<p><em>By William K. Baker, Jr., Director<br />Abilene Zoo, Abilene, TX</em></p>

<h3>Question</h3>
<p>Can behavioral research and observations play a part in being prepared for a crisis?</p>

<h3>Comments</h3>
<p>I realize this question at first glance could prove quizzical when applied to the topics of crisis management and zoological safety. Still, when placed in context it can prove to be valuable and an asset to an increasing awareness of understanding our animal charges. Historically one of the cornerstones of wildlife management and research in the field is the use of the basic tool of observation. For decades, if not centuries, we as scientists have been following the exploits of zoologists in the field with their research subjects as they try and understand them better.</p>

<p>This field research has shaped our management techniques in captivity then and now. What we garner from field work has helped us to develop more effective techniques to address husbandry, reproduction, and environmental enrichment in captivity. The immense and respected work of Jane Goodall, Laurie Marker, George Schaller, Richard Estes, and Mark and Delia Owens comes to mind. Within the framework of their research can be found the tools to make us better animal managers.</p>

<p>Wildlife field observations and the supporting research is then utilized to assist in the progression of captive management techniques through the development of husbandry manuals and disseminated through presentations at conference.</p>

<h3>Exhibitry</h3>
<p>Through a clear understanding of an animal's native habitat we can better understand its environmental needs. Meeting those needs and incorporating them into an appropriate exhibit design can help satisfy the behavioral aspects of a given species. Clouded leopards spend much of their life in an arboreal environment and by understanding that during the exhibit design process, we are meeting a fundamental species' need, which in turn insures that we build into the vertical plane, but we also top the exhibit with mesh for the sake of safety.</p>


<h3>Containment</h3>
<p>Understanding the relative strength of a given species dictates the techniques of containment. For example the Tiger; it is a remarkably agile, powerful, and intelligent animal. As a result, the primary containment must be capable of handling both impact and potential ricochets. However since it's a soft skinned species, some degree of flexibility in the mesh is desirable to prevent potential injury. Sharp edges and points in the mesh or mounting hardware are not desirable, yet the material should be resistant or coated to prevent urine damage that will accelerate rust and potential containment failure.</p>

<h3>Landscaping</h3>
<p>In any exhibit we find the final dressing and regional match for a species, landscaping. Landscaping in and of itself is not a problem. But, when a dangerous animal is added to the mix, the situation changes. Is the landscaping just an accent or has it taken over the interior or perimeter of the area to the point of no return? It's important for security to have the capability to observe your charges for location and to inspect the primary containment at a glance. There needs to be a balance between safety and spatial comfort.</p>

<h3>Enrichment</h3>
<p>In my experience, an enriched specimen is a calmer specimen. Let's use a Cougar, for example. Understanding the predatory habits of this species is critical in their management. Enrichment devices that can capitalize on this should theoretically have a high degree of success. By using a fast moving low to the ground object, it simulates prey items in the wild. I would much rather manage a tired and content cat than a bored and temperamental cat.</p>

<h3>Captive Behavior</h3>
<p>This in my opinion may be one of the most important aspects of this process. We take as a given that some species act in a certain manner that is characteristic. Within a species group there will always be variances in personality. Yet, beyond that we also know that there are exceptions to the rule; animals that just don't act the way the others do. We do our best to reconcile what we observe in captivity against what has been seen in the wild as a benchmark, and often that provides a new context for what we are seeing and points us in the right direction as animal managers.</p>

<p>I think the hardest part of this is realizing that somehow we have to make time in our workday to make behavioral observations of our charges. Certainly we check our animals when they go out on exhibit, when we are feeding them, and also when we bring them in for the night. Yet, with increasing workloads and limited staffing this can prove challenging. In my experience it's difficult at best from a staffing standpoint to just sit and watch. By that I mean observe our charges much like researchers in the field do.</p>

<p>By understanding the intricacies of a specific specimen we, in turn, better understand what they need. Good recordkeeping is a critical facet of this process. It not only provides an accurate record of...</p>

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