The Role of Applied Behavior Analysis in Zoo Management: Today and Tomorrow

Forthman, Debra L.; Ogden, Jacqueline J.

doi:10.1901/jaba.1992.25-647

Cited by 52 publications

(63 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Modern zoos are moving away from the traditional "environmental" enrichment paradigm to one of behavioral management (Tresz, 2006;Weed & O'Neill-Wagner, 2015), although this has been a slow process. Forthman & Ogden (1992) were among the first to call for a new focus on the cognitive and social requirements of animals when designing zoo exhibits and daily routines. Since then, the tools of comparative cognition and applied behavior analysis have been adopted by many zoos, and have been used effectively in a wide range of contexts, from determining appropriate breeding partners (Watters & Powell, 2012) to reducing aggression in chimpanzees (Bloomsmith, Laule, Alford, & Thurston, 1994), to improving exhibit design for primates (Hosey, 2005;Hosey & Druck, 1987), to reducing anxietyrelated behavior in polar bears (Kelly, Harrison, Size, & MacDonald, 2015;Renner & Kelly, 2006).…”

Section: Studying Comparative Cognition In Zoosmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Cognition Outside the Laboratory

MacDonald¹,

Ritvo²

2016

CCBR

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With its roots firmly planted in behaviorist and animal learning traditions, lab-based research is an enduring and pervasive characteristic of comparative cognition. In this review, we discuss progress in comparative cognition research in other experimental settings such as zoos, captive animal parks, and wild settings. Zoos provide access to a large array of species housed in seminatural environments that allow a reasonable degree of experimental control. Thanks to the advent of computer technology, a wide range of complex cognitive processes is increasingly being successfully studied in zoo environments. Further, cognitive research provides enrichment for captive animal participants, reducing anxiety and promoting psychological well-being. The results of cognitive research also benefit the welfare of captive animals through preference assessment, species-specific exhibit design, and behavioral management. Field settings also offer unique advantages and have allowed researchers to systematically study such diverse topics as spatial cognition, cultural transmission, problem solving, and preference. Not only does field research expand our understanding of the evolutionary and ecological drivers of animal cognition, but it also can directly inform conservation efforts. Although venturing out of the lab presents tangible challenges, including the restriction of testable hypotheses and conclusions that can be inferred from results, the benefits to be gained outweigh the costs.

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Section: Studying Comparative Cognition In Zoosmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Cognition Outside the Laboratory

MacDonald¹,

Ritvo²

2016

CCBR

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“…Normand and Kohn (2013) recently identified other fields of interest that are perfectly suited for behavior analysts, including opportunities to work with animals. Similarly, Forthman and Ogden (1992) foresaw the value of behavior analysis in management of zoo populations (see also Tarou and Bashaw 2007). Fortunately, behavior analysis does not need to forge a completely new path, but instead simply reinvest in its animal research origins.…”

Section: Reconnecting Zoos Aquariums and Behavior Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancing Behavior Analysis in Zoos and Aquariums

Maple

Segura

2014

BEHAV ANALYST

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Zoos, aquariums, and other captive animal facilities offer promising opportunities to advance the science and practice of behavior analysis. Zoos and aquariums are necessarily concerned with the health and well-being of their charges and are held to a high standard by their supporters (visitors, members, and donors), organized critics, and the media. Zoos and aquariums offer unique venues for teaching and research and a locus for expanding the footprint of behavior analysis. In North America, Europe, and the UK, formal agreements between zoos, aquariums, and university graduate departments have been operating successfully for decades. To expand on this model, it will be necessary to help zoo and aquarium managers throughout the world to recognize the value of behavior analysis in the delivery of essential animal health and welfare services. Academic institutions, administrators, and invested faculty should consider the utility of training students to meet the growing needs of applied behavior analysis in zoos and aquariums and other animal facilities such as primate research centers, sanctuaries, and rescue centers.Keywords Animal training . Animal welfare . Aquariums . Behavior analysis . Environmental enrichment . Zoo biology . ZoosPsychologists trained in behavior analysis have a long history of conducting basic and applied research with exotic wildlife in zoos, aquariums, and specialized marine parks. At one time, operant conditioning techniques were routinely deployed to train cetaceans (dolphins and porpoises) in studies of discrimination, sensory perception, and echolocation (Kellogg and Rice 1966;Pryor 1981;Tavolga 1966). Many studies of cetaceans and pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walrus) have been published in psychology journals, including the

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“…However, little or no such analyses were published until after the field was founded. For reviews, see Bloomsmith, Marr, and Maple (2007), Edwards andPoling (2011), andFrothman andOgden (1992) (Christy Alligood, personal communication, November 13, 2012). 23 Even after JABA was founded, the field has continued to evolve.…”

Section: Founding As a Processmentioning

confidence: 99%

A study in the founding of applied behavior analysis through its publications

2013

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This article reports a study of the founding of applied behavior analysis through its publications. Our methods included hand searches of sources (e.g., journals, reference lists), search terms (i.e., early, applied, behavioral, research, literature), inclusion criteria (e.g., the field's applied dimension), and (d) challenges to their face and content validity. Our results were 36 articles published between 1959 and 1967 that we organized into 4 groups: 12 in 3 programs of research and 24 others. Our discussion addresses (a) limitations in our method (e.g., the completeness of our search), (b) challenges to the validity of our methods and results (e.g., convergent validity), and (c) priority claims about the field's founding. We conclude that the claims are irresolvable because identification of the founding publications depends significantly on methods and because the field's founding was an evolutionary process. We close with suggestions for future research.

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The Role of Applied Behavior Analysis in Zoo Management: Today and Tomorrow

Cited by 52 publications

References 23 publications

Comparative Cognition Outside the Laboratory

Comparative Cognition Outside the Laboratory

Advancing Behavior Analysis in Zoos and Aquariums

A study in the founding of applied behavior analysis through its publications

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