Cheyenne setting off the environmental enrichment device (EED)

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!

Our current project – an Aviary EED for ZooTampa

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!

Beary Exciting EED Test #2 March 31, 2022 – using the taller “delivery tube”

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

“BEARY” exciting news!

We are going to design and build an environmental enrichment device (EED) for the Brevard Zoo’s Florida black bears!    

The Brevard Zoo is home to two-year old Brody and five-year old Cheyenne. Brody and Cheyenne will be able to choose when they want to interact with their EED.  This EED will feature a motion activated sensor that will turn on a blower that will scatter Zoo approved food and nuts into their habitat which will encourage their natural foraging behavior.

More to come soon!

Check out our animal page, “black bears”