Enrichment: Thinking Inside the Box

Presented by Iron Oak Canyon Ranch's Animal Care Academy, this segment of our Animal Care series of clinics and classes will focus on the most important aspect of a zoo animal’s mental well-being: enrichment. Multiple studies have shown enrichment is a key factor in the overall health of zoo animals. By offering them the opportunity to engage their brains, enrichment can be fun not only for the charges in your care, but you, too.    
 
In this class, students will learn the basics of animal enrichment and participate in creating enrichment for Iron Oak Canyon Ranch’s animal ambassadors. From training to food foraging toys to large cardboard prey to hunt, enrichment is anything that stimulates an animal’s mind. It can also be as simple as social interactions with other animals, both of the same and other species, or their keepers. By learning how to view enrichment from a naturalistic point of view, students will be prepared to create fun and enriching activities for every species in their care.
 
This course is taught by ranch owner Lessa Ritzma, whose previous career credits include zookeeper, informal science educator, and exotic animal trainer performing in animal shows, along with over twenty years of horse experience.
 
This is a live demonstration and lecture class. An animal may participate for demonstration purposes. All participants will qualify for the Enrichment: Thinking Inside the Box credit for Iron Oak Canyon Ranch's Animal Care certificate. The Animal Care certificate core courses must be taken in order, with the exception of the Basics of Husbandry courses, which may be taken at any time.
 
$40 per participant for 2-hour class. Limit 15 participants. Weather permitting.

Message us to sign up or ask questions.