Curriculum            

 

The curriculum for each workshop varies according to need, time, educational background of attendees, etc. The curriculum for each workshop will be selected and developed by the instructor(s) after consultation with the host institution.

 

The following are the general topics covered in the Enrichment Workshops. Each of these curriculum has at least one practical (or activity) option associated with it.

 

Introduction to Animal Welfare

* Definition of Animal Welfare

* How does it relate to Enrichment?

¥ Abnormal Behaviors

 

Introduction to Environmental Enrichment

* History of Enrichment

* Benefits of Enrichment

* Definition of Enrichment

* Holistic Enrichment (5 Categories)

¥ Individuality Aspect of Enrichment

 

Developing and Implementing an Enrichment Plan

* Set Goals

* Create an Enrichment Plan

* Safety

* Natural vs Artificial Materials

* Implement Enrichment Plans

* Evaluate

* Revise and Retest

 

Behavioral Observation Techniques

¥ Interaction Ratings

¥ Ethograms

¥ Formal Sampling Methods (Point Sample, All-Occurrence (timed and untimed), One-Zero)

 

Animal Training Basics

* Understanding what behaviors animal caretakers reinforce in their daily routines.

* Training behaviors that facilitate enrichment programs (i.e. shifting).

* Note that this module does NOT include training for shows or husbandry procedures.

 

 

For more information, contact the Workshop Coordinator, Valerie Hare.

 

 

        

Workshop Delegate Comments    ÒI didnÕt know what to expect, I ditched another class to be in this oneÉ Wonderful info!Ó -- Int. Wildlife. Rehabilitation Council, California, USA, 2008    ÒThe rewards of this will go to the animals!Ó -- Santiago Zoo, Chile, 2008    ÒI loved all the material provided, the presentations, all that was presented during the course.Ó -- S‹o Bernardo Zoo, S‹o Bernardo, Brazil, 2008    ÒI have a broader knowledge on how to do observations and actually know how to interpret the data. It was a very informative, knowledge-enhancing, and hands-on experience.Ó -- Johannesburg Zoo, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2008    ÒThe material was very good and presentation excellent. It is very clear that presenters are experts in this field and have absolute passion for the topic. -- Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Ctr., Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, 2008    ÒI see myself using the enrichment.org resource often in the future. I canÕt express my gratitude for new learning opportunities enough. I am so glad I attended this class.Ó -- Int. Wildlife. Rehabilitation Council, California, USA, 2008    ÒWow, this was my first enrichment course and I learned SO much! Thank you very much! Looking forward to putting it into practice.Ó -- Johannesburg Zoo, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2008