ABC'S: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

CONCERNS & SOLUTIONS

A Question & Answer Forum For Animal Professionals

All content © by Diana L. Guerrero unless otherwise noted and may not be reprinted without prior written permission. All rights reserved. Click here for reprint permissions and fees.

Welcome to the ABC's! Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions is an animal behavior column written by animal behaviorist and animal trainer, Diana L. Guerrero. This section is dedicated to animal training techniques for all animals and pets, and topics related to operant conditioning and reinforcement. This two part column is about Grevy zebra (Equus grevyi) behavior evaluation and zebra training techniques. For pet training please visit the pet sections, see our pet behavior booklets in the shop, or click here for enrollment information for classes and teleseminars.

Zebra (Equus grevyi) Animal Behavior Evaluation
Part One of Two

Question
We have been experiencing some trouble with our male Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi) and could use some guidance. What do you suggest?

Background
The animal in question is a mature male zebra in his teens. He exhibits aggressive behavior towards keepers and other zoo staff. Although this behavior escalates when humans are in close proximity, it is also exhibited when mechanical equipment and people are visible, even at a distance.

The aggressive behavior has been escalating over the past four years, but was first observed about the same time training efforts began-also about four years ago. The animal slams into the perimeter fence, bites the fence, kicks barriers, and has broken doors, gates, and other exhibit items.

The aggressive behavior decreases when he is housed with the mares, who are held in an adjacent enclosure. This housing situation is not expected to change due to SSP recommendations. In the past, this animal has directed aggressive behavior toward visitors from the main exhibit. As a result, the main area is not available for rotation as this animal would be a hazard to any unsuspecting visitor reaching into it. In addition, the yard has been assessed as being inadequate to keep this animal safely confined. The possibility of escape is a real risk, and until the exhibit is redone, this animal will not be placed on public view.

Discussion
This zebra is currently housed in a small penned area containing a barn with three stalls. The outdoor area is adjacent to the main exhibit housing the mares. He has limited visual contact with the mares, more visibility of other areas along one fence line, and limited visibility to the service road on another side. The stalls are constructed on the remaining side.

Although mother reared, this animal was habituated to humans as a youngster. He received lots of human contact and interactions. Essentially, he was not treated as a wild animal, but more like a pet, and learned to show and direct conspecific behavior towards humans. Worse yet, he learned to express his frustration aggressively when he was not given attention or indulged.

Besides elevated levels of testosterone, this animal is highly intelligent. He is a good student of human behavior and learned how to manipulate people. Due to his intellect, he tests the parameters constantly. He has also been accidentally reinforced for aggressive behavior. Behaviors currently under stimulus control are reported to include: station, turn, line up, target, come, stay, and he will position on a weight board. Unfortunately, he will also decide to terminate a session--with no apparent consequences.

This animal shows a preference for certain staff members and enjoys tactile contract, smells, and blowing into his nose. He will sometimes accept yams and carrots during training.

Presenting Problem
When any human approaches within his critical distance, (the distance where he first reacts--about 50 feet from the pen) he exhibits agitation. His tail curls up above his back, he kicks, vocalizes, snorts, and slams against the fence. (The slamming against the fence resembles neck wrestling.) He also tries to bite. This behavior escalates prior to evening lock up and when keepers are in close proximity, but are not giving him attention. The behavior can also occur when equipment passes the exhibit, or when people are visible from a distance. He will calm down when given attention. Other behaviors observed include flehmen, and although isolated, this animal will also exhibit herding and biting threats while moving (head lowered).

In the past this animal has not shown interest in novel enrichment devices. He is not motivated by food reinforcement, but prefers tactile contact and attention from keeper staff. During my observation period, he was reinforced for acceptable behavior during an agitated state rather than for calmness. This explains why his aggressive behavior has escalated. In the questionnaire, both the time period of escalated aggression and the implementation of the training program coincide.

When tested, he exhibited a clear response to verbal reinforcement and differentiating criteria. He also clearly decided to test the parameters to see what level of behavior would produce a positive response, a time-out, and what differences in duration would occur, if any.

Assessment
There are a variety of challenges to overcome with this animal. He is high energy and incredibly responsive--which will prove to be a challenge to novice or intermediate trainers.

Since he does not exhibit a high degree of adverse behavior when housed with the mares, his social urges are directed toward keeper staff when he is separated from the mares. He exhibits frustration and kicks at the barrier adjacent to the main exhibit when he is not exhibiting that same behavior at staff.

Diligence, consistency (not predictability), and variable schedules are mandatory to get this zebra's inappropriate behavior redirected. I recommend you consider the following:

Continue to part two of zebra evaluation for specific training suggestions.

Are you a reader with a question? Be sure to submit it--and good luck in all your training endeavors!

About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.