Animal Enrichment and Training

The goal of animal enrichment is to encourage natural behaviors and discourage abnormal behaviors in the animal's exhibit and holding areas through enrichment by considering the animal's natural history, individual history and exhibit considerations.

While animal shows are enriching for Zoo visitors, training is enriching for the animals, too. Show animals are always trained to do natural behaviors, just on cue. Animals are motivated to perform behaviors by the use of positive reinforcement - toys and treats. These rewards are approved by the same committee that approves enrichment plans, to ensure that nutritional health and safety is never compromised.

Additional Information

Check out these links to organizations devoted to animal enrichment. See what other zoos are doing, find out about the science of animal behavior and investigate careers in the field.
Animal Enrichment:

• American Association of Zoo Keepers
• USDA standards for animal enrichment
• Wildlife Conservation Society Hosts Enrichment Conference

Careers:

• The Association of Zoos & Aquariums