We are working with Dr. Darby Proctor & Dr. Kate Talbot, professors in the School of Psychology at Florida Tech, and software engineer Jayden Cammarata to develop a first-in-kind, low-cost, computerized testing apparatus for the spider monkeys at Brevard Zoo. The apparatus will allow the spider monkeys to play cognitive “games” using a touchscreen and receive small treats for correct choices. Scientists can evaluate how the monkeys perform on these games to learn more about how they think and make decisions. Cognitive and behavioral testing provides monkeys with mental stimulation and is considered a form of enrichment since it occupies their time and helps monkeys stay engaged with their environment.

We visited Brevard Zoo on Saturday to celebrate their bear birthday bash! All three of their Florida black bears are estimated to have been born around this time of the year. Beautiful Cheyenne was napping. Baby Betty Bear and Brody were playing and enjoying all their snack filled enrichment.

Here’s a quick video that our friend Terri made. She did a great job describing the features of the “critter cart” we are designing and building for Zoo Tampa. Thank you Terri!

Here’s a photo that shows some of the main perch uprights in place.

This fan will be integrated into one of the perches. The birds can choose to turn it on by pressing the fan action button

You can also help by choosing Animal Enrichment Systems (Melbourne, FL) the next time you shop through Amazon Smiles. This is no cost to you and Amazon Smiles donates a portion of the sales to our not for profit.

AmazonSmile: You shop. Amazon gives.

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop with AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.

What is the AmazonSmile Charity Lists program?

AmazonSmile Charity Lists is a meaningful and easy way for you to shop and donate items directly to charities in need. Simply find the charities you’d like to support, add items from their lists to your cart, and check out – it’s that easy. To learn more, visit smile.amazon.com/charitylists or tap Charity Lists on the “Programs & Features” menu in the Amazon Shopping app on your mobile phone.

When you are all set to shop and each time you shop go to www.smileamazon.com and it will remember your account and make that your home page. Your screen should look like this: