Environmental enrichment for animals in a variety of settings, from zoos to shelters to private homes, is a popular and important topic. But how can we know what is truly enriching for the animal? As an example, years ago Dr. Hetts was employed by a large metropolitan animal shelter. A staff member suggested painting the back walls of the dog runs to resemble an outdoor scene. His thinking was the dogs would enjoy looking at something that reminded them of the outdoors. As naïve as this sounds, how do we know some of the activities and objects we provide animals in captive settings actually make their lives better? As Dr. Miller has told us – “it’s not enrichment unless it is enriching!” In this sure to be intriguing Chat, Dr. Kat Miller Director of Anti-Cruelty Behavior Research at the ASPCA, will share her experiences using enrichment to help rehabilitate animals rescued from cruelty and neglect cases. And Ms. Melissa Slater-Nelson, M.A., the Assistant Curator of Behavioral Husbandry at the Bronx Zoo will give you the benefit of her experience and advise you which of the zoo practices are relevant for pet owners, and how to determine what is salient and important for your animals.

Sponsor:Behavior Edcuation Network
Speaker(s):Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB and Dan Estep, Ph.D., CAAB, Melissa Slater-Nelson, M.A, Dr. Kat Miller

Contact: Tracey Metzler
 Email: info@animalbehaviorassociates.com
 Phone: 303-932-9095
 Web: http://www.behavioreducationnetwork.com/