Wild animals in captivity do not show weakness. A predator that limps is a dead predator in the wild. Consequently, zoo veterinarians rely entirely on behavioral observation to diagnose illness. A slight reduction in play behavior in an otter or a change in nesting patterns in a gorilla triggers a full veterinary workup. Modern zoos also use protected contact – training animals to present body parts (tail, paw, mouth) for injection or ultrasound voluntarily. This relies on operant conditioning, a core tenet of behaviorism. Understanding Animal Behavior The “Grumpy Cat” That Was

Livestock Handling