Environmental Enrichment Programme and Zoological Development
Broaden awareness of NB of quality of environment in zoos, particularly Nanjing zoo, creating two enclosures for leopards and monkey.
| Project Title | Environmental Enrichment Programme and Zoological Development |
|---|---|
| Year | 2012 |
| Location | Nanjing |
| Country | China |
| Genre | Animal Welfare |
| Lead Name(s) | Scott Dwyer, Clara Gurreso and Siobhan Weber |
| Other Organisations | Golden Bird Foundation UK |
| Value | $2,250-2,550 |
Project details:
At Atlantic College, Scott Dwyer, Clara Gurreso and Siobhan Weber developed an interest in zoological enrichment. They visited the Nanjing Zoo in China, where they designed a new enclosure for the Golden Monkeys. The newly designed enclosure provided more shade to the animals and discouraged feeding from the visitors, which helped to promote natural behaviour and improve their overall wellbeing. Zookeepers were impressed with their work, which encouraged them to consider enrichment for other animals at the Nanjing Zoo.
Post-project comments:
On arrival enclosure designs suited the Golden Monkey best and once completed there was significant change in behaviour as soon as the animals were released into the new enriched enclosure. Keepers were more confident. Local media and press attention of zoo was increased.
What they said:
We arrived in the morning, only expecting one or two reporters, yet a mass of people surrounded us.
— Scott Dwyer, Clara Gurreso and Siobhan Weber