Emotional Enrichment

[cleusk]

I went to the main website of the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Boyd, Texas. It mentioned this program called emotional enrichment. I had never heard about this and would like to know about the general consensus on this approach in regards to dealing with animals. The link below will take you to the page discussing the technique.


Emotional Enrichment

 

[Agalychnis]

I think the idea that animals have emotions too, and that those emotions should be respected, is a good one. I have, however, a few issues with the way emotional enrichment is conducted:

My first issue is it seems like a very "pet-like" way to treat an animal, and I'm not certain it would be such a good idea to show the audience a big cat being treated like it was their own little Pawston at home. After all, the institution is located in Texas, a state known for a large number of endangered (and life-threatening!) exotic "pets" in private hands. They might think a dangerous exotic animal is just a bigger and more toothy version of a golden retriever. Some might think lions and bears are actually just big doggies, but I digress; people should not keep an exotic "pet" any more dangerous than a llama.

The other issue is that the facility's approach shows a rather one-sided view upon pleasurable emotions. It seems as if their highest goal is trusting serenity, whereas I think emotionall well-being also includes excitement, anticipation and the happiness you feel when succesfully solving a problem. I also think that especially primates should be allowed to control their environment; the feeling of being in control of where you are and what you do creates confidence and a feeling you can take care of things yourself.

My overall opinion is that the idea is great, but might need to be worked a bit on. That being said, I'm no animal behaviorist

 

[Jurek7]

This 'emotional enrichment' is a bit unclear.

Some points are fair, especially that individual animals have very different personalities, and formulaic enrichment designed for the 'species in general' may be ineffective or harmful.

Other points are doubtful, for example aiming to no stress whatsover. A trainer working with big cats unprotected surely wishes them as calm as possible. But many zoo professionals argue that occassional small stress and uncertainity is beneficial to animals. Otherwise they can become physically unfit, bored or neurotic. And normal social life of animals includes some stress and fighting.

 

[zooman]

I went to the main website of the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Boyd, Texas. It mentioned this program called emotional enrichment. I had never heard about this and would like to know about the general consensus on this approach in regards to dealing with animals. The link below will take you to the page discussing the technique.


Emotional Enrichment

A very interesting concept.

I am frequently challenged by the concept of only breeding via Studbook recommendations meaning that many primates in particular will never experiance the higher social status associated with reproduction.