Wildlife care gets creative at Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary keepers have come up with a clever way for wildlife to receive regular health check-ups, teaching birds, wallabies, kangaroos and koalas important recall and weight training.
The recall training works by using an audible cue from a bell, whistle, or shaker, and then the sound is associated with food for positive reinforcement.
Healesville Sanctuary Animal Training Coordinator Katrina Beattie said keepers gradually increase the distance the animals need to travel to them in order to receive their reward.
“Recall is an important behaviour in monitoring the health of animals, as it enables us to make close-up observations of their eyes, mouths, noses, and feet. But we can also monitor their mobility,” Ms Beattie said.
“Regular voluntary weight training helps us to track animal health as well. If we notice anything irregular, then we can quickly seek the assistance of the specialist veterinarians at the Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre.
“Animals always have the choice to participate in their training, which is an effective way to maintain positive relationships. It is an essential part of helping us to manage them in the most positive, least intrusive way.”
Recall training can also be used in an emergency. For example, if a tree branch fell or in the event of a bushfire evacuation, all the animals could be gathered a safe distance away.
Zoos Victoria members and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au.