Enrichment for Wildlife Species

Enrichment for Wildlife Species - VET101 Notes

Overview

  • Instructor: Dr. Emma Dunston-Clarke

  • Slogan: Ngala kwop biddi. Building a brighter future, together.

  • Institution: Murdoch University

Acknowledgement of Country

  • Murdoch University is situated on the lands of the Whadjuk and Binjareb Noongar people.

  • The university acknowledges and pays respect to their enduring and dynamic culture and the leadership of Noongar Elders, past and present.

  • The land has historically been a site of learning for thousands of years, and the university continues this tradition.

  • CRICOS Code: 00125

  • TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12163 (Australian University)

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain the purpose for captive housing of wildlife and the controversy it entails.

  2. Identify constraints faced by wildlife species in captivity.

  3. Clarify why enrichment programs are not a ‘one fits all’ solution.

  4. Develop a PPSSN enrichment program for a captive wildlife species.

  5. Assess the appropriateness of feeding live enrichment for certain species versus others.

History of Zoos

  • Historically, zoos were a sign of wealth, with the diversity of a collection reflecting the owner's affluence.

Modern Role of Zoos

  • Conservation Centers: Focus on endangered species.

  • Public Interaction: Allows humans to see animals not typically found in the wild.

  • Education: Raises awareness of the threats facing wildlife species.

  • Regional Focus: Zoos often emphasize species native to their area; for example, many Australian zoos focus on orangutans and Sumatran tigers due to their regional relevance.

Case Study: Sumatran Tiger and Orangutan

  • Investigates the threats affecting these species.

Zoo Engagement Strategies

  • Visitor Engagement Tactics:

    • Informational signs at enclosures

    • Donation boxes

    • Keeper talks

    • Merchandise and gifts at gift shops

    • Adoption programs

    • Behind-the-scenes encounters (e.g., 'roar and snore' experiences)

    • Informative websites

Appropriateness of Zoos for Wildlife Species

  • An examination of whether zoos are suitable for all types of wildlife.

Providing Enrichment for Captive Animals

  • Species-Specific Enrichment: Important to tailor enrichment to the species' needs while ensuring safety.

  • Accidents Risks: Inappropriate food and housing can lead to severe consequences, including illness and death.

  • Natural Behavior Consideration: All animals, regardless of species or size, deserve enrichment programs that account for their natural behaviors.

  • Five Aspects of Enrichment Evaluated:

    1. Physical

    2. Psychological

    3. Social

    4. Sensory

    5. Nutritional

  • Understanding these aspects helps in assessing animal welfare and suggests areas for improvement.

Case Study: Killer Whale

Enrichment Strategies:

  • Physical:

    • Increase available space using ocean pens

    • Include wave simulations

    • Deepen enclosures

  • Psychological:

    • Implement training programs with keepers

    • Provide puzzle enrichment to stimulate mental activity

  • Sensory:

    • Engage multiple senses (taste, sight, smell, touch)

    • Consider auditory aspects, such as visitor noise and equipment sounds

  • Social:

    • Provide interactions with conspecifics and trainers

  • Nutritional:

    • Consider the appropriateness of live prey, pacing feeding methods, and varying presentation of food

Importance of Natural Behavior

  • Always consider natural behavior when developing enrichment programs to ensure that animals thrive in captivity.

Case Study: Dingoes

Enrichment Strategies:

  • Physical:

    • Provide structures of varying sizes and heights, and suitable shade/shelter areas

  • Psychological:

    • Introduce food puzzles and training sessions

    • Allow for walks around the zoo

  • Sensory:

    • Incorporate scents from prey species into the environment

  • Social:

    • Facilitate pack interactions among conspecifics

    • Foster engagement with keepers

  • Nutritional:

    • Ensure diet mimics natural habits with small meals distributed throughout the day, and hide food within the enclosure

Case Study: Bearded Dragon

Enrichment Strategies:

  • Physical:

    • Adequate tank size with appropriate furniture

    • Establish lighting for warmth and sunbathing

  • Psychological:

    • Provide toys and puzzles (e.g., mirrors, climbing structures)

    • Undertake training with keepers or owners

  • Sensory:

    • Introduce natural browsing opportunities and auditory stimulation

  • Social:

    • Assess suitability of conspecific housing based on sex and tank size

  • Nutritional:

    • Match diet to natural food sources, provide live prey, and consider complex environments that allow for hiding food

Application of Knowledge

  • In any wildlife-related profession, you will encounter wildlife species kept as pets.

  • Understanding their natural behavior and habitat will enhance your ability to advise clients on creating appropriate PPSSN enrichment programs.

Feeding Live Prey

  • Considerations of appropriateness and ethics:

    • Assess if the benefits to carnivores outweigh the stress inflicted on live prey.

    • Evaluate if live feeding is ethically viable given the prey’s inability to escape or defend itself.

    • Different viewpoints exist for various species on whether live feeding is appropriate, including:

    • Carnivores such as snakes and dingoes (e.g., live mice/rats)

    • Insectivorous reptiles (e.g., lizards, frogs)

    • Marine animals (e.g., feeding live fish)

  • Compliance with welfare laws varies by country/state; some owners prefer live feeding, and in certain conservation scenarios, it may be vital for an animal's post-release survival.

Conclusion

  • Questions: Students can reach out via the VET101 forum or attend the Tuesday tutorial from 10:30-11:20 am.

  • Contact: Emma.Dunston@murdoch.edu.au

Slogan Reiteration: Ngala kwop biddi. Building a brighter future, together.
Institution: MU Murdoch University