July

Zoo Animal Enrichment

Gone are the Victorian animal menageries, and in their place are thoughtful zoos and aquaria that work to conserve animal species and educate the public about animals around the world. Following the passage of the Endangered Species Act (1973) – which encourages captive breeding efforts as part of species recovery plans – and the Animal Welfare Act (1966) – which regulates the treatment of research and zoo animals – zoos are now working to save species from extinction and ensure animals’ lives in zoos are healthy and engaging.

Relatively new to the field of zoo keeping, the notion of “environmental enrichment” has drastically changed the physical and social treatment of zoo animals today. The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute describes animal enrichment as including “the design of stimulating and naturalistic enclosures, the housing of appropriate social groups in zoos, and the introduction of objects, sounds, smells or other stimuli in the animal’s environment.” As zoos (and research facilities) moved toward a more “feelings-based” approach to animal care that takes into account the psychological well-being of animals, creative and caring trends emerged. Where once cement lined enclosures stood, now naturalistic habitats filled with “toys” and food-finding challenges abound. Known as the founding father of animal enrichment, Hal Markowitz created the first tools designed to encourage bears to carry out their natural foraging behaviors. He created a series of sounds and smells that prompted the bears to roll over logs and climb trees in order to discover food stores. Today, at the Louisville Zoo, animals rotate among exhibits to change up their daily routine and predator animals like the Sumatran tiger are given an olfactory treat by being placed in an area earlier inhabited by a prey animal like the Babirusa pig. Zookeepers now believe enrichment not only gives animals physical and mental challenges, but also alleviates boredom and reduces stress.

Reducing stress in animals was one of Temple Grandin’s main goals in redesigning cattle enclosures. Listen to her amazing story of how her own visual perception of the world helped her understand cow’s emotions and fears. Her autism grants her the unique ability to comprehend animal’s innate reactions to stimuli and helped her develop more humane and calming surroundings – a practice that is catching on across the world. Her story has inspired an HBO movie starring Claire Danes as Temple Grandin. Check out the Ted Radio Hour featuring her story:

To Do This Month:

New Vilas Zoo highlights: Kaminsky & Decker

Learn about the new Henry Vilas Zoo Wisconsin Heritage Exhibit which broke ground in June. It will feature Bucky Badger and, in partnership with Nature Net member site, the International Crane Foundation, rehabilitated (but un-releasable) sandhill cranes, plus a crawl-through badger sett, and more. There’s still time for your contribution to make this exhibit a success.

July is Lakes Appreciation Month – show your spirit and appreciation with #LakesAppreciation on your social media posts.

Tonight! 7pm at Bethel Horizons: “Bats in our Belfry.” Learn about Bethel’s colony of little brown bats, their newly built bat condominium, as well as area bat species, why they’re important, and what can be done to help them. Take a special peek a the resident colony with a night vision camera.

Get your tickets – while they last – to the American Girl Doll Sale! Proceeds from this sale support Nature Net in promoting Environmental Education and the spirit of camaraderie among nature education providers in our community. Give the American Girl’s Fund for Children a boost while having fun shopping for American Girl Doll accessories, overstocks and returns – July 16 & 17.

Henry Vilas Zoo

July Events

Our Favorite Zoo Books

Jungle Slime Sensory Play

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For Families:

Volunteer to Help Endangered Animals

Want to get your family involved in a meaningful volunteer project? The folks at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison are seeking helping-hands in creating unique key chains and dreamcatchers to sell in their gift shop. Profits from the sales do not benefit the zoo, however, they do support the Catching Hope program which employs people in Vietnam and Laos who remove poaching snares from mountainous jungle habitats. And the wire from the collected snares is the very material used to create the key chains and dreamcatchers.

Click for more Saola info from WWF

These conservation efforts are aimed at saving the antelope-like saola (pronounced sow-LAH), one of the most critically endangered mammals in the world. While poachers don’t aim to snare the saola, the animals get tangled in illegal traps set for monkeys, tigers and other animals with value on the black market. For full details on this program, check out this article from the Wisconsin State Journal – or visit the Henry Vilas Zoo conservation webpage.

Also, if you’re looking for more ways to get your #VitaminN, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has teamed up with Children & Nature Network to create an eGuide for Families: Family Nature Play & You. In it you’ll find 5 reasons, 5 ways, 5 places and 5 times to connect and play in nature. Think there’s too many barriers to getting out there? AZA has you covered – here’s their suggested Pathways to Play. Feel free to share that out on your favorite social media site.

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Betsy Parker is an environmental educator and supports all children and their families and classrooms getting their recommended daily allowance of #VitaminN.

Funding for Nature Net and the Nature Net News blog is provided by American Girl Fund for Children.