First UK
Bear husbandry workshop a success
The Zoological Society of London recently held the first UK
Bear Husbandry workshop focussed on improving understanding of zoo animal
welfare and promoting good practice in modern bear husbandry and veterinary
care.
JMICAWE vet Heather Bacon opened the workshop with a presentation on
behaviour-based husbandry and also discussed geriatric care of bears – an
incredibly long-lived species. Additional presentations were delivered by EAZA
and Shape of Enrichment, all focussed on progressing understanding of zoo animal
welfare and practical enrichment.
Heather said “Bears
will survive even in very poor environments and in the 1980s UK zoos recognised
that managing bears in these older exhibits was no longer acceptable, however
with recent investments in enclosure design the UK zoo bear population is
increasing and this workshop is a great opportunity for keepers from around the
UK to exchange expertise about modern bear husbandry techniques.”
Heather has extensive experience with bears having worked
with a range of bear species around the world over the past 10 years.
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