The intent of the Rhino Management section of the web site is to help keepers and managers expand their knowledge of topics directly related to captive rhinoceros care. Please help expand this section by contributing content you have as a caretaker of rhinoceros. Please send any paper you have written, article you have published or presentation you have presented that is relevant to this topic (Enrichment) to dclawson@thewilds.org. Please include your permission to use your material in this web site.

Rhinoceros Enrichment

Enrichment, as defined by the AZA, is a process for improving or enhancing animal environments and care within the context of their inhabitants’ behavioral biology and natural history. It is a dynamic process in which changes to structures and husbandry practices are made with the goal of increasing behavioral choices available to animals, and drawing out their species-appropriate behaviors and abilities, thus enhancing animal welfare. Enrichment is a process, not an object. By following a series of easy steps, enrichment becomes a structured program for animal care staff to easily maintain. Every plan must being with a goal in mind. Once the goal is set, a plan must be developed then carried out. It is vital to document what happens once the enrichment has been implemented. Documentation provides the information to help decide whether or not the enrichment was successful. When evaluated, the documentation will point out successes and failures with respect to the original goal. Reviewing the data might also bring out some new reactions and behaviors that were not thought of originally. According to keepers, enrichment is not only used to stimulate the animals within their environment, but it also stimulates the keepers. It’s a very rewarding event to see your rhino utilize a new enrichment device that you made for them! Everybody wins!

So what works and what doesn’t? Well, that depends on some basic factors:

1. Natural history of the animal – What species of rhino do you have? What natural behaviors do you want to encourage?
2. Individual history of each animal – Every rhino has their own personality!
3. Enclosure constraints – Enclosures vary, make sure your device is appropriate for the space you have.
4. Staffing – User-friendliness is key for successful administration of an enrichment device.
5. Management support – The trickle-down effect will sustain your enrichment program. If an expectation is set by management, the majority of your rhino staff will comply. Do it for the rhinos!
6. Follow-through – Plan an initiative, implement it, document its results (basic data), review the results (why was/wasn’t it effective), re-adjust initiative, if needed.

Here are some enrichment initiatives that have been implemented at zoos:

• Browse hangers on trees
• Rootballs from large dead trees planted upside down exposing rootball. Good for sticking browse and hiding other goodies.
• Logs, hung up or loose
• Shift rhinos back out onto exhibit overnight
• Waterfall and pool
• Misters
• Semi-tactile contact with other rhinos on a variable schedule (especially when housed alone)
• Fruit ice blocks
• Boomer ball with circular openings to put food inside
• Bowling ball
• Hanging tire on a chain
• Bamboo windchimes
• Painting
• 55 gallon drum, loose or hung on a zipline
• Recorded audio clips of other rhinos
• Conspecific scents or fecal material

Enrichment ideas from the 2005 Rhino Keeper Workshop in Columbus

Group I - http://www.rhinokeeperassociation.org/workshops/2005/EnrichmentJane%20Kennedy.doc

Group II - http://www.rhinokeeperassociation.org/workshops/2005/EnrichmentChristine%20Bobko.doc

Group III - http://www.rhinokeeperassociation.org/workshops/2005/EnrichmentVickieSteele.xls