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.
This is a photo of the main control card that will become the brains of the EED (environmental enrichment device). Once completed, this will control the shower, feeder, fan and music features. The aviary cart will now be called “Critter Cart”. This is being built for ZooTampa and can be wheeled throughout the zoo.
We stopped by for a visit today and watched a curious Brody Bear walk over to the motion sensor. The enrichment device scattered plain Cheerios into the habitat. Brody went right over to forage for today’s fun treat.
This video is from delivery day April 19. There was a zookeeper with us at all times.
We have visited the Brevard Zoo many times since EED delivery. Zookeepers and volunteers have told us that both Brody and Cheyenne are learning how to enjoy and use the EED. We visited on Memorial Day and saw Brody set off the motion sensor which turned on the blower to scatter plain popcorn in the habitat. We were happy to see Brody forage for the popcorn!
Brody and Cheyenne were interested! The EED is located to the right of the large viewing window at the bear habitat. Guests and volunteers can watch the bears walk past the motion sensor and hear the blower turn on to scatter seeds and nuts.
This environmental enrichment device (EED) will consist of a metal cart that can be moved about ZooTampa to showcase their animal ambassador birds.
There will be perches for the birds made from pvc and then covered with a type of epoxy used in animal habitats. The perches will resemble branches. The birds will be able to activate recessed buttons to choose a water spray, sound/music, breeze from a small fan or a food dispenser. Don learned to weld just so he could build the cart!
To find out more, click on Brevard Zoo’s blog link
Brody and Cheyenne
Since the bear habitat perimeter fencing is tall, we had to design a way to get the food dispensed over the fence. This tube can extend up to 12 feet. The blower is housed in a sound suppression compartment.
This EED will be located at the Brevard Zoo’s Black Bear Habitat. This EED will have a freestanding motion sensor outside the habitat’s perimeter fencing. When the bears walk near and activate the sensor, the food/snacks will be blown into their habitat. This will encourage natural foraging behavior
Animal Enrichment Systems 