Don is building an enrichment device that will be set on a random timer to scatter zoo approved food to the black bears. This is very similar to the EED that he built and donated to BrevardZoo.

We tested how far food will scatter; the result was 11 ft! The blower and components will be safely housed in a custom-made box with a door.

Exciting News:  We delivered part of the small primate environmental enrichment device to Central Florida Zoo last Monday.  We wanted to see if the attachment worked for the lesser spot-nosed guenons habitat fencing.  The guenons were curious and very interested in the enrichment.  This part of the EED is turned on by the keepers using a remote (the size of a car key fob).  The final enrichment will feature two feeding type boxes with one area of recessed buttons that can be pushed by the guenons to deliver food rewards.   #centralfloridazoo

We were so happy to see Pax and friends enjoying their “DESY”

Don and I have been working with Dr. Darby Proctor, and Dr. Kate Talbot of Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) on the design of collaborative enrichment for the Brevard Zoo’s spider monkeys.  We had a meeting at the Cognitive area of the zoo and they showed Don some sketches, and he took measurements on how far the monkeys could reach.

The “Pull Bar Apparatus” has a long aluminum handle and will be set up outside the spider monkey habitat so the handle can be pull through the fence to get treats.  The monkey that is pulling the long handle can easily reach treats and other monkeys can get to the far end of the enrichment to get treats.

More to come!!!

We are thrilled to receive positive feedback regarding our enrichment devices, particularly the timed feeder designed by Don/Animal Enrichment Systems for the African crested porcupines at Central Florida Zoo. Kayce, one of the dedicated keepers, shared that this device significantly enhanced the animals’ experience during the limited staff presence on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The feeder allowed the porcupines access to food throughout the day, demonstrating the effectiveness of our enrichment solutions in promoting animal welfare. We are proud to contribute to the well-being of the animals and appreciate the input from our wonderful partners in the field. (below are photos from the delivery day 4-22-25)

It is always wonderful to get videos or photos of our enrichment in action!  This is especially fun since “DESY” (Dolphin Enrichment System) was our very first device!  Thank you to Jennifer for sending these adorable photos of little Bowie enjoying  DESY this weekend

Don made some upgrades to the black bear environmental enrichment device. This EED was in use for almost three years in Brevard Zoo’s Florida Loop. We delivered the upgraded parts October 9

We will be designing and building environmental enrichment device (EED) for Zoo Miami’s Florida Black Bears
Laurel and Libby! More to come soon (ok. I had some retro 1985 fun with the font colors!)

Exciting news!  We recently visited Central Florida Zoo and spoke with Kayce, Behavioral Husbandry Coordinator, about enrichment for the small primates.  We took photos of the habitat and took measurements so Don can design the environmental enrichment device (EED) so the reward treats fit through the cage fencing. Every EED is built from scratch and tailored to the specific habitat.   More to come soon!