Jesse Failla, Senior Reporter - Werribee Open Range Zoo
Several animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo have impressively learned how to voluntarily open their mouths on a keeper’s cue, enabling them to participate in stress-free healthcare.
The ‘open-mouth’ behaviour enables keepers and veterinarians to easily monitor the oral health of the Zoo’s animals and provides an opportunity for teeth brushing, cleaning and the administering of any medical care.
Hippopotamus, lions and a cheetah are among the species displaying their remarkable teeth while engaging in training sessions with their keepers.
Werribee Open Range Zoo Animal Training Coordinator Kelly Hobbs said the stress-free approach was a result of months of ongoing training, positive reinforcement and trust building between keepers and the animals.
“This trained behavior allows us to get a really good look at the animals’ oral and body health,” Ms Hobbs said. “It’s done in a way that’s safe for both keepers and animals, and builds a really nice trusting relationship between them.
“Our animals also understand that if they present their mouths, they’ll get their favourite food afterwards.”
Ms Hobbs said the innovative approach to animal care is now also being made accessible for visitors to see during a trip to the Zoo.
“The training sessions are occurring on display, which allows visitors to witness the incredible care between keepers and animals first hand.
“It’s an impressive sight when the animals open their jaws wide with their shiny pearly-whites in full view – and it’s all aimed at sharing our care for the animals and how we help keep them healthy and happy.”
The open-mouth training is just one of the many methods keepers at Werribee Open Range Zoo are using to provide the most positive, least intrusive care for its animals.
Ms Hobbs said the importance of empowering animals to participate in their own healthcare through training is integral to each animals’ long-term wellbeing.
“Empowerment can look like a number of things,” said Ms Hobbs. “It can look like an animal choosing not to participate in the training, which is perfectly fine, or that an animal actively seeks out interactions with us. It can also mean decreased stress and better long-term healthcare outcomes.”
Zoo members and visitors are reminded that all tickets to the Zoo must be pre-booked at zoo.org.au and asked to follow the current COVIDSafe directions at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
