Box B4: Marine Mammal Training

Brando, Sabrina

doi:10.1002/9781118968543.oth7

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Furthermore, dolphins are very attentive to trainer activity occurring around theirs or neighbouring pools, indicating that dolphins perceive HARs with their trainers enriching and so enhancing welfare [27]. Interactions with care staff and trainers can also result in meaningful choice and control to meet the dolphins' own needs and preferences [22,28,29]. The potential benefits of choice and control have been well described [30][31][32], recently by [33].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Members of the Pod: Do Marine Mammal Trainers Perceive a Bond with the Animals They Care For?

Welsh

Brando²,

Hosey

et al. 2022

JZBG

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Animals under human care interact with their caretakers, potentially resulting in human–animal bonds (HABs), which can enhance wellbeing for both. Previous research has suggested that keepers perceive bonds with their animals, but investigation of a different zoo role working with one species has not yet been completed. Here, we investigate the animal trainers’ perception of HABs with captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). A modified Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) was used to measure the strength of perceived HABs between trainers and both dolphins and companion animals in their care. LAPS questionnaires were completed by 128 trainers from 35 different collections worldwide. Most respondents perceived themselves to have a bond with a dolphin, although LAPS scores for attachment to dolphins (DA) were significantly lower than for companion animals (CA). Female LAPS scores were significantly higher than males for both DA and CA. Multiple regression demonstrated that the facility and trainer gender were significant predictors of CA. LAPS scores for trainers were comparable to those for zoo animals, which reflects a strong attachment to the dolphins they work with. However, this attachment was not as strong as for their companion animals, and was influenced by the collection they worked for.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Members of the Pod: Do Marine Mammal Trainers Perceive a Bond with the Animals They Care For?

Welsh

Brando²,

Hosey

et al. 2022

JZBG

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show abstract

“…In zoos and aquariums caring for different species, caretakers often see differences in time and opportunity to engage with animals across different species which may impact their perception of their bond with the animals. For example, in some facilities, marine mammals may have three to five daily training sessions as well as presentations and other activities with their primary caregivers (Brando, 2020(Brando, , 2022, while fish and reptiles may not require daily training or other forms of direct interaction at all depending on their husbandry requirements. This is consistent with published findings which suggest that there are higher reports of bonds in commonly trained mammals such as primates and carnivores (Hosey & Melfi, 2012), with a lack of similar findings for fish and reptiles in the published literature.…”

Section: Time Spent With Animalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors Influencing the Development of Human–Animal Relationships at SeaWorld Entertainment Parks

Brando,

Dold,

Goulart

et al. 2023

Aquat Mamm

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While the existence of human–animal relationships dates back thousands of years, the effects of these bonds on animal well-being have only recently been examined in detail. The existing literature demonstrates that factors such as familiar human caregivers and persistent, predictable care may, for example, lower an animal’s fear response and improve overall welfare. The goal of the present study was to analyse how a range of variables, including age, sex, animal species, and previous bonds with a pet could influence the development of human–animal bonds between caregivers and animals at six affiliated zoological facilities. The present study is a survey of 201 animal caregivers focusing on their perception of the bonds shared between themselves and an animal with which they work and any experience with bonds they have with a companion animal at home. All respondents, regardless of the existence of a human–animal bond, also indicated their level of agreement with a series of general statements about human–animal relationships and their effects on animal management and welfare. The present study demonstrates that the type of animal species has a significant effect on the development of bonds between animals and their human caregivers, with a greater percentage of bonds developed between people and other mammalian species, and the smaller percentage of bonds between people and fish or reptiles. Personal identifiers, such as age, sex, or the number of years in the profession, did not have any significant correlation to bond development. In addition, having pets was also not a predictor of caregiver–animal bonds, though previous experiences with animal bonds did indicate a tendency to develop a bond. Overall, surveyed caregivers agreed with positive statements about human–animal relationships and their role in promoting better welfare for animals. Understanding the bonds shared by animal caregivers and the animals for which they are responsible is essential to fostering workplaces that consider the importance of the relationship between humans and animals, and the tangible benefits a positively perceived bond can have for both.

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Box B4: Marine Mammal Training

Cited by 2 publications

References 14 publications

Members of the Pod: Do Marine Mammal Trainers Perceive a Bond with the Animals They Care For?

Members of the Pod: Do Marine Mammal Trainers Perceive a Bond with the Animals They Care For?

Factors Influencing the Development of Human–Animal Relationships at SeaWorld Entertainment Parks

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