Calusa was so happy!!
They all had so much fun! Humans and dolphins!
Animal Enrichment Devices
Cayo and DESY!!!
DESY (Dolphin Enrichment System) returns to DRC’s Front Right Lagoon! May 1, 2024
We were very happy to see Calusa, Cayo, and Santini enjoying DESY. It appeared they still recalled this enrichment from over ten years ago! Calusa and Cayo quickly mastered which paddle to press to turn on the underwater bubbler. They remembered their DESY enrichment well, blowing bubbles and pressing the second paddle to release the plain gelatin and ice. They took delight in the “Delphi gator” water sprinkler and bubbles, while Summer and Ranger showed curiosity.
Dolphin Enrichment System (DESY) – DRC Dolphins get to try it!
Dolphin Enrichment System – first test at DRC! April 30, 2024
Some photos and video of Don explaining the DESY to Linda and Nicki before it was used on the docks
Introducing the new and improved DESY (Dolphin Enrichment System).
It has three enrichment options: Soap Bubbles, Water Fountain (Delphi Gator), Ice or Gelatin Dispenser (tested in our driveway before we headed to Dolphin Research Center last week)
The underwater paddles are designed for the dolphins to press with their rostrums. The paddles have different numbers of holes to allow the dolphins to identify them using their echolocation. Paddle #1 has two holes, Paddle #2 has four. Paddle #1 must be pressed first to activate the underwater bubbler which enables Paddle #2. Paddle #2 needs to be pressed to activate the enrichment (water spray, ice/gelatin dispenser, bubble machine) (watch the video below this photo)
FINTASTIC NEWS!! – DESY IS BACK at DRC
More photos and videos to come soon! Don put in about 40 hours of working to improve, redesign and get Desy working so we could deliver to DRC during our Keys vacation last week. Some of the dolphins (Santini, Cayo and Calusa) definitely remembered their awesome enrichment from many years ago.
FINTASTIC NEWS!
Fintastic News – We are repairing and improving DESY! The original enrichment device that started it all! Dolphin Enrichment System (DESY) for Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys!
Here’s a photo from way back in 2012
Beary Exciting News – Delivery and Installation of EED
We delivered the Black Bear environmental enrichment device (EED) to Central Florida Zoo on Tuesday, April 2. The weather was gorgeous, the zoo staff were awesome and the bears, Guignard and Ella, were curious. We met with four keepers to go over assembly and instructions
The entire system was disassembled for transportation to Central Florida Zoo. Between the system and all the tooling required for the installation, our full-size pickup truck was packed to the limit. Upon arrival at the zoo, the closest we could get the truck was a couple hundred yards from the installation location. All the tools and equipment was transported by wheelbarrow.
The first step was to level the ground for the 200 lb. base. Then the ground anchors were driven in. The next step was to install the frame and attach it to the base and anchors. With the frame in place, the boom could then be raised and bolted to the frame.
The PVC pipes were the next to be installed, then the electronics and feeder. The switch was thrown and the EED came to life. This was a great relief to see everything survived transportation to the site.
Treats were added to the system and the bears were released into their habitat. The bears walked near the motion sensor and the treats were blown up and into their habitat.
#centralfloridazoo
#bearenrichment
Very Beary Exciting News – Enrichment Delivery 4-2-24
Central Florida Zoo
Animal Enrichment Systems (AES) would like to recognize Beth Pascazi and Jeremy Langeneck for their generous donation in support of the automatic feeder for Central Florida Zoo’s Black Bears. Beth was even able to come to the Zoo to help deliver this new device personally. Donations like theirs make it possible for AES to keep making enrichment devices for many species. Their donation not only funded the parts and materials for the bear feeder but will kick start a project for the Zoo’s primates and African Crested Porcupine as well.
Black Bears, Guignard and Ella, enjoyed investigating their new enrichment and even set off the motion sensor on their first try! The bears will have fun figuring out they are in charge of enrichment by activating the system using the motion sensor that dispenses snacks in their habitat. This will encourage their natural foraging behavior.
#CENTRALFLORIDAZOO
#ANIMALENRICHMENT
#BEARENRICHMENT
Animal Enrichment Systems 