![]() Why do we watch scary movies or ride roller coasters? A reasonable amount of fear and apprehension are natural emotional stimulants and create a healthy, balanced life. Introducing the scent of a predator or a foreign object may not always seem positive, but think of our own lives. Enrichment can be as varied as a new smell or a change in the enclosure layout. We have to introduce new items, activities and foods. Photo by JoLynn TaylorĮven the most interesting setting becomes less so after a while. But people like to see, so look for some innovative solutions to the problem when you visit next. Ground squirrels love to dig and burrow, so we provide plenty of dirt. Does it live in the redwood forest? Does it dig burrows? The more closely the habitat mimics its wild home, the more comfortable the animal will feel. We can’t expect a non-flighted bird to spend time in flight, so a rewarding life must provide other sources of stimulation.Īs much as possible, we create an environment in the enclosure that simulates the animal’s natural habitat. WildCare’s Ambassadors are all non-releasable, most due to permanent physical injuries. ![]() What is that species’ normal behavior in the wild? Attempting to encourage a nocturnal opossum to be active and inquisitive during the day is doomed to failure.īefore accepting a new Ambassador, we evaluate the animal’s physical condition and temperament. Effective enrichment begins with learning an animal’s natural history. Just look at all the holes they’ve made!īehavioral enrichment is anything that promotes the expression of a species’ appropriate behavioral and mental activities- in short, activities and items which make an animal’s life more natural, interesting, active and fun. Appropriate habitat for residents Skye and Blue means lots of wood to store acorns in. All of these things are examples of behavioral enrichment, one of the most important elements of captive care for wildlife.Īcorn Woodpeckers live in our neighborhoods and even set up colonies in our telephone poles. You may have noticed snake skins in the ground squirrels’ cage, boxes and toys in the raven’s and vulture’s enclosures, and lots of peckable wood for the woodpeckers. This is the challenge we face every day as we care for the 20 Wildlife Ambassadors that live in WildCare's courtyard. Besides physical activity and appropriate food, they need a stimulating environment to stay mentally healthy. Imagine running a day care for 20 entirely different children. Mary Pounder works with Pele, a Peregrine Falcon to be sure he is comfortable being handled with groups of people.
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