Tiger Enrichment at Bronx Zoo

[xokelsiox]

Was there a glass there that the tiger was leaning up against when he stood up?

[binoyrakesh]

@xokelsiox Yeah, but its not exactly glass, its perspex, and it is very thick. The Sheet where the woman is feeding the tiger has a few holes in it, and it is always covered with a huge wooden plank.

[Cielo718]

2 cont.) As the keeper explained, the tigers were full grown when they started training, and they don't use negative reinforcement so you can't force them to do what you want them to do (i.e push thier butt down to make them sit, or starve them until they do what you want). They "perform" because they want to and there have been days where they don't do anything and are still fed.

3) These are Sibierian (Amur) tigers, and they are perfectly happy in many kinds of environments, including snow!

[Cielo718]

I have a few things to say: 1. In addition to "getting animals to interact with their environment and use their natural skills and behaviors," enrichment is also used to reduce stress by reinforcing the bonds between animals and their keepers and helping to keep them active. Thus, this is a perfect example of animal enrichment.

2) All of the behaviors shown in the video ARE NATURAL... you train these tigers by rewarding them when you see them doing the behavior themselves

[ingezuriRock]

Forgot to add. The behaviors help them manage the tigers. That way when the tiger targets up they can make sure the tiger is healthy. Maybe if you watched the video a little longer it would explain the behaviors which are not really "tricks". Watch the video before you make sure ignorant comments because you make yourself sound so stupid!

[journeyman47]

As I said (if you read my comment), I see it helps the staff handle the tiger.

But again I ask, how exactly does it "enrich" the tiger himself?

Learning tricks does not seem like true enrichment to me.

[ingezuriRock]

They are not "tricks" though. It helps keep the Tiger healthy, okay, is there anything wrong with that! Its not enrichment, its management. Sheesh! you remind of a pesky mosquito piercing my skin leaving an itchy rash. In other words your so annoying!

[journeyman47]

Perhaps I'm annoying because you can't defend your positions. A quote from the Minnesota zoo:"The basic goal of environmental enrichment is to get animals to interact with their environment and use their natural skills and behaviors." Repeat, NATURAL behaviors. They give them new scents, foods, objects, etc. to discover and explore

Saying that the tigers are "enriched" by learning human-taught tricks is misleading and incorrect.

I just want the record set straight. Sorry if that's annoying.

[journeyman47]

I'm not sure how this little training session, where the tiger seems to have learned some unnatural tricks, is "enrichment". I see it helps the zoo staff handle the tiger, but exactly how does it "enrich" the tiger's life?

The habitat, being in New York state, looks pretty barren. Tigers evolved in tropical rainforests, so this is not exactly the best location for keeping one, don't you think?

[ingezuriRock]

Wow are you an idiot or what! They are Amur Tigers and the habitat is three acres. In the summertime it is a lush evergreen forest. If you think this is a bad habitat you are obviously an anti-zoo freak!

[Softballpro296]

it is an amzing zoo ive been there

[asmodayose]

Wow... this is where I want to work someday... amazing zoo from what I have heard...

[cmw100]

it really is

its actually one of the best zoos in the world (literally)

[asmodayose]

Oooh! I really do hope I get to work there after I am finished school, in about another 4 years...

[411NewYork]

Hi asmodayose. I read on BronxZooForum*com that they we going to be at the Monroe College and offer 1000 Seasonal Positions. Hopefully that is your school.

[Scooby22b]

Awesome video dude....that tiger is massive! im from the Bronx myself, been there a few times

[elcahuno]

wow...i like when the tinger stands...it look to nice and tall :O

[SpartonKevin]

well, that is open-glass day.