The
zookeeper without knowledge of animal behavior is significantly handicapped
and can be a distinct hazard to animals and their well being as well
as a hazard to his workmates. Together with proper observation, knowledge
of animal behavior can supply a wealth of detail about the needs, physical
and mental condition of the 
animals.
In many cases it also allows the zookeeper to deduce probable animal
reactions to a variety of situations and restraints. It is an appropriate
tool for determining feeding and breeding, in providing shelter or designing
exhibits and can help the zookeepers in modifying their own reactions.
The following are critical for the safety of the zookeeper and the animals:
- The zookeeper
must learn to interpret animal behavior accurately. It is necessary
to know what constitutes threat behavior and what is a greeting for
different species, as often the zookeeper's behavior depends upon that
typical animal reaction, and a misinterpretation could mean injury or
even death.
- The zookeeper should
learn the typical behavior patterns of a species so that abnormal behavior
associated with injury, sickness or fear can be recognized. Knowledge
of animal behavior is needed to communicate with the animal group. The
zookeeper also needs to know how the animal reacts to its environment
so he can adjust his own reactions. Knowing typical animal reaction
enables a zookeeper to provoke the least stress while working, and is
thus safest for both the animal and the zookeeper. Learn to know the
expressive behavior of your animals.
- Every prey species
exhibits key stimuli or releasers that stimulate the attack of its predators.
These releasers constitute the Prey Schema. Your behavior within the
exhibit could fit the prey schema of that predator and thus elicit an
attack. You must know what behavior to avoid. Most predators respond
to running or sudden movements with an attack. Quick movements may elicit
escape behavior in prey species too.
- Prey animals have
an innate predator model that contains specific key stimuli
that
allows it to recognize a predator or potential predator. A keeper wearing
a fur-trimmed parka entering a caribou enclosure is largely ignored
but if he should bend over and wind ruffles the fur the caribou may
panic from the resemblance to a wolf. Violent attempts to escape can
injure both the animals and the zookeeper. It is of paramount importance
to avoid eliciting this response thus reducing stress, danger and accidents.
- It is essential
that the zookeeper to develop behavior patterns and rates of movement
that allows animals to anticipate and respond with a minimum of stress
to the zookeeper's routine.
- Zookeepers should
know the animal's hierarchies, and where the keeper is viewed to fit
in the group's rank order. It is generally safest if the keeper occupies
the alpha role.
-
It is important to recognize the animal's territorial needs and the location of its territory. It is imperative to recognize indications of territorial defense and respond appropriately to such actions.
- It is important
to recognize animal's daily routines and behavior associated with these
routines. An awareness of time and space orientation can be of inestimable
value.
- An awareness of individual distance, flight distance and critical distance is needed as well as circumstances that can lead to a significant modification of these behavioral components.
Knowledge of animal behavior can assist the zookeeper in many ways. Knowing small birds generally prefer to roost inside and high up, makes it possible to locate roosts in this position - then if you ever need to move the birds you can close the door and capture them more easily with less stress to the birds. Many animals, especially birds, follow predictable flight patterns in the enclosure when capture attempts are being made. Learning this behavior can be to your advantage, because you can position one person at each end of the cage with the capture equipment in position.
Wild boars facing off
If you know you are going to have to move hoofed stock in a few days, you might get them accustomed to going into the corral or loading area by feeding them in there for a few days. Then, when it is time to move them, you can put in the feed and, as they are eating, lock them in. Depending upon the zoo design, an even better method is to establish a routine in which the animals are locked in daily. This also enables inspection of the facility to take place without stressing the animals or risking injury to the keeper.
