Keeper Katie works with the bears closely and is their primary trainer. You can see how well Katie is doing working with Virginia to open her mouth. (Getting a good look at an animal’s teeth is an important part of veterinary care). We’ll post more videos of the Keepers doing operant conditioning work with the animals if you want- just say the word.Read more
Posts filed in: People
Christmas 2016
So, I arrive this Christmas without any issues at all- waking before my alarm and remembering to pack some food. The Keepers have left me some notes: Compared to Christmas 2015, there are a few primary differences I notice right off the bat: I am using a smart phone this year to take pictures… no more flip phone for me. I set the logbooks up on the Vet Room table rather than the counter- apparently sitting is a desire thisRead more
QuikPics: Keeper shots
I’ve been cleaning up and found these photos from December: Keepers looking clean and having fun too Read more
Our Journey to AZA Accreditation!
The acronym AZA has been mentioned on the blog several times. Sherry goes to the AZA conference every year and usually reports back on things she has learned. It also comes up when we talk about our Red Wolves. This post, however, is to share some very exciting news! The museum has applied to be AZA accredited which is a pretty big deal. AZA’s mission is: The Association of Zoos & Aquariums provides its members with the services, high standards,Read more
Christmas 2015
You know the deal. Advance prep for the day: Review all the log books and check in with Keepers about any specific things to note. CHECK Christmas present for Security Guard. CHECK Headlamp and tasty food for me on desk and ready. CHECK New batteries in Camera. CHECK All’s ready for the day. 5:00 AM arrival with the only issue being I startled the security guard. I arrive set to have no escapes, even though Sarah commented itRead more
Cross Training
We’ve had a lot of help from staff. I like to offer up “Cross training” opportunities for Museum staff. It sounds much nicer than HELP-WE NEED HELP. The landscape team helped us out right before Thanksgiving. Last week we had the Exhibit’s Development Staff hanging some posters on our hall and the Rentals Team scooping poop in the bear yard. Thanks to all of them for making our life a little easier in the animal department. Read more