What I find so interesting about training is not just the variation between species, but the variation between individuals. I think it's only through our training programs that I've really been able to observe our animals' individual personalities and behaviors. It's kind of an added challenge to structure the program to apply to a particular animal, but really rewarding when it all pays off.
Even when you have to train a baby alligator who seems to take great joy in just being a little jerk...
Its amazing isn't it. Basil has a way of wrapping me around his finger to get what he wants and only when he has been rewarded I realise what he actually trained ME to do! He also if I ignore any behaviour I didn't want will throw his head around and walk off knowing I will call him back- yet by time I have called him back I have already rewarded him. Its so frustrating but also very funny. Yet there are people out there who say animals are stupid, they really need to meet some of our animals!
Absolutely! One of the biggest hurdles I faced was when our gator Stella started anticipating my moves before I did them. Turned out she was picking up on some tiny muscle twitch I made with my arm that I wasn't even aware of. I knew gators were smart, but that was definitely the moment where I realized I was severely underestimating her. She sounds a lot like Basil; she knows what she is supposed to do, but she will test you every step of the way to try and get her way!
Zookeepers do such an amazing job with the animals. You have a great responsibility. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn more through your posts.
I thoroughly enjoyed looking at these pictures and reading your post. I want to thank you for sharing you experiences with zoo keeping. All the animals are so effing adorable.
@herpetologyguy is also the guy who made me change my opinion about Sea World. The post you mentioned is simply one of the best posts I have ever read on the topic!
What I find so interesting about training is not just the variation between species, but the variation between individuals. I think it's only through our training programs that I've really been able to observe our animals' individual personalities and behaviors. It's kind of an added challenge to structure the program to apply to a particular animal, but really rewarding when it all pays off.
Even when you have to train a baby alligator who seems to take great joy in just being a little jerk...
Great post!
Its amazing isn't it. Basil has a way of wrapping me around his finger to get what he wants and only when he has been rewarded I realise what he actually trained ME to do! He also if I ignore any behaviour I didn't want will throw his head around and walk off knowing I will call him back- yet by time I have called him back I have already rewarded him. Its so frustrating but also very funny. Yet there are people out there who say animals are stupid, they really need to meet some of our animals!
Absolutely! One of the biggest hurdles I faced was when our gator Stella started anticipating my moves before I did them. Turned out she was picking up on some tiny muscle twitch I made with my arm that I wasn't even aware of. I knew gators were smart, but that was definitely the moment where I realized I was severely underestimating her. She sounds a lot like Basil; she knows what she is supposed to do, but she will test you every step of the way to try and get her way!
Not only enjoyable but also informative. I especially liked Meg's video. Good job!
Thank you :) I need to recapture a new video of her as this was a few years ago now so she has learnt much more. I am glad you enjoyed the post
Zookeepers do such an amazing job with the animals. You have a great responsibility. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn more through your posts.
You must be having fun with the animals. You look like you enjoy what you do
I thoroughly enjoyed looking at these pictures and reading your post. I want to thank you for sharing you experiences with zoo keeping. All the animals are so effing adorable.
This is great! Really cute and interesting pictures, plus a lot of new info. Do you have a favorite animal to work with?
Oh we all have favourites. Mine is a little pygmy goat called Basil who features in todays post :) He is a remarkable animal
@herpetologyguy is also the guy who made me change my opinion about Sea World. The post you mentioned is simply one of the best posts I have ever read on the topic!
I couldn't agree with you more apart from I already loved SeaWorld, the way he worded that topic was beyond perfect.
:)
Thanks guys! That was probably one of the hardest posts I've ever written, so I really appreciate the feedback!