This episode Jose Bello, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, discusses superstitious behavior. Jose starts with breaking down what it means for a behavior to be superstitious and examples of what that looks like in a practical application. Next, Jose educates about the “potential danger” in labeling behaviors as superstitious and how taking the blame away from the animal and placing it on us as the trainers, can give us a better understanding of what is accidentally reinforcing or punishing a superstitious behavior. The episode ends with a discussion and a reminder that all behavior has function and how that mindset can help trainers and teams have a cohesive understanding of superstitious behaviors. Stay tuned in for Jose’s o-fish-ally great "Training Tale" about a guest’s reaction to water kenneling fish. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Jose email Jose.Bello@disney.com Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

7:00 Introduction to Jose Bello

10:05 Definition and practical application of superstitious behavior

14:55 What does it look like if something is accidentally reinforced?

16:15 How to identify a superstitious behavior?

19:10 What is the potential “danger” in labeling a behavior as superstitious?

21:25 If there is a “potential danger”, should we still call behaviors superstitious?

23:50 How can having extra communication about superstitious behaviors arising from accidental reinforcement help with any labels that may come with the term?

25:50 Advice for recognizing that a behavior has been accidentally reinforced and isn’t just “something the animal always does”

28:05 Recognizing what is actually the reinforcer(s) or punisher(s) for a superstitious behavior?

29:30 All behavior has function

33:45 “Training Tales”

In a special ABMA Behavior Month 2024 episode, Jonelle Mason, California National Primate Research Center - UC Davis, discusses training and behavior in a research setting. Jonelle educates about the similarities and differences between training, cooperative care, and enrichment programs in a zoo compared to a research setting. Additionally, Jonelle talks about some of the unique challenges that arise and the future of behavior management within a research setting. Stay tuned in for Jonelle's "Training Tale" about training her pet corn snake to help with a regurgitation issue. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Jonelle email jmason@ucdavis.edu Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

4:35 Intro to Jonelle Mason

7:35 Comparison of behavior and training in a research vs zoo setting

16:45 Comparison of husbandry and cooperative care training

20:25 Considerations for research related training

29:10 Creating positive human-animal relationships

30:50 Enrichment programs in a research setting

33:30 Lessons from a research setting

35:10 The future of behavior management in a research setting

39:00 “Training Tale”

This episode Sam Meinke, Palm Beach Zoo, and podcast host, Shane Gorbett, discusses what it means to be a modern zookeeper. The definition of what a zookeeper is and does has drastically changed and is constantly evolving as we continue to progress animal care forward. Some other modern zookeepers were kind enough to share what being a modern zookeeper means to them so Sam and Shane dissect those answers as we redefine what it means to be a zookeeper. The discussion wraps up with the importance of redefining what a modern zookeeper is and does both for the knowledge of the public but also for those currently in the field or hoping to start their careers. Stay tuned in for Sam's "Training Tales" which involves a ground hornbill and a "long cheetah turd". For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Sam you can message him on Facebook or Instagram. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

3:20 Introduction to Sam Meinke

4:40 Definition of a Zookeeper and redefining into a Modern Zookeeper

13:40 Using the past as a baseline to grow from and do better

20:20 A Modern Zookeeper…. Adapts to new information

22:50 Progressive, Use the artful application of scientific principles

23:45 Knows the individual animals

25:20 Creative, thinks outside the box for enriching the lives of animals

28:20 Responsible for providing each individual animal the best life possible

30:22 Creates a bond with the animals, knows each of their personalities

32:00 Eager to share their special connection with everyone

32:50 Strives to create positive connections in all interactions, changing the mindset from making to asking

36:46 Does research, looks to natural history of animals

38:15 Selfless, puts the animals’ needs above their own, open to feedback

39:20 Prioritizes behavioral management as a necessity

41:30 Focuses on animal wellbeing

43:10 Importance of redefining the modern zookeeper

45:40 Advice on changing the mindset of a team into striving to be modern zookeeprs

49:00 “Training Tales”