Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Zoo animals are trained for a lot of different reasons including facilitating husbandry procedures, physical exercise and mental stimulation. Training has also been shown to reduce stereotypies in captive wild animals. Among other factors, two of the most important for zoo animal welfare are the Human-Animal Relationship (HAR) between animal and zookeepers, and an environment that allows behavioural choices. These factors are important for the animal´s perceived level of control of its environment. This study is divided into two parts. First, it aims to investigate trainings implications for the HAR, control and motivation. Second, it also includes a case study of training Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) for weighing and transporting.

The method used in the study was literature search in databases. The case study aimed to evaluate a training plan for two Red Pandas and also to assess behavioural change throughout the training period.

The results show that training can have positive implications for both the HAR and for the perceived control. The training plan proved functional as a template but may have to be adjusted depending on the individual animal and trainer. The behavioural changes throughout the training period could possibly be due to enhanced HAR, increased control or motivation but which factor, if any of the three, had the most implication could not be concluded.