Behavioral Problem Solving

It’s inevitable that problems, challenges, and unwanted situations will occur when animals are in captivity. These perceived ‘problems’ may not be a problem at all if animals are behaving consistent with their behavioral biology and natural history, yet even so there may be situations that give us concern for animal or human safety, potential enclosure integrity compromise, or conditions leading to diminished welfare – any of these situations might be represented as the ‘problem’.  Deepening our understanding of what animals need to thrive and feel safe, must include a process by which we can evaluate and resolve any presenting concern or problem – thus enabling any facility to better protect and promote animal welfare and human safety while achieving its mission.

This Problem Solving Process was originally developed by Active Environments, Inc. and has been used, taught and adapted by Wild Welfare staff who for decades have worked alongside Active Environments. To learn more about the process, see and read the book Animal Training, Enrichment and Problem Solving, written by Wild Welfare US’ Executive Director, Margaret Whittaker, her long-time colleagues Gail Laule (Active Environments) and Valerie Hare (Shape of Enrichment).