Summary of Hoof Trim Training for People:
Brevard Zoo in Africa recently sent two animal care team members, Morgan Thums and Savannah Luhn, to the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program. This 7-day course trains zookeepers to properly care for and maintain animal hooves. Throughout the week, the participants attended lectures on hoof anatomy, learned about common hoof pathologies, and practiced trimming on cadavers and live animals. The course provided an overload of information but was a great learning experience for Morgan and Savannah. Since attending the course, Morgan has been able to solo trim most animals at the zoo and ensure they receive routine hoof trims. The course has benefited the team by improving their skills and allowing them to provide better care for their animal residents. The most surprising thing the participants learned was the complexity and importance of maintaining proper hoof care for the animal’s comfort and well-being. The Brevard Zoo is an independent, non-profit organization that relies on donations to continue animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
Summary:
– The Brevard Zoo Africa keepers have participated in the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program to learn about hoof care and trimming.
– The program includes lectures, cadaver hoof trimming, live animal trimming, and visits to observe training and trimming at other zoos.
– The course has benefited the keepers by providing them with knowledge and skills in hoof trimming.
– The animals at the zoo also benefit from routine hoof trims, which promote their comfort and overall well-being.
If you’ve ever wondered how zoos take care of the hooves of their animal residents, you might be surprised to learn that it involves a lot more than just a simple trim. At the Brevard Zoo Africa, the animal care team goes above and beyond to provide their animals with the best hoof care possible. To ensure they have the expertise needed for this important task, some keepers have recently participated in the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program.
So, who trains the trainers? In this case, the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program is an intensive 7-day course that equips zookeepers with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle hoof care and trimming for various animals. We spoke with two Africa keepers from the Brevard Zoo, Morgan Thums and Savannah Luhn, who recently completed this program. Here’s what they had to say about their experience.
Morgan and Savannah expressed a genuine interest in hoof care and trimming when asked what made them want to take this course. Morgan, who has been at the zoo for some time, enjoyed training the animals for trims and wanted to learn more about the process. Savannah’s interest in hoof care started when she worked with horses in her younger days, and it only grew stronger when she moved to the Africa section of the zoo.
Throughout the week-long program, Morgan and Savannah were exposed to much information and hands-on training. The first few days were filled with lectures on hoof anatomy, hoof grading, and common hoof pathologies. In addition to the lectures, they also had the opportunity to practice their skills on the carcasses of horses and two-toed animals. They even visited a local zoo to observe training and trimming in action. On the final day, they would trim live goats and sheep, putting their newly acquired knowledge into practice.
Describing the experience to someone new to hoof trims, Morgan referred to it as an overload of information in the best possible way. You are fully immersed in learning about trimming from the moment you wake up to when you go to sleep. The experience is intense but incredibly rewarding, allowing you to gain a vast amount of knowledge in a short period.
When asked how the course has benefited them and the animal residents, Morgan emphasized the importance of maintaining the animals’ hooves for their comfort and overall well-being. Since attending the course, Morgan has been able to trim almost all animals requiring regular hoof care at the zoo. This helps to stay on top of the animals’ needs and ensures that routine trims are done promptly.
The course was a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth for Savannah. With three years of experience, she believes it is crucial to continue learning and honing her skills. By sending more keepers through this training, the team at the Brevard Zoo is better equipped to handle routine trimming and work with different species of hoofstock.
Reflecting on the most surprising thing they learned, Morgan was amazed by how much information they could absorb and retain in such a short amount of time. She also highlighted the importance of proper hoof care in extending an animal’s lifespan and improving its overall well-being. On the other hand, Savannah expressed surprise at the complexity of the lower limb and hoof anatomy. It’s often taken for granted unless you specifically study the subject or deal with an animal with walking abnormalities.
In conclusion, the Hoof Trim Training Program has played a vital role in equipping the keepers at the Brevard Zoo Africa with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide optimal hoof care for their animal residents. The combination of lectures, hands-on training, and real-world experience has benefited the keepers themselves and improved the lives of the animals under their care. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of the animal care team, the animals at the zoo can enjoy comfort and well-being, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Remember, your generous support enables the Brevard Zoo to continue its important work in animal wellness, education, and conservation programs. By supporting the zoo, you are contributing to the well-being of the animals and the community at large. So, next time you visit the Brevard Zoo, take a moment to appreciate the dedication and expertise of the keepers who ensure that the animals’ hooves are always in top shape.
