Episode - 28  May, 2021

Host: Barbara Heidenreich

Guests: Eddie Fernandez, PhD and Rickey Kinley

Do you have a feeling something you are doing or would like to do could improve animal welfare? Have you thought about collecting data, evaluating your results, and publishing it so others can benefit? My guests in this episode are Dr Eddie Fernandez and Rickey Kinley. They share how zoos can participate in scientific studies to improve animal welfare. They give great tips on how to establish crucial relationships, what is required to conduct a study,  how studies can be accomplished with one or many animals, and how to get the ball rolling! Behavior, enrichment, and animal welfare are hot topics in our field. Facilities caring for animals large and small have the potential to keep providing data and information that supports progress. Learn how you can get involved. Visit the episode webpage for links to publications and lots of additional resources.

Links:

Publications from Dr Eddie Fernandez

News Story on How RIFD is Helping Penguins at Cincinnati Zoo

Cincinnati Zoo Penguin Enrichment Story on Dr Sophia Yin's Site

Download the PDF: Conditioning Sedentary Captive Penguins for Increased Swimming Time

ZooLogic Podcast with Rickey Kinley

Innovative Use of Technology in New Penguin Habitats Earns Cincinnati Zoo’s Bird Team Top Honors

Guest Bios:

Eddie Fernandez, PhD

Eduardo J. Fernandez received his Ph.D. in Psychology (minors in Neuroscience and Animal Behavior) from Indiana University, where he worked with the Indianapolis and Cincinnati Zoo. He received his M.S. in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, where he founded the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals (ORCA). Most of his past and current work involves behavioral research applied to the welfare and training of zoo, aquarium, and companion animals. He is currently a Senior Lecturer of Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Adelaide (Australia). His past positions include a Visiting Professorship in the School of Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology, an Affiliate Professorship in the Psychology Department at the University of Washington, a Research Fellowship with Woodland Park Zoo, and a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. While working with UW and the Woodland Park Zoo, he started the Behavioral Enrichment Animal Research (BEAR) group, which conducted welfare research with many of the species and exhibits located throughout the zoo. He currently runs the Operant Welfare Lab (OWL), which is dedicated to the use of learning principles to improve the lives of animals across many settings, including exotic animals in zoos, companion animals in homes, and agricultural animals in farms. Many of his past publications, research projects, and presentations can be found on his ResearchGate profile.

Rickey Kinley

Currently the head keeper of the aviculture department Rickey has led a career spanning 28 years at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. He graduated in 1994 from the Zoo Academy a high school for Juniors and seniors dedicated to the care and conservation of wildlife. This school is located onsite at the Cincinnati Zoo. Additionally, Rickey has been involved with the Animal Behavior Management Alliance since the first conference in 2000. He had served on the board of directors for many years including serving as President in 2011.  Rickey also owns and manages Gary’s Professional Dog Grooming and Cincinnati Dog Training Academy where he is a dog groomer and trainer.

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