{"id":86,"date":"2023-05-18T14:21:32","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T20:21:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:10029\/?page_id=86"},"modified":"2024-09-24T11:29:14","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T17:29:14","slug":"animal-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/animals\/animal-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Animal Care"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n<h3>Animal Wellbeing<\/h3>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Cincinnati Zoo is dedicated to the highest standards of animal wellbeing by implementing a holistic and evidence-based approach to enhancing the lives of animals in our care. Our Zoo\u2019s Animal Excellence Science team, animal care staff, and animal health team work together to collect this data and make changes that benefit our animals, including habitat upgrades.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<details class=\"simple-expander\" data-aos=\"fade-up\">\n        <summary>Expand for Details<\/summary><div><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Cincinnati Zoo &amp; Botanical Garden takes the approach of Animal Excellence in guiding its animal care and welfare program. This \u201ccontinuous pursuit of optimal animal welfare\u201d is achieved through the regular assessment and improvement of our animals\u2019 holistic experience. The<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Zoo\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> welfare assessment process and behavior monitoring give staff a sense of our animals\u2019 experience \u2013 or the outputs of animal welfare. Welfare assessments are customized by taxa, with key welfare indicators for each group of animals identified and defined by cross-departmental care staff and the Animal Excellence Scientist. Chosen indicators have been spread across the Five Domains of Animal Welfare, so that an animal\u2019s wellbeing is measured with a holistic approach. Ongoing behavior and space use research gives our animal care staff a sense of seasonal activity budgets and how they correspond to a species\u2019 natural history. The Zoo\u2019s Animal Excellence Science team also utilized camera, sound pressure level meters, and light meters to better understand an animal\u2019s fuller physical and sensory environment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><\/div><\/details>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/kal.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 768px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 768\/1024;max-height:512px;max-width:384px;\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"line-spacer\" style=\"padding-top:20px; padding-bottom:60px;\"><hr><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n<h3>Animal Health<\/h3>\r\n<p>The Cincinnati Zoo has three vets on staff as well as vet technicians and a nutritionist.<\/p>\r\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vet-Team_MarkDumont-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Back row (L to R): Mike Wenninger, Jenny Kroll, Barbara Henry, Jenny Nollman, Jessica Heinz Front row: Amy Long, Joy Cooper Janell Duvall\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/1686;\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[vc_column_text]Back row (L to R): Mike Wenninger, Jenny Kroll, Barbara Henry, Jenny Nollman, Jessica Heinz Front row: Amy Long, Joy Cooper Janell Duvall[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"line-spacer\" style=\"padding-top:20px; padding-bottom:60px;\"><hr><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does the Zoo take care of so many animals?<\/h3>\r\n<p>There is 7-day-a-week coverage at the Cincinnati Zoo Animal Hospital. Whoever is available and gets the call will treat that case. Some of the staff members prefer to work with some animals more than others, but everyone is well-rounded and experienced enough to know what is going on with every animal.<\/p>\r\n<p>Every case is unique. Situations are judged on a case by case basis and discussed heavily with the keepers to make the judgment call on who and what equipment to send. Of course, all of that planning can go completely out the window in an instant if an emergency arises. At the end of the day, the three vets review everything that happened during their shift.\u00a0 Conversations about difficult cases are held and they discuss plans for the upcoming schedule before they prepare for a new day.<\/p>\r\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Little-Blue-Penguin-CT.jpeg\" alt=\"\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1536px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1536\/2048;max-height:512px;max-width:384px;\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"line-spacer\" style=\"padding-top:20px; padding-bottom:60px;\"><hr><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the standard protocol to care for an animal?<\/h3>\r\n<p>Keepers contact the Animal Hospital and provide known information about the case.\u00a0 If the situation warrants, a vet will see the animal and assess how to go about treating them.<\/p>\r\n<p>In some cases, we can run routine tests (blood work, sonogram, etc.) fairly easily with the animal awake.\u00a0 However, some animals, such as lions and tigers, must be anesthetized in order to treat them.\u00a0 Thanks to our operant conditioning staff, anesthesia is no longer necessary for certain animals for routine procedures. Gorillas, orangutans, rhinos and even a polar bear have been trained to offer body parts for exams voluntarily!<\/p>\r\n<!-- \/wp:post-content -->\r\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->Every morning hospital staff meet to figure out what the day will be, what procedures are scheduled, which animals need post-procedural checks (rechecks) and to discuss the cases as a team. Then cases are assigned and they head out!<\/p>\r\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Alligator-endoscopy.jpeg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2048px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2048\/1536;\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"line-spacer\" style=\"padding-top:20px; padding-bottom:60px;\"><hr><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Operant Conditioning<\/h3>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How do we have tigers shift into another space? How do we trim a parrot\u2019s toenails? Or give medication to a Komodo dragon?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s a lot of work to take care of the hundreds of animals at the Cincinnati Zoo &amp; Botanical Garden, and it all starts with the day-to-day training by their animal care teams. Our animal care team utilize<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Operant Conditioning, primarily a technique called Positive Reinforcement, to shape behaviors that are important to their husbandry or health care. Positive Reinforcement works by reinforcing behaviors <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW207449612 BCX0\">we would like to see repeated<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW207449612 BCX0\">with something the animal likes.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW207449612 BCX0\"> Keeper staff<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW207449612 BCX0\"> also<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW207449612 BCX0\"> give cues and<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW207449612 BCX0\"> set up the environment to give the animal more information about what we are asking. Training with clear and consistent communication creates a common language between keepers and the animals in their care.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How do we start <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to teach<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a behavior? The very first thing keepers do is build trust with any animal. Every animal is an individual and can respond differently to each trainer or situation. It takes a lot of time, patience, and consistency to build high trust relationships with the animals in our care. We go at their pace and focus on making the training sessions rewarding for them. This could be with their favorite food, activity, scratches, or anything they find rewarding.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Training has evolved over time, and the benefits of building trust with the animals we work with are endless. This can lead to animals voluntarily participating in medical behaviors, public interactions, or demonstrating natural behavior. The next time you&#8217;re at the Zoo and you see a keeper training with an animal, think about how much time they put into building trust with that animal<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You could ask them how they built trust with that animal, or even learn what that animal&#8217;s favorite reinforcer is.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Operant-Conditioning-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/1987;\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block --><div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Operant-Conditioning-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/1585;\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"line-spacer\" style=\"padding-top:20px; padding-bottom:60px;\"><hr><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n<h3>Animal Enrichment<\/h3>\r\n<p>Enrichment is an important part of the daily care we provide for our animals. Enrichment is anything the zookeepers add to the animals\u2019 environments to stimulate their senses and elicit natural behaviors such as foraging, exploration, hunting, problem solving, and even play.\u00a0 Each species\u2019 individual needs are considered when designing enrichment activities.<\/p>\r\n<p>Our keepers use enrichment to keep animals healthy by encouraging physical activity and mental stimulation.\u00a0 Some of the ways our animals are enriched include environmental, social, training, environmental enrichment devices, sensory and novel food.<\/p>\r\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<details class=\"simple-expander\" data-aos=\"fade-up\">\n        <summary>Expand for Details<\/summary><div><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A primary goal of our Zoo\u2019s approach to Animal Excellence is providing enriching experiences throughout our animals\u2019 environments. Animal enrichment, also known as behavioral or environmental enrichment, provides species-appropriate challenges, opportunities, and stimulation to the animals in our care. This \u201cenrichment\u201d serves to promote natural behaviors, exercise, problem solving, etc.\u00a0 \u2013 working to keep our animals both physically and mentally healthy and happy. Since every species has different abilities, sensory modalities, and unique behaviors \u2013 and individuals have different preferences and motivations \u2013 we try to customize enrichment to the needs of each species and animal in our care.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An enriched environment promotes a range of behaviors like those animals would demonstrate in the wild. These behaviors would exercise species\u2019 unique adaptations, be rewarding to our animals, and even help animals adapt to various stimuli. For example, an enriched environment may promote opportunities for animals to climb to secure heights, dig a shelter, forage for food, or use a variety of motor skills. Both animal care staff and the Zoo\u2019s volunteer enrichment team work together to regularly change up elements in our habitats, modify where and how food is delivered, and provide new features to explore and investigate. For certain species, the social experience is very important; the Zoo team carefully considers social groupings and mixed species opportunities that may contribute to an enriched experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Cincinnati Zoo &amp; Botanical Garden is unique in that it has a full-functioning team of volunteers that help to create enrichment for our animals. From simple paper m\u00e2ch\u00e9 creations that predators can stalk and destroy, to naturalistic-looking shelters and feeders for small cats, primates, and lizards, the team of artisans, engineers, and craftspeople can do it all. Just this year, the team helped develop new shelters for our growing sloth family, vines for multiple aviaries and primate habitats, firehouse beds for cats, and new perching for our birds at the Wings of Wonder demonstration. The materials used in these projects are not cheap, as they need to be animal safe, as well as able to withstand various\u2019 animals\u2019 teeth and claws and various weather elements. Some specialty items are simply too complex to make ourselves, so we order from specific animal enrichment manufacturers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><\/div><\/details>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/51548857595_deb7449f35_b.jpg\" alt=\"meerkats playing\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/597;\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"line-spacer\" style=\"padding-top:20px; padding-bottom:60px;\"><hr><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Habitat Design<\/h3>\r\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\">Every habitat at the Cincinnati Zoo &amp; Botanical Garden is a carefully crafted and planned space, custom made for the animals that live in it. The design process can start a year or two before any construction is started on the project and involves staff from several teams across the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\">Z<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\">oo. Here at the Cincinnati Zoo, we are <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\">very fortunate<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\"> to have an experienced <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\">z<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\">oo architect on staff helping to lead these discussions and bring members of the animal care, facilities, and horticulture teams together to create a cohesive vision for <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW261704430 BCX0\">the space<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\">. From an animal wellbeing perspective, we spend considerable time researching the species\u2019 natural history, unique behaviors and adaptations, social dynamics, and locomotion patterns. We want all these elements to be reflected in the habitat\u2019s design, so that the animals can maximize the opportunities provided in their new home. We also integrate design elements that accommodate younger or geriatric animals and accommodate animal comfort throughout Cincinnati\u2019s various seasons. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\">The design team will also reference USDA and AZA guidelines, as well as other designed habitats at zoos and aquariums from around the world.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261704430 BCX0\"> All this effort is needed to make sure the animals are living their best lives here in Cincinnati.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW261704430 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/lion4-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"imani the lion looking at the camera\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/1707;\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"line-spacer\" style=\"padding-top:20px; padding-bottom:60px;\"><hr><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n<h3>How to be a Zookeeper<\/h3>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many people believe zookeeping is a job where you spend your day playing with adorable animals. While our animal care teams do get to spend their day working around<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">amazing animals, they are professionals that<\/span>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"auto\">work hard <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to make sure the animals in their care have the best lives possible. Zookeepers spend considerable time cleaning habitats, doing dishes, performing yard work, and doing anything else to keep their habitats in good condition and the animals safe, secure, and happy. Anyone wanting to be a zookeeper should be willing to work hard and sometimes get a little dirty.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first step to becoming a zookeeper is to have a passion for wildlife and wild places. If you are interested in becoming a zookeeper, start getting experience in animal care however you can, whether it&#8217;s volunteering at your local zoo or wildlife rehabilitation center or working at a veterinary clinic or pet groomer. Many of our zookeepers also have degrees in biology, zoo science, or ecology, and while not necessary, a college degree is a great way to grow your knowledge and understanding of animal biology and animal husbandry. Internships and volunteering are a great way to learn new skillsets and a fuller understanding of modern animal care practices. If you are interested in joining the team here at the Cincinnati Zoo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&amp; <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Botanical Garden you can find more information on our <a title=\"Job Opportunities\" href=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/about-us\/job-opportunities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Job Opportunities<\/a> page and our <a title=\"Volunteering\" href=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/support\/volunteer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Volunteering<\/a> page.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/51326653256_6f68b15182_b.jpg\" alt=\"keeper parrot and child access for all program\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text] Animal Wellbeing The Cincinnati Zoo is dedicated to the highest standards of animal wellbeing by implementing a holistic and evidence-based approach to enhancing the lives of animals in our care. Our Zoo\u2019s Animal Excellence Science team, animal care staff, and animal health team work together to collect this data and make changes that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":214450,"parent":18586,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/page-full-width.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-86","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Animal Care | Cincinnati Zoo<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn more about the animal care at the Cincinnati Zoo, including animal enrichment, health, and more. Contact us with any questions!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/animals\/animal-care\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Animal Care | Cincinnati Zoo\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn more about the animal care at the Cincinnati Zoo, including animal enrichment, health, and more. 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