Enrichment Is Not a Substitute Trainer

Zoo Logic

Jim Nemet is a long time marine and terrestrial animal trainer and serves as the Director of Wildlife for the Cleveland Natural History Museum. We asked him about the somewhat dated and artificial distinctions between training and enrichment, especially at a time when zoological facilities are increasingly concerned about improving animal welfare or well-being. Jim talks about the wider applications of operant conditioning and behavioral management, of which enrichment is a component, not just for public display animals in zoos and aquariums, but rescue, rehab and return of native species, as well as, threatened and endangered wildlife in national parks.

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