This
Information was put together for wild animals in my care. But there
is information in it that will help traditional pet owners and owners
of non-traditional pets as well. This article was composed so as
to satisfy the requirement of the United
States Animal Welfare Act However, requirements of that Act
change from time to time. Feel free to use or adapt any portions
of it that you desire.
BEHAVIORAL
enrichment is a management tool through which animal caretakers,
sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitates and others can provide their
animals with mental and physical stimulation using both natural
and artificial objects.
We
do this to tempt the natural inquisitiveness of wildlife in our
care and relieve the tedium and boredom that readily available food
and shelter provide. Behavioral enrichment also addresses the space
limitations that sanctuaries must, by necessity, provide. We in
the sanctuary and wildlife rehabilitation field have done this intuitively,
without conscious, effort for the last hundred years. But this has
not always been the case in profit-driven institutions such as traditional
zoos, circuses, game and theme parks.
The
goal of behavioral enrichment is to increase activity and stimulation
levels in the captive environment. This may stimulate natural behaviors,
increase activity within a group, decrease stereotypic behaviors
and generally enhance the animal’s life pleasures. Behavioral
enrichment is always in the best interest of the animals we care
for because it helps keep animals mentally and physically fit so
that the stresses of captivity or injury can be minimized to the
greatest extent possible.
2nd Chance Sanctuary believes firmly in animal enrichment and benevolent
stewardship of all, non-releasable, living things. Our goal is to
provide novelty, opportunity and choice for every animal in our
care. To help us meet this goal, we rely heavily on community volunteers
from the Sarasota and Manatee county areas with a love and understanding
of animals. All volunteers work under the supervision of our trained
Staff. Volunteers help design and build enrichment devices under
the guidance of the Behavioral Enrichment protocols. Other Behavioral
Enrichment programs involve school and youth groups under the supervision
of a teacher or leader. They “adopt” an animal, research
it’s natural behavior, design, fund and build enrichment devices
and then watch the staff give that device to their adopted animals.
“Community Service students” can also choose Behavioral
Enrichment. projects to fulfill their community service requirements.
This “Behavioral Enrichment Guide” was developed to
provide guidance to all these special volunteers.
Behavioral
enrichment is considered part of the daily husbandry routine at
2nd Chance Sanctuary and is generally begun daily when the habitats
are cleaned. Weather and circumstance permitting, additional Behavioral
Enrichment. is given throughout the day. Behavioral enrichment can
include rugged toys of interest to the animal, novel objects, habitat
modifications, and socialization sessions – all designed to
provide sensory and motor stimulation. Because of the benevolent,
passive nature of the animal welfare community, certain operant
conditioning (such as live prey) and “training” may
be philosophically unacceptable.
2nd Chance Sanctuary has developed the following guidelines to insure
Behavioral Enrichment is carried out in a safe and effective manner.
These guidelines include who gets behavioral enrichment, who can
give it, how often, what type, how to get ideas for Behavioral Enrichment
where items are stored and how they will be cared for, safely considerations,
and educating the public about Behavioral Enrichment The following
the guidelines are “approved lists” of Behavioral Enrichment
items or devices by species groups:
I.
WHO RECEIVES BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT:
A. All creatures will receive enrichment at least once daily
B. Primates, bears and raccoons will receive enrichment three times
daily
C. Raptor and other birds will be enriched at the discretion of
the Staff
II. WHO CAN GIVE BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT:
A. Only Staff will give enrichment to animals capable of inflicting
human injury.
B. Aide Volunteers can do any enrichment for non-threatening creatures,
that is, those unlikely to cause injury to humans.
C. Behavioral Enrichment volunteers may make enrichment items and
devices for the creatures. Only Staff will give these Behavioral
Enrichment items to the animals while the Behavioral Enrichment.
volunteer watches.
III. FREQUENCY AND DURATION OF BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT
A.
Behavioral Enrichment will be given all year long providing it is
safe for the people and the animals.
B. Behavioral Enrichment will be given to both convalescent and
healthy animals.
C. In most cases, Behavioral Enrichment items will be taken out
after short periods to preserve novelty.
D. Food enrichment will only be given three times a week.
IV. WHERE TO GET IDEAS FOR BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT
A. Behavioral enrichment information will be available to volunteers
from our Staff. The Behavioral Enrichment book shelf also contains:
1. The Shape of Enrichment newsletters
2. Approved enrichment items
3. Behavioral Enrichment approved lists which will be updated periodically
4. Enrichment articles
5. Browse/Toxic plant lists
V. CARE OF BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT ITEMS
A.
Items will be washed and disinfected with hypochlorite (bleach 1:20)
or heat between animals.
B. Non-washable, damaged or heavily soiled items will be disposed
of.
C. Items will be stored neatly in the Behavioral Enrichment shelf
and surrounding
area.
VI. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:
BEFORE DESIGNING BUILDING OR GIVING ANY Behavioral Enrichment ITEM….
ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
1.
Can the creature be caught, entangled or trapped inside the item?
2. Can the item be used as a weapon to hurt conjoining creatures?
3. Will the item aid in the creature’s escape?
4. Can the item fall on the creature?
5. If the item is eaten or chewed, will it harm the creature?
6. Can the creature be cut, pinched or otherwise injured by the
item?
ENRICHMENT ITEMS
A. Cables, chains or cords
1. Chain length will be as short as possible
2. Chain size will be of suitable size for the intended creature
3. Chain will be single link to minimize kinking.
4. Swivels should be used at the point of attachment to the enclosure
to reduce entrapment.
5. Suspended chains, bungee cords and cables either inside or outside
the enclosure will be covered with vinyl sheathing when appropriate.
B. String, twine and wire should only be used for appropriate
Animals.
B.
Waxed boxes will not be given to animals.
C. Boxes will be free of staples, plastic tape and anything else
that may prove dangerous to the creatures.
D. Bags will be free of string, plastic or inner liners (i.e. feed
bags).
E. Browse will be non-toxic and free of wild and free roaming animal
feces.
F. Feathers, snake sheds and any other body parts will be free of
parasites (by freezing, washing, micro waving or setting out in
the sun) before being given to an animal.
G. Food items.
1. Food will be animal-appropriate, non-poisonous and given only
to species permissible to Staff.
2. Food items will only be given 3 X weekly.
3. Use only donated food items that are plentiful for Behavioral
Enrichment to insure foods used for the daily diets do not run out.
4. All proposed food items will be approved by the Staff nutritionist
or veterinarian.
H.
Plants and herbs will be non-toxic.
I. Items donated by the public will be checked for safety and will
be approved by Staff before being given to any creatures.
J. Behavioral Enrichment items that are “home made”
should be made using non-toxic, animal-safe materials.
K. Scented Behavioral Enrichment items should only be used in open,
airy areas to allow ventilation. Do not give olfactory enrichment
to sick or convalescent animals without specific veterinary permission.
VII. DOCUMENTATION
A. Any new Behavioral Enrichment ideas will be considered by filling
out the “request for new Enrichment Form”. The Director
and Staff Veterinarian will sign off on the form if it is approved.
B. New ideas are encouraged and will be positively evaluated 3X
before being considered for inclusion in the “Approved Behavioral
Enrichment list” by completing the “Evaluation Form
for New Enrichment Items” form. Ongoing evaluation will continue
by rating the success of daily enrichment.
VIII.
PUBLIC EDUCATIION ABOUT ENRICHMENT:
A. Graphics about our Behavioral Enrichment Program will be developed
and displayed around the Sanctuary when appropriate.
B. Staff and volunteers will be responsible for educating our visitors
about B. E. and specifically about the enrichment visitors are witnessing
at the time.
C. Staff will present local lectures, develop news items concerning
Behavioral Enrichment and are encouraged to present papers on Behavioral
Enrichment at conferences to share our experiences with others in
the animal care field.
FINALLY: Behavioral Enrichment SHOULD BE A POSATIVE AND ENJOYABLE
EXPERIENCE FOR ALL CREATURES AT OUR SANCTUARY INCLUDING THE ANIMALS,
STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS!
2nd CHANCE REQUEST FOR NEW ENRICHMENT FORM
Date:
_______________
Animal
Species and group:______________________________________
Proposed
by: _________________________________________________
Reason
for new enrichment: _____________________________________
Proposed
enrichment device, activity or food item: ___________________
Cost analysis: _________________________________________________
Materials
list: _________________________________________________
Design:
Diagram:
Possible hazards: ______________________________________________
Suggested/required
modifications (circle)__________________________
Vet approval required? Yes No Vet. __________________________
Director’s
approval: _______________________ Date: _____________
2ND
CHANCE BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT EVALUATION FORM
Name
of enrichment __________________________________________
Receiving Animal or Animals___________________________________
Evaluator___________________Circle this evaluation 1st 2nd 3rd
Date:_____________________
Describe
what happened? Including animal(s) response, level/length of interest
and duration of interaction. Was there a group response? Did different
animals respond differently?
Were there any negative responses or safety concerns? Yes No
Explain:
Modifications or suggested modifications to be made:
What was the visitor’s response to this enrichment?
Evaluation
rate for success: very low very high
1 2 3 4
Did
you get the desired results from this enrichment? Yes No
Should
this enrichment be included on the “Approved Enrichment Items
List? Yes No
How
often should this enrichment be given?
Director
Approval/Denial Vet Approval/Denial
(signature or N/A)
2nd CHACE SANCTUARY BI-MONTHLY ROUTINE
BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT LOG
Enter Date and rating Page 1
MONKEYS
Meds______
Scatter the Diet
Magazine
Peanut Butter , Celery, Onion etc.
DEER
Meds______
Scatter the Diet
Fresh palm and tree and shrub branches (Hibiscus, Grape, etc. no
melelucca or oleander)
Peanut Butter on Celery, etc
LEMURS
Fruit Loops or Cheerios on Branches
Corn on cob (or husk on)
Scattered Mealworms, Crickets, Waxworms, etc
MACAWS
Peanut butter on Celery or Slash-Pine Cone
Nuts(no more than three a day)
Chew toys (hardwood, no mansonia, walnut or teak)
Red brick chunks, gnaw branches and Stumps (no melelucca or oleander))
Page
2
AMAZON PARROTS
Peanut butter on Celery or slash-pine cones
Nuts( no more than 3 per week)
Chew toys (hardwood, no mansonia, walnut or teak)
Red brick chunks, gnaw branches and wooden parrot toys
OWLS
Scattered Crickets (Screech and smaller owls)
Wrap rope around limbs to minimize bumblefoot
Novel cavities to explore
RACCOONS
Bones
Scattered scented straw (health food fragrances, spice rack)
Scented paper towels
Fruit chunks hidden tight in cavities
FERRETS
3-4” PVC pipe to run through, angles adjusted periodically,
milk jugs w/2.5”hole
Foods in difficult-to-reach containers
Fragrant/non-toxic herbs
Health food and supermarket spices on paper towels
Page 3
SKUNKS
Grubs in sand or gravel , foods in difficult-to-reach containers,
Fragrant/non-toxic herbs
Health food and supermarket spices on paper towels
RABBITS
4” PVC pipe and novel cavities
Scented kale or rabbit pellets
Novel substrates (corn cobs, sisal or maguey matting, hemp ropes
etc.)
CAPYBARA
Fresh , washed, produce and hay bales
Hibiscus and wild grape branches
Water hibiscus and cattail
Children’s polystyrene swimming pools
Waterfall or spray rigged from garden hose
BATS
Fruit in novel locations
Sample trays of food scented with spices, herbs and natural fragrances
Alternate New College rating: 0=Bad outcome
1=lukewarm response
2=1-5 minute interest
3=5-10 minute interest
4=10-20 minute interest
5= excellent response
2nd CHANCE SANCTUARY BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT APPROVED LIST FOR PRIMATES
FRUIT
JUCE ICE CUBES
COOKED BROWN RICE AND PASTA (No fat monkeys please).
SAND BOXES WITH HIDDEN OBJECT S
ROUND CARDBOARD OATMEAL BOXES
SMALL LITTLE TIKES CHILD-SAFE TOYS
NON-BREAKABLE MIRRORS
ONIONS (you will be impressed by capuchin response !)
News paper (=soya ink)
CLOTHING WITH SCENTS (buttons & zippers removed)
PAPER BAGS WITH TREATS (food or toys)
BOXES WITH SCENTS (perfumes or spices)
WISKBROOM WITH SEED
HIDING FOOD (foraging)
FEATHERS
NEW VEGITATION IN POTS
NON-TOXIC FLOWERS (no preservatives)
COTTON SOCKS WITH FOOD OR TOYS HIDDEN INSIDE
DIFFERENT SIZED BRUSHES AND TOOTH BRUSHES
PINE-CONE TREATS (butter w jam, peanut butter or canned dog or cat
food)
PLAYING NATURE OR MUSIC AUDIO TAPES
RAISINS IN SEALED PAPER TOWEL TUBE OR SMALL BOX
STEAMED AND RAW VEGETABLES
PINEAPPLE TOPS OR ARTICHOKES
INFANT-SAFE STUFFED ANIMALS
CARDBOARD CERIAL BOXES
TIRES AND BUNGEE CORDS
FOOD IN PLASTIC BABY BOTTLES
MEALWORMS OR CRICKETS
CARDBOARD TUBES WITH SCENTS OR FOOD
PERFUME SAMPLES
FRESH OR DRIED HERBS
BROSE (non-toxic) AND LEAF PILES
FROZEN JUICE AND ICE POPS
HAY-FILLED ENVELOPES
BUTCHER PAPER OR CARDBOARD
CARPET PIECES
WINDCHIMES OUTSIDE ENCLOSURE & OUT OF REACH
STRAW OR HAY
WHOLE RAW PEANUTS AND DRY UNSALTED
All
food items must be organic, sugar, salt and preservative free!
2ND CHANCE SANCTUARY BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT LIST APPROVED LIST FOR
OMNIVORES
FOOD
IN PLASTIC BABY BOTTLES
ICE CUBES
HIDING CANNED MEATS (FORAGING/HUNTING)
CARDBOARD CERAL & ROUND CARDBOARD OATMEAL BOXES
NON-BREAKABLE MIRROR
CARDBOARD EGG CARTONS
BOOMER BALLS, PVC TUBES
BOX WITH SCENTS (perfume or spices)
PERFUME SAMPLES, FEATHERS
NEW VEGITATION IN POTS
NON-TOXIC FLOWERS (no preservatives)
HEADS OF LETTUCE/STALKS OF CELERY
PINE CONES
PLAYING NATURE OR MUSIC AUDIO TAPES
LARGE CARDBOARD BOX TO PLAY IN
LEAF OR MULCH PILES
PRODUCE BOBBING IN WATER BOWL
HUMAN INTERACTION (if non-stressful)
NESTING BOXES AND MATERIALS
WHOLE PRODUCE
PAPER BAGS
PINATAS
MAGAZINES
MEALWORMS AND CRICKETS
CARDBOARD TUBES WITH SCENTS OR FOOD
RAW COTTON
SQUASH OR MELLON
FRESH OR DRIED HERBS
BROWSE (non-toxic) and leaf piles
NEW BRANCHES AND STUMPS
BUTCHER PAPER
BONES
WINDCHIMES OUTSIDE EXHIBIT
STRAW OR HAY
CRUMPLED PAPER BALL
FEED BAGS (liners removed)
GRASS CLUMPS
RAWHIDE CHEW TOYS (limited amount)
All food items must be organic, sugar, salt and preservative free.
Meat products may not be pork or “cured” and never raw.
2ND
CHANCE SANCTUARY BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT APPROVED LIST FOR CERVIDS
FOOD
IN CINDER BLOCK OR UNDER PLASTIC BUCKET
JAM OR PEANUT BUTTER RUBBED INTO CREVACES
SLIGHTLY BURRIED CARROTS
CARDBOARD BOXES WITH HONEY TO BE LICK OFF
CARDBOARD EGG CARTONS, SCENTED
BOX WITH SCENTS (perfume or spices)
PERFUME SAMPLES, FEATHERS
NEW VEGITATION IN POTS
NON-TOXIC FLOWERS (no preservatives)
HEADS OF LETTUCE, STALKS OF CELERY
OATINGNON-RESINOUS PINE CONES WITH JAM/PEANUT BUTTER COATING
PLAYING NATURE OR MUSIC AUDIO TAPES
BALES OF HAY
LEAF OR MULCH PILES
PRODUCE BOBBING IN WATER BOWL
HUMAN INTERACTION (only if non-stressed, mellow animal)
HIDING PLACES, NESTING BOXES AND MATERIALS
WHOLE PRODUCE
PAPER BAGS WITH FRUIT INSIDE
CARDBOARD TUBES WITH SCENTS OR FOOD
SQUASH OR MELLON
FRESH OR DRIED HERBS
BROWSE (non-toxic) and leaf piles
NEW BRANCHES AND STUMPS
KRAFT BAGS
SCENTED WOODEN TOYS
WINDCHIMES OUTSIDE EXHIBIT
STRAW OR HAY
CRUMPLED PAPER BALL
FEED BAGS (liners removed)
GRASS CLUMPS
HERBIVOROUS, NON-AGGRESSIVE COMPATABLE ANIMAL COMPANIONS
All food items must be organic, sugar, salt and preservative free.
2nd
CHANCE SANCTUARY BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT APPROVED LIST FOR CAPYBARRA
FOOD
UNDER PLASTIC BUCKET
PEANUT BUTTER RUBBED INTO CREVACES
SLIGHTLY BURRIED CARROTS
CARDBOARD BOXES WITH HONEY TO BE LICK OFF
CARDBOARD EGG CARTONS, SCENTED
BOX WITH SCENTS (perfume or spices)
PERFUME SAMPLES, FEATHERS
NEW VEGITATION IN POTS
NON-TOXIC FLOWERS (no preservatives)
HEADS OF LETTUCE/STALKS OF CELERY
PINE CONES
PLAYING NATURE OR MUSIC AUDIO TAPES
BALES OF HAY
LEAF OR MULCH PILES
PRODUCE BOBBING IN WATER BOWL
HUMAN INTERACTION (if non-stressful)
HIDING PLACES, NESTING BOXES AND MATERIALS
WHOLE PRODUCE
PAPER BAGS WITH FRUIT INSIDE
CARDBOARD TUBES WITH SCENTS OR FOOD
SQUASH OR MELLON
FRESH OR DRIED HERBS
BROWSE (non-toxic) and leaf piles
NEW BRANCHES AND STUMPS
BUTCHER PAPER
SCENTED WOODEN TOYS
WINDCHIMES OUTSIDE EXHIBIT
STRAW OR HAY
CRUMPLED PAPER BALL
FEED BAGS (liners removed)
GRASS CLUMPS
NON-AGGRESSIVE HERBIVOROUS ANIMAL COMPANIONS
All
food items must be organic, sugar, salt and preservative free.
2ND CHANCE SANCTUARY BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT APPROVED LIST FOR MISCELLANEOUS
HERBIVORS
FOOD
UNDER PLASTIC BUCKETS
PEANUT BUTTER RUBBED INTO CREVACES
SLIGHTLY BURRIED CARROTS
CARDBOARD BOXES WITH HONEY TO BE LICK OFF
CARDBOARD EGG CARTONS, SCENTED
BOX WITH SCENTS (perfume or spices)
PERFUME SAMPLES, FEATHERS
NEW VEGITATION IN POTS
NON-TOXIC FLOWERS (no preservatives)
HEADS OF LETTUCE/STALKS OF CELERY
PINE CONES
PLAYING NATURE OR MUSIC AUDIO TAPES
BALES OF HAY
LEAF OR MULCH PILES
PRODUCE BOBBING IN WATER BOWL
HUMAN INTERACTION (if non-stressful)
HIDING PLACES, NESTING BOXES AND MATERIALS
WHOLE PRODUCE
PAPER BAGS WITH FRUIT INSIDE
CARDBOARD TUBES WITH SCENTS OR FOOD
SQUASH OR MELLON
FRESH OR DRIED HERBS
BROWSE (non-toxic) and leaf piles
NEW BRANCHES AND STUMPS
BUTCHER PAPER
SCENTED WOODEN TOYS
WINDCHIMES OUTSIDE EXHIBIT
STRAW OR HAY
CRUMPLED PAPER BALL
FEED BAGS (liners removed)
GRASS CLUMPS
NON-AGGRESSIVE COMPATABLE ANIMAL COMPANIONS
All food items must be organic, sugar, salt and preservative free.
2ND CHANCE SANCTUARY BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT
PERPETUAL
WISH LIST
FOOD
Herbs & spices, fresh and dried
Air popped plain popcorn
Mini raisin boxes
Peanut butter (no sugar, natural)
Jelly (all fruit)
Honey/Honey comb
Molasses
Natural canned or frozen fruit juices
Herb teas (loose or in bags)
Live fish and insects
Ice blocks
Hard nuts (brazil, pecan, walnut, almond, hazelnuts)
TOYS
Infant and preschool toys
Paper towels and toilet paper
Tupperware with lids
Wind chimes
5-gallon plastic water bottles
Tooth and hairbrushes
Envelopes (all sizes)
Fabric swatch books
Plastic bristle broom heads
Plastic bristle scrub brushes
Parrot toys
Frisbees
Parking cones
Small flags (cotton)
Behavioral Enrichment Wish List Cont.
TOOLS
Hoses
Rakes
Brooms
Brass shut off hose nozzles
Hemp rope
Spun wool
Tape player
Rope spools (all sizes, wood)
Buckets
Fire hose
MISC.
Plastic crock pet dishes
Perfume and scented oils
Small fruit trees
Bamboo sections
Catnip
Please only donate organic fruits, and vegetables and 100% natural
food items THANK YOU !!!
