Shared by Carrie McMorris, Animal Care Specialist
Today marks two weeks since our little bobcat arrived and he is quickly becoming a staff favorite. He is adjusting well to the sights, smells, and sounds of Micke Grove Zoo. He was given access to an outside pen area in Quarantine last Friday. (one week after arrival) and when myself or other keepers peek in to check on him he is often seen outside.
This coming up week, I will introduce my training tools to him. These tools will include a clicker and a target. The target will be a tennis ball on a stick. I intend to have him do behaviors like touch his nose to the target, stand, go into a crate, and step onto a scale for starters. These basic behaviors will allow me to work with the cat in a safe and calm manor. Training can be a slow process, but I am not worried about training this cat, he seems to enjoy my attention and is food motivated! this means he should be willing to do what I ask him for a little bite of a tasty treat like a piece of mouse!
Next week I will let you know how his first training sessions go...
until then....
Carrie
Animal Care Specialist
Primary keeper for the bobcat
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