Providing a Safe and Caring Environment for Exotic Animals

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Benefits of Emotional Enrichment

Date: 02-16-2012

We have defined and explained what Emotional Enrichment is, but many may question what it does and if it actually benefits the animals. Well, the animals at IEAS are proof that addressing and utilizing our program to improve the animals’ emotions is not only beneficial, but a necessity to properly caring for and giving the best possible quality of life for these amazing beings. Though all our animals show the importance of Emotional Enrichment here are just a few examples of how this form of enrichment has changed their lives for the better. 
 
Gedi, a female lion, was abandoned in a garage by her owner when she was 3 months old. She was rescued by Dallas Animal Control and then brought to IEAS. Louis Dorfman, Animal Behaviorist, began working with Gedi shortly after she arrived.  When Gedi first arrived, she really distrusted humans. She was always anxious and running along the fence, and even bouncing on the side of the habitat, as people went by. Once Louis began working with her, she soon calmed down. After spending many days and many hours with Gedi showing her that he was a source of security and comfort and that humans can be trusted, she began to calm down. Gedi now enjoys visits from Louis and will stand by him allowing him to scratch her back. She now exhibits very normal and relaxed behavior at all times. Even when Gedi receives a new enrichment item, she prefers visiting with Louis rather than playing with her new toy. Gedi has had a complete transition since she was shown that humans can be a source of comfort and security at IEAS, and she is now one of the most affectionate felines at IEAS. 

A second success story is Makeen, a male Bengal tiger. He was confiscated in Gonzales County, Texas under the Dangerous Wild Animal Law. For the first ten years of his life, he had lived in a 9x4 foot cage tucked away in a barn on a remote property in Gonzales County. He had no view of the outdoors meaning he had never seen the sky or even stepped foot on grass before.

When Makeen arrived at IEAS, he was in complete shock and distrusted humans. He was very agitated when he arrived and didn't leave his transport cage for hours. When Makeen came out that evening, it was the first time in his life that his paws touched grass! During his first few nights out, Christi Gilbreth, Asst. Behaviorist, would go out to visit him. She was not sure exactly how he would react since his first experience with humans was very negative and full of distrust. Makeen watched as she went to sit down near the fence. After a few minutes, he walked over and greeted her with a chuff and laid down next to the fence. This was a very good sign on just his second night at IEAS.  Christi spent every night for the next month visiting Makeen, earning his trust while providing him with a source of security and comfort. She continues to visit Makeen, and he always greets her with a friendly chuff. Though Makeen is not as affectionate as Gedi, his distrust for humans has diminished, and he is very affectionate with those he is comfortable with. His fear and agitation have lessened substantially, and he is continuing to improve his comfort level around humans.


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