Helping animals through enrichment. We design, build, and deliver enrichment devices to zoos and aquariums that have animals in human care, utilizing technology and advanced engineering. Animal Enrichment Systems (AES) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit . We are 100% volunteer-operated, so all donations go directly to providing enrichment to the animals that need it.
We delivered a weather resistant power cable to the Brevard Zoo so the Black Bear enrichment device can continue to be left outside in most weather conditions. Don worked on the weatherproofing for the connections on the cord earlier in the week.
Exciting news! We had a meeting with the carnivore keepers at Central Florida Zoo last week to discuss building two enrichment devices. One for their small primates and one for their African crested porcupines “Pancake and Pluto”. More to come soon!
Calusa was so happy!!
They all had so much fun! Humans and dolphins!
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.
Some photos and video of Don explaining the DESY to Linda and Nicki before it was used on the docks
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)
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 – 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
Animal Enrichment Systems 