Innovative training methods allow for up close care with giraffes
The connection between an animal and zookeeper is a crucial part of the work our Buffalo Zoo team does every day.
Over time, keepers and animals become increasingly comfortable with one another through working together behind the scenes and training.
Hoofstock keeper Don has been working with our giraffe trio Moke, AJ and Zuri for many years, and with that comes a very rewarding trust. That same trust has allowed Don and our hoofstock team to provide up close care with our giraffes, including recently with AJ.
In order to properly care for our giraffes’ hooves, Don has helped create a training system that allows them to voluntarily place their leg on a box which lets keepers and veterinary staff to safely get up close.
In order to pull this off with AJ, a trainer will attract her to the correct spot and ensure her hoof is in the correct spot. The trainer continues to work with AJ while Don or other keepers would be kneeled down at the box. AJ would then voluntarily present the bottom of her hoof, allowing for trimming and care.
Additionally, a newer development for Don and AJ is her openness to being brushed.
The goal was to help AJ with her shedding fur, but understandably, she was not comfortable with being brushed at first. When initially approached, she would back off and give Don no chance of getting near her.
However, over time, the trust between animal and keeper helped make it possible. While giraffes and humans can’t communicate verbally, Don’s familiarity with AJ allows him to notice twitches, tail flicks and other body language that gave him clues as to what was or wasn’t working, and what mental state she was in.
Don began slowly introducing AJ to the brush, to the point where she would touch it on her own. Soon thereafter, she opened up to being brushed completely, and the process continues to improve with each instance.
Our keepers are constantly working to further their trust with the animals they work with and come up with innovative training techniques, and stories are like this are a testament to their hard work!
