Summary of National Zookeeper Week: Registrar Team:
When new animals arrive at Brevard Zoo, they are placed in quarantine to ensure the safety of other animals. The Animal Registrar team, consisting of Sebastian Carcano and Shelby Orth, takes care of the animals during this time. They prioritize biosecurity and use special disinfectants and cleaning procedures to prevent cross-contamination. They also ensure the quarantine environment is comfortable for the animals based on their needs. The team focuses on bonding and training sessions to prepare the animals for their new homes and any necessary medical exams or transfers. Community support is essential for the zoo’s operations and animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
Summary:
– The Animal Registrar team at the National Zoo plays a crucial role in caring for newly arrived animals during quarantine– The team focuses on maintaining biosecurity and ensuring the well-being of the animals.
– They create a comfortable environment for each animal based on their needs and history.
– Bonding sessions and training are essential in preparing the animals for life at the zoo and any future transfers.
Have you ever wondered what happens to new animals when they arrive at the zoo? Well, during the fascinating National Zookeeper Week, let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible work carried out by the Registrar Team at the National Zoo. This fantastic duo, consisting of the Curator of Animal Data and Regulatory Affairs, Sebastian Carcano, and Animal Registrar, Shelby Orth, takes care of the new animal residents during quarantine.
You might be surprised that new animals don’t immediately join the regular keeper staff when they arrive at the zoo. As a precautionary measure, they spend some time in quarantine to ensure the safety of the existing animal residents. This is where the Animal Registrar team steps in to provide the necessary care and attention.
The primary goal of the team is to maintain biosecurity. They go above and beyond to ensure that the rest of the zoo animals and staff stay safe. This involves wearing special protective gear, using specialized disinfectants and cleaning procedures, as well as using dedicated tools, dishes, and enrichment items to eliminate any potential cross contamination.
But it’s not just about safety; the team also strives to make the quarantine period as comfortable and positive as possible for the animals. Imagine being uprooted from your familiar habitat and transported to a new environment. It can be pretty stressful for any living being, including animals. That’s where the Animal Registrar team’s expertise comes in.
Before the new animal resident arrives, the team gathers as much information as possible about them. This includes details about their previous habitat, their personality, and any specific needs they might have. Armed with this knowledge, the team creates a quarantine space tailored to the individual animal’s comfort.
For instance, if an animal is known to be shy, the quarantine stalls are set up with maximum privacy, abundant foliage, shade coverings, and multiple hiding spaces. This limits human traffic in the area to help the animal adjust and feel more secure. On the other hand, if an animal is social and used to being part of a group, the team dedicates a substantial portion of its day to bonding and providing social interactions.
These bonding sessions are crucial, especially for shy animals who need to adjust to a life with human interactions. One such success story is that of fallow deer Peach. When she arrived at the zoo, she was extremely flighty and hesitant around people due to her previous lack of human contact. However, through countless positive bonding sessions with Shelby Orth, Peach has gradually become more comfortable around keepers and guests.
Training also plays a significant role during the quarantine period. Before an animal can be cleared to leave quarantine, they usually need a medical exam and may have another internal transfer in a secure carrier. The Registrar team focuses on crate training, shifting, and scale training to make these processes as stress-free as possible for the animals.
By allowing the animals to participate in their care, the team empowers them, builds trust, and boosts their confidence. This approach ensures that the transport process is as smooth as can be. Take the example of Scraps, a white-nosed coat who recently stopped by the zoo on his way to another facility. The Registrar team heard that Scraps had difficulties entering a secure carrier during his first leg of the journey, so they worked with him to make the next transfer much more accessible.
In a nutshell, the National Zoo’s Registrar Team plays a vital role in the well-being and transition of newly arrived animals. Their dedication to maintaining biosecurity, creating comfortable environments, and providing bonding sessions and training ensures that the animals can seamlessly integrate into their new home. So the next time you visit the zoo and see the incredible array of animals, remember the hard work and expertise of the Registrar Team behind the scenes.
Let’s celebrate National Zookeeper Week by recognizing the Registrar Team for their unique and fascinating role in preserving the health and happiness of our beloved animal residents. Their efforts make a difference and contribute to the beautiful world of zoology, wildlife, and nature conservation.
