Enrichment Ideas for Crocodilians

Crocodile Enrichment
 
 

 

 

 

Cango Wildlife Ranch in South Africa does cage diving with crocodiles.  I think this is interactive enrichment for the animals.   

There are not many resources for crocodile enrichment at this time.  The RATE conference has produced some enrichment ideas.  For ideas sign up for the list serve.

White Alligator Enrichment floating pumpkin. Palm Beach Zoo Trainer is Emily Holder
 
Caiman Enrichment floating pumpkin. Palm Beach Zoo Trainer is Emily Holder


Cuban Crocodile exhibits great leaping ability at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm


Juvenile Salt Water Crocodiles jumping for suspended chicken. 
One completely jumps out of the water VIDEO 11/27/06

Crocodile with a boomer ball on rope VIDEO 11/27/06

 Crocodiles jumping for chicken.  They are not getting the chicken easily VIDEO 11/27/06


Photo by Flavio Morrissiey

This Crocodile has dug a cave to change it's environment.  Sometimes the best enrichment is to allow the animals to change their own environment.  Often to keep then occupied the cave can be filled in.  With in a few days, the crocodile create a new cave.  This is a natural behavior that all sizes of crocodilians will do.



 
 

Croc Tips

Feed the crocodiles small pieces of food during feeding time.  This will stimulate exercise if you spread it around the enclosure.  Good for all sizes.
 
  If allowed by the animal you can scrub them down with a push broom.  You may want to start at the tail of the animal.  This is also a great way to desensitize the croc. 
  Tug of war with a boat buoy with large crocodilians can be an interactive enrichment.  Be sure to remove the stimulus at the peak of the enrichment activity.  You can use as a secondary reinforcer also. (good boy, ring bell, clicker, etc.)