Angela S. Kelling

Enhancing the Zoo Visitor’s Experience by Public Animal Training and Oral Interpretation at an Otter Exhibit

This study investigated the effects of performing animal-training sessions with Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinerea) while zoo visitors watched. The effects of having an interpreter present to describe the otters and their training on zoo visitors were also assessed. The data from 389 visitors to Zoo Atlanta’s otter exhibit were analyzed, and exhibit stay times and animal activity levels were recorded during four conditions (passive exhibit viewing, interpretation-only sessions, public animal- training sessions, and public animal training with interpretation sessions). The findings suggest that public animal training and public animal training with interpretation produce more positive zoo experiences, training perceptions, exhibit size and staff assessments, and longer visitor exhibit stay times when compared to passive exhibit viewing and interpretation-only sessions. This study quantifies an outcome of positive reinforcement training beyond its effects on animals and extends the benefits to zoo visitors by providing information on how to increase positive perceptions and experiences for zoological park visitors.

Food preference, keeper ratings, and reinforcer effectiveness in exotic animals: the value of systematic testing.

Food preference describes the behavior of selecting between items for consumption; reinforcer effectiveness is the functional effect of that item in controlling behavior. Food preference and reinforcer effectiveness were examined in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). A pairwise comparison between food items was used to assess food preference. High-, moderate-, and low-preference items were selected and tested for reinforcer effectiveness. High-preference items controlled behavior more effectively than less-preferred items. Caregiver ratings of food preferences were also collected for each subject, but these reports did not necessarily coincide with actual subject preferences. Caregiver ratings correlated with the food preferences of only 1 individual of each species; thus, preferences of 1 nonhuman animal may be falsely generalized to all animals of that species. Results suggest that food choice and reinforcer effectiveness should be investigated empirically and not rely on anecdotal reports.

Twenty-five years of Zoo Biology: a publication analysis.

To expand on earlier publication analyses of the journal Zoo Biology, information from 991 articles published within the journals first 25 years was compiled and evaluated. Most articles were applied, descriptive accounts that included inferential statistics and/or biological analyses. In addition, most articles focused on captive animals and concentrated on the behavior and reproduction of mammals, with particular emphasis on primates. With respect to authors, the majority of first authors were affiliated with zoos or universities within the United States and collaborated with co-authors at different institutions. Nearly two-fifths of articles acknowledged receiving external funding and external funding increased over the years, however, collaboration did not significantly change receipt of external funding. In addition, first authors with zoo affiliations published more descriptive, applied science articles and acknowledged receipt of external funding significantly less often than first authors with university affiliations. Publication latency was comparable to other scientific journals and increased significantly over the 25-year publication period. Longitudinal trends indicated that experimental, applied science, diet and nutrition, and collaborative articles also increased significantly, whereas descriptive, basic science, behavior, and population biology articles decreased significantly. By describing historical trends in zoo research through an analysis of papers published in Zoo Biology, this article may help to bridge gaps and identify new opportunities. Zoo Biol 27:444-457, 2008. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Color vision in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Hue discrimination abilities of giant pandas were tested, controlling for brightness. Subjects were 2 adult giant pandas (1 male and 1 female). A simultaneous discrimination procedure without correction was used. In five tasks, white, black, and five saturations each of green, blue, and red served as positive stimuli that were paired with one or two comparison stimuli consisting of 16 saturations of gray. To demonstrate discrimination, the subjects were required to choose the positive stimulus in 16 of 20 trials (80% correct) for three consecutive sessions. Both subjects reached criterion for green and red. The female subject also reached criterion for blue. The male was not tested for blue. This study is a systematic replication of Bacon and Burghardt’s (1976) color discrimination experiment on black bears. The results suggest that color vision in the giant panda is comparable to that of black bears and other carnivores that are not strictly nocturnal.

Lion, Ungulate, and Visitor Reactions to Playbacks of Lion Roars at Zoo Atlanta

Felids in captivity are often inactive and elusive in zoos, leading to a frustrating visitor experience. Eight roars were recorded from an adult male lion and played back over speakers as auditory enrichment to benefit the lions while simultaneously enhancing the zoo visitor experience. In addition, ungulates in an adjacent exhibit were observed to ensure that the novel location and increased frequency of roars did not lead to a stress or fear response. The male lion in this study roared more in the playback phase than in the baseline phases while not increasing any behaviors that would indicate compromised welfare. In addition, zoo visitors remained at the lion exhibit longer during playback. The nearby ungulates never exhibited any reactions stronger than orienting to playbacks, identical to their reactions to live roars. Therefore, naturalistic playbacks of lion roars are a potential form of auditory enrichment that leads to more instances of live lion roars and enhances the visitor experience without increasing the stress levels of nearby ungulates or the lion themselves, who might interpret the roar as that of an intruder.

The tweets that killed a university: A case study investigating the use of traditional and social media in the closure of a state university

The 12-month discussion surrounding a regional university campus quickly evolved from a suggestion of independence, to a plan, to the ultimate closure of the university. This unique series of events at the University of South Florida Polytechnic (USFP) allows for an investigation of how various forms of media were used during this significant event that impacted college students education and immediate future. A campus wide survey was combined with social and online media monitoring to assess the topics, authors, and methods used during prominent discussions during and preceding the closure of USFP. Although social media played a crucial role, the most common format was Twitter and it was used almost exclusively by members of the media itself. Students instead relied on traditional sources to gather information. Additionally, students expressed their opinion utilizing classic methods, such as petitions, foregoing more modern Twitter or Facebook campaigns. It is incorrect to automatically assume younger demographic authorship or utilization of social media technology. Whereas social media use could expand even more over the next decade, identifying authorship remains critical as it is unclear how frequent social media is viewed as an official method of public discussion, especially when politics and higher education collide.

Socialization of a Single Hand-Reared Tiger Cub

Given the drawbacks of hand-rearing nonhuman animals in captivity, the practice is generally avoided, but it is sometimes necessary. A few scientific publications are available to guide managers toward best practices in hand-rearing, but the majority of articles focus on hand-rearing captive primates. Less is known about hand-rearing carnivores, but early socialization appears to be critical for adult social behavior. This article documents the successful hand-rearing and reintroduction of a single female Sumatran tiger cub at Zoo Atlanta. Reintroduction included a systematic procedure that used scent trials and introduction sessions through a barrier to gauge interest and determine whether or not aggression was a problem. Based on signs of interest, reduced stress-related behaviors, and a lack of aggression, animal managers decided to proceed with reintroduction. During the introductions, the animals were not aggressive and did occasionally interact, although typical mother–infant interactions were rare. The cub has since bred naturally and successfully delivered and reared two litters of cubs. These data suggest limited exposure to an adult tiger may be adequate socialization for normal reproduction even if it is provided relatively late in the cubs development.

A modified operational sequence methodology for zoo exhibit design and renovation: Conceptualizing animals, staff, and visitors as interdependent coworkers

Human factors analyses have been used to improve efficiency and safety in various work environments. Although generally limited to humans, the universality of these analyses allows for their formal application to a much broader domain. This paper outlines a model for the use of human factors to enhance zoo exhibits and optimize spaces for all user groups; zoo animals, zoo visitors, and zoo staff members. Zoo exhibits are multi-faceted and each user group has a distinct set of requirements that can clash or complement each other. Careful analysis and a reframing of the three groups as interdependent coworkers can enhance safety, efficiency, and experience for all user groups. This paper details a general creation and specific examples of the use of the modified human factors tools of function allocation, operational sequence diagram and needs assessment. These tools allow for adaptability and ease of understanding in the design or renovation of exhibits.

Elephant in the Break Room: The use of Modified Operational Sequence Diagrams for the Determination of Zoo Exhibit Inefficiencies

Although human factors has been applied to situations involving animals, it has not been formally used in zoo exhibit design. Zoo exhibits with their varied, and possibly conflicting, goals of three distinct user groups present a unique opportunity to apply human factors to improve the design process. Treating zoo staff, visitors, and animals as co-workers, each with input into the exhibit system, allows the design process to be optimized in order to maximize efficient use of time and better meet the needs of all users. Ideally, well designed exhibits will maximize animal welfare while increasing the efficiency and safety of zoo staff. Additionally, exhibits should enhance the visitor experience, allowing them to connect with the exhibit and learn from it, ideally by viewing species-typical behavior. The current paper uses a novel approach, a modified Operational Sequence Diagrams, to examine the needs of the zoo system. This methodology is used because of its flexibility and ease of understanding for zoo personnel not trained in human factors. An example diagram is provided for scatter feeding in an elephant exhibit.