Optimism & Pessimism; 2 Different Things
I want to ask you a question, are you an optimistic person or a pessimistic person? For some of you a question you know the answer too right away and for some of you a question of what do you … Read More
Animal Training VS Enrichment Programs; What Is More Important?
Throughout my career I discovered that the phycology of animals interest me most. Questions like why animals do their thing and why they have certain responses etc is an interesting part of why I enjoy what I do. Animal Training … Read More
Would You Capture a Behaviour or Shape the Behaviour?
In 2008 I started with my travel addiction. Seeing other places is just wonderful. I’m fortunate that I know quite some friends who share the same passion I have in the field and that actually allowed me to visit many … Read More
Does The Animal Take Responsibility of a Time Out?
In the last 2 years I have changed my thoughts on many different topics. Reading books about psychology made me reflect a lot of different characteristics we humans have into animals. Anthropomorphism might come to mind with you reading this … Read More
M. Simmons – Release Is Not the Answer
A couple years ago I had the chance to meet Mark Simmons, a well-respected advocate for the Zoo and Aquarium Community. Talking with him made me realize how important it is for us to make sure that our Zoo’s and … Read More
Horses – Same Techniques But Different
As human beings we like to discriminate animals due to their states in our lives. We like to say because the dog is in my house he should understand who is the boss. We like to show everybody how much … Read More
Success Starts With Observation; Antecedent Arrangement
How many of us look around the exhibit, to all the animals and the people etc before starting a training session? Throughout my experience I have seen many start of sessions that already went into incorrect animals from the start. … Read More
Training Medical Procedures; Urine Sampling
All of us who have animals in their life are connected to veterinarian technicians. Animals do get medical challenges running through their lives. As animal caretakers we have to try and be pro-active to these situations and scenarios. To be … Read More
The Zoo Scientist; Zoos as Science Boosters
The need to discover new things and the curiosity to explain the unknown has led us to where we are now. It was the curious nature of man and the desire to acquire knowledge that allowed evolution in the first … Read More
This is 1 of the most important training steps you need!
In 2005 I started to work at Ouwehands Zoo in the Netherlands. I worked under a great supervisor who taught me a lot over the years to come. One of his key points I never forget is to train animals … Read More