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GET READY FOR REAL, WILD, FUN DURING ANIMAL ENRICHMENT DAY AT THE HOUSTON ZOO:10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. Saturday October 2, 2010.

(09/21/2010)


Just how long will it take an elephant to eat a watermelon? How does a tapir paint a picture? Does his technique different from an elephant or an orangutan? Do parrots like pinatas? Find out the answers to these intriguing questions and a lot more during Animal Enrichment Day at the Houston Zoo Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During Enrichment Day, Zoo guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to see a wide variety of unique environmental enrichment and training activities. See how Andean bears solve a puzzle (Hint: There’s food inside). And while you’re at the Zoo, don’t forget to check out our cool keepers during entertaining Meet the Keeper Talks and training demonstrations at exhibits across the Zoo (see example below).





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But the fun doesn’t end there—Animal Enrichment Day also includes enrichment for Zoo guests at Enrichment Central on the Werler Lawn featuring games for kids, enrichment ideas for pets, and environmental tips from the Zoo’s Green Practices team and our horticulture experts. Visit the hard working canines from Greater Houston Search Dogs, and meet representatives from The Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Moody Gardens, the Downtown Aquarium, and the National Parrot Rescue Group.

Highlights of Animal Enrichment Day

Animal Enrichment Day at the Houston Zoo will feature more than 50 enrichment activities. Below are just a few highlights.

1:30 p.m. African wild dogs: What may be the worlds largest dog toy made from 60 gallon plastic barrel suspended across the wild dog exhibit on a zip line. Let the chase begin!
1:45 p.m. Andean bears figure out a ‘puzzle feeder’ and enjoy ‘fruit kabobs.’
2:15 p.m. Meerkats: The Houston Zoo’s adult and infant meerkats explore a bamboo wonderland.
2:30 p.m. Pico the tapir paints a masterpiece – with keeper assistance.

Environmental enrichment is a way to mentally engage and challenge animals that live in zoos. The more enriched an animal is, the more likely the animal is to exhibit natural behaviors. Enrichment often involves food because much of an animal’s day is spent in search of food in the wild. Scent is another form of environmental enrichment. The Zoo’s carnivore (lions, tigers, small cats) keepers use spices, vanilla and even perfume to introduce smells into their exhibits.

Another important kind of enrichment is training. Keepers train Zoo animals to display certain behaviors by using operant conditioning methods involving verbal cues, followed by a whistle, or reinforcement signal, and a food reward.


(影片由休士頓動物園提供)



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