a voluntary crate behavior. By sharing the challenges my team and I have faced in working with this bird over the years, I hope to inspire other trainers to train birds that may be labeled as “difficult” or “fearful” using least intrusive, positive reinforcement methods.
Takin about Herd Health: Training a Sichuan Takin (Budorcas taxicolor tibetana) for Voluntary Blood Draws in Open Pastures
Courtney Cordray Thursday, October 9th , 10:50-11:10am, Palm ABDE
Before becoming a wildlife safari park, the land at The Wilds was surface mined for coal between 1940s-1980s. Currently, The Wilds has one of the largest herds of Sichuan Takin under human care in the United States, hovering around 40-50 individuals. The herd has year round access to mineral blocks and approximately 220 acres for natural foraging. Due to individual animal health concerns and laboratory results showing mineral deficiencies, there was interest in monitoring the health of animals in the herd. We trained an adult hand-raised female Sichuan takin, Elle, for voluntary blood draws. Training for voluntary blood draws can be difficult in the field due to the herd’s varying location in pastures which contain woods and lakes, competing with the other resources in the environment, and working from the bed of a truck among other things. Training began in 2024 and after four sessions the first blood sample was successfully collected from the jugular vein. We are continuing to monitor health through monthly blood draws with Elle. This training has also allowed us to give yearly vaccinations voluntarily. Moving forward we are hoping to do more extensive studies to learn more about Sichuan Takin health, including treatments paired with repeated sample collection and testing.
Rising Above Fear – Counterconditioning for Future, Unknown Stimuli
Gary Fortier Thursday, October 9th , 11:10-11:30am, Palm ABDE
We know that we can desensitize our animals to known fearful stimuli. But can we desensitize our animals to unknown, future stimuli? Stimulus generalization occurs in a variety of learning situations, in both behavioral acquisition and systematic desensitization. For example, many species may be desensitized to their caretakers; they then extend that reduction in fear to other human staff members. Can we extend this generalization to other objects and situations? Our goal in this study was to determine whether counterconditioning could partially insulate animals from the adverse effects of future frightening stimuli. We exposed chickens to a commercial dog toy and then used counterconditioning to eliminate their anxious response. We then exposed the birds to a new frightening stimulus, a stuffed red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), to determine whether there was any decrease in their fear response. Both the training and testing were done in the same room, under the same conditions, to take full advantage of any contextual cues that might foster stimulus generalization. The results of our study have direct implications for animal management. Animals that are kept in outdoor enclosures may be exposed to a broad array of potentially adverse triggers, from boisterous visitors to natural predators that are seen, heard or smelled from afar. Regularly scheduled training sessions can be easily modified to include counterconditioning to novel stimuli. While we can’t expect to fireproof our animals from fear, we can better equip them to deal with the unknown.
Challenge accepted: Hand-rearing a gemsbok calf with a chronic injury
Erika Defer Thursday, October 9th , 11:30-11:50am, Palm ABDE
Despite inhabiting adverse environments, gemsbok are an adaptable species that have risen above the threat of extinction due to their resilient nature; our hand-raised gemsbok, Trinity, can attest to that resilience. When she was 1.5 weeks old, she sustained a broken leg in the 100-acre habitat that her herd resides in. We decided to hand-rear her due to the intense treatment her fracture was going to require. We knew we were in for a challenge as gemsbok are tricky to hand-raise with their ornery attitudes and we had the added hindrance that this calf had been nursing consistently from her dam. She was not consuming enough nutrients and was quickly becoming underconditioned leading to a discussion on her quality of life. After numerous taxing days and nights, she finally took a bottle. Words can’t describe the relief felt when she started suckling. While we got over a major roadblock in her journey, there were still more challenges to face. Hand-raising dangerous species like gemsbok can be extremely risky as they get older. Thankfully, experience taught us how to effectively hand-raise while remaining primarily hands-off. While she will continue to have chronic issues, Trinity is now fully weaned and living with our greater kudu herd and, fortunately, does not seem to have a desire to engage with humans in an unsafe manner. This paper will walk you through the obstacles and successes of hand-raising and managing a chronically injured gemsbok calf and integrating her into a herd of a different species.