I won't say too much about this today, as it is very much in its beginnings, but I started my project officially today. Essentially, the zoo's male zebra, Tanga, is kept separate from the other hoofstock because he is agressive, and because by separation, his breeding with the females can be monitored and controlled. He displays what are known as stereotyped behaviors. Stereotyped behaviors are those which seem to have no purpose, and are excessive in repetition or intensity. Tanga continually rubs his head against his stall, and many people at the zoo are concerned about his happiness. He has been offered many enrichment items to distract him, and offer him interesting activities, so he will not engage in such behavior. No one is quite certain on what triggers his stereotyped behaviors, or what would be most helpful in alleviating them. I am doing an ethogram on Tanga, which is a behavioral overview. I get to watch him for one hour each day and record his behaviors. I am also going to try out different enrichments so as to help with his boredom. Watching him was a hot activity in the sunshine, but it was an enjoyable one. I could sit and watch animals all day. Some people think it's a boring activity, but I eager to see what I find out. Just today, I learned that when people drive by on the gators, he is triggered to paw at the fence or call out loudly. I am very interested to see what develops.
The hamerkop was very cute and endearing this morning. I had never seen him eat one of his fish in front of me, but today I got that pleasure. He took the fish from the dish on his perching, carried it in his beak down to his little pond, and then proceeded to dip it in the water. He shook it rigorously back and forth, as if the fish were swimming, dropped it, and then he 'caught' it with his beak. It was positively adorable. I love that little guy.
That's about all for today.
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