#kakapotraining

When you used to be able to walk into bars, people often asked “what is the coolest part of my job?” The answer is pretty easy for me. It has always been getting the opportunity to used science-based training technology to help with the conservation of endangered species. Whether it is working with orangutans in Borneo, kakapo in New Zealand, or helping improve the welfare of rare species in managed care, knowing training is helping wildlife conservation is definitely the best part of my job. How about you? What is the best part about being an animal trainer? #endangeredspeciesday #trainingforconservation #orangutantraining #kakapotraining #wildlifeconservation #exoticanimaltraining #rhinotraining https://www.instagram.com/p/CAOdefDFLU4/?igshid=vi7utpjn6djv

Sirocco the kakapo had learned mating with heads was reinforcing. He could also be quite relentless about it. A key word is “learned.” This meant he could also learn it is reinforcing to mate with something other than heads, as this video clip illustrates. Yes, we used training to address this unusual behavior problem that resulted from opportunity and reinforcement history. Sirocco’s story is a long one and I know you have questions 😊 Why the shoe? How did this behavior start? Why are you training at night? You can learn more about what training has to do with sexual behavior in my latest podcast (and find links to more about Sirocco’s story.) Visit the podcast episode page. Click the link in the bio @barbara_heidenreich #animaltrainingpodcast #animaltrainingandsex #zooanimaltraining #kakapo #kakapotraining #sirocco #siroccokakapo https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Thwf9FzHX/?igshid=10nqju820zsjr