ZAA Education Committee
Professional Animal Presentation Standards
These standards are designed to guide the presentation of all ZAA members and facility staff
working with tractable, trained and contact animals in venues both inside and outside of their
immediate holding areas.
These standards were developed with all applicable guidelines and requirements of the following
US law and US governmental agencies: USDA, Center for Disease Control, Food and Drug
Administration, Federal Fish & Game, Animal Welfare Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Additional restrictions and provisions may be required depending upon Local City, County or
State Law. It is incumbent upon each facility to know and abide by Local City, County and State
Law.
Section I.
ANIMALS In addition to these minimum standards, facilities will have more
specific procedures for individual animals and individual staff.
1.1 General Health
Each facilities primary written strategy for protecting the health of the animals in their
collection and for protecting staff while also observing guidelines set forth by USDA's
Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
a. Health Status: Animals exhibiting signs of stress or illness will not be used for
presentations.
b. Injury: Animals displaying obvious signs of injury or disfigurement will not
be used for presentations unless cleared by Veterinary Services. If the injury is
obvious, it should not be portrayed in such a way as to reflect negatively on the
species, or the care of the animal or the facility.
c. Food:
i. For the safety of the animals, they should not be allowed to eat or drink
anything that is not part of their regular diet. Animals on the ground
should be watched and monitored to insure that they do not ingest nonapproved vegetation, refuse, etc.
ii. Animals maintained on the training technique using the food drive will
be given opportunities to work for their daily food allowance or they will
be given the food ration free from working/training.
iii. Feeding of animals, by guests, to demonstrate species-specific
behavior, (such as giraffe feeding) is at the discretion of the facility after
considering risk(s) to the guest(s), the animal’s overall health, and diet
plan.
e. Circumstances for Quarantine: Include exposure to non-facility animals,
travel out of state, and injury or illness on return; other circumstances as
determined appropriate by facilities regular veterinarian.
1.2 Behavior - General:
Education Committee encourages training programs be based on positive reinforcement.
a. Identifying Stress: Animal handlers must be able to identify signs of physical
and behavioral stress caused by environmental factors including: heat, hot
pavement, excessive handling, noise, etc.
b. Aggressiveness: If aggressive behavior must be punished during a public
presentation, it must be done quickly, tastefully, and in a humane, professional
and reasonable fashion and must be explained to the public immediately
following the punishment. (Important Note: The word “punishment” or
“punisher”, as used in this document, refers to a specific and universally accepted
psychological term as described and defined in the published scientific literature).
c. Positive (+) and Negative (-) Punishment: Are very specialized tools reserved
for free-contact training settings and are appropriate only where a serious
consequence to trained animal handler or guests is likely unless behavioral control
is restored. Other than using a “time out”, as a general rule, the Education
Committee discourages the use of punishers, because punishers can damage the
relationship between handler and animal.
In those rare instances where it may be appropriate to use a punisher, (+) or (-)
punishment must be administered immediately and limited to the minimum level
necessary to accomplish the trained animal handler’s objective of bringing the
animal under behavioral control.
1.3 Control
a. Visual: Animals must be in view of animal handlers at all times. Animal crates
should never be left in an area that has not been secured by animal handler staff.
b. Positive Reinforcement: The goal should be to seeking opportunities to
reinforce with a reward, the animal’s attitude, overall posture, attention and
compliance.
c. Negative Reinforcement: This term refers to a specific behavioral concept,
where the animal, through its reaction and behavior, terminates an aversive
stimulus. The tool should rarely be used in behavior management programs.
When it is used, the aversive stimuli are very mild and are used in conjunction
with positive reinforcement. Negative reinforcement can be a useful and effective
tool. However, if misused, this tool also has the potential to damage the handler’s
relationship with the animal. Positive reinforcement should be the tool of choice
with animals in behavior modification programs.
d. Redirection: When an animal visually fixates on movement or an object, the
animal handler should gently redirect the animal’s attention back to them.
e. Animal Restraint:
i. The trained animal handler with responsibility for controlling the animal
will hold the animal’s leash. Normally, control will not be relinquished to
anyone (control by a trainer must never be given up) except in certain
established photo opportunity or presentation routines, and then at the
trained animal handler's best judgment.
At the trained animal handler’s discretion, a second leash may be used for
the purposes of a photo, with the primary leash and animal under the
control of the trained animal handler responsible.
ii. When working with cheetahs, a second leash, controlled by a
designated and qualified trained animal handler is required by the USDA.
iii. Jesses: In most cases, flight-trained birds of prey must be equipped
with proper falconry jesses for that particular species. Jesses should be in
good condition and maintained by trained animal handler. Unless
performing a free flight demonstration, making routine movements within
the compound, or performing a training session, jesses must be securely
and safely fastened to the handler.
vi. Shields, cages, etc. are used to help deflect or further control animals in
these situations.
1.4 Training –Records for each trained animal handler's (paid staff or volunteer) training should
be maintained.
a. Purpose:
i. Animal training must ensure animal health and safety, as well as staff
and public safety.
ii. Training must be consistent for animals and staff, and the process of
training should involve learning the natural history of the species,
contemporary husbandry practices employed by the facility for the
species as well as individual traits of an a particular animal.
iii. These standards are meant as general guidelines; trained animal
handlers are responsible for establishing and following training
requirements related to each individual animal.
iv. Animals should only be handled when trained animals handlers are
logged on the time clock.
b. Records: Legible training records must provide a permanent record of each of
the animal’s trained behaviors to insure consistency between trained animal
handler and should include: health issues; prescribed treatments; medications;
behavioral problems; types and numbers of sessions (i.e. training, presentation);
time of day; progress made; problems encountered; behavioral rating of the
animal's responsiveness; changes to the animal's environment; and the trained
animal handler's initials. Trouble areas and health concerns must be highlighted. It
is the trained animal handler responsibility to have read all training records for the
animal prior to beginning each training session.
c. Crating:
i. When possible, animals should be trained to enter and exit crate on cue.
At no time should the public observe an animal struggling while it’s being
placed into or removed from the crate.
ii. All travel crates should be secured to prevent shifting and injury during
transport.
iii. Animals should not be contained in crates for any longer than is
absolutely necessary, should not be kept in direct sunlight, cold, or noisy
areas and should always have an attendant; Animal Welfare Act (AWA)
guidelines must be observed at all times.
iv. Crates should be cleaned and disinfected daily, or more as needed.
1.5 Animal/Handler Interactions
a. Image: The handler must be aware that their every action with an animal is
being closely watched or photographed. In this age of instant communications,
for people working in public venues, the rule of thumb has become, “Don’t do
anything that you wouldn’t want posted on a social media site.”
b. Animal names: Facilities should consider and adopt a facility wide policy as
to whether trained animal handlers and other staff utilize the animal's house name,
a "stage name" or species name during tours and interpretation so that the facility
message is delivered consistently by all staff members. The handler should
balance the use of the animal’s house name with its species name emphasizing the
fact that the animal acts as an ambassador of not only that species but of the entire
animal kingdom.
1.6 Non-facility Animals
Contact: Facility animals must not be allowed within close proximity to nonfacility animals (service animals, etc). General rule of thumb is to maintain a
separation of a minimum distance of 20 feet between animals.
1.7 Guidelines for Acquisition
Facility should have a long-range plan for animal presentations which includes
goals for animal acquisition based on: 1) projected program development; 2) new
exhibit promotions; 3) Experience of the current animal handling staff.
a. Other Requirements: In addition to meeting the program goals, the following
factors are taken into consideration: tractability, trainability, range of use,
available and acceptable housing for the species, disposition plan, research
potential, adaptability to themes, endangered species, high profile, high
maintenance, and the potential of involvement in a breeding program, when
appropriate.
b. High Risk: The following animals are considered high risk animals: Including
Class I animals as defined by ZAA Standards, large cats over 80 pounds, and
venomous reptiles. High risk species with the potential of high risk of injury that
are used for presentations will be evaluated on a regular basis and continually
monitored for tractability, disposition and to determine the appropriate number of
trained animal handler necessary for handling.
1.8 Categories of Animal Risk for Animals Working in a Free-Contact Training
Environment
Animals will be categorized according to: labor intensity, degree of difficulty in
handling; “wow” factor, transportability, status, individual personalities and at the facility
manager’s discretion based on their familiarity with a particular animal. Animals
presented in the following groups are listed as examples only:
LEVEL A: Includes small sized Class III animals as defined by Standards.
Trained animals (capable of inflicting small bites and scratches) that present a low risk to
their trainers. Examples include but are not limited to: HEDGEHOG, SMALL SNAKE
(less than 3ft.), FERRET, BEARDED DRAGON, SMALL FALCON, RABBIT,
GOATS, MINI-HORSE, AMAZON PARROT, GREY PARROT, KOOKABURRA,
PRAIRIE DOG, SPRINGHAAS, TORTOISE, SMALL OWL, ECHIDNA,
CHINCHILLA, ARMADILLO, SUGAR GLIDER, TENREC, GUINEA PIG, AGOUTI,
TOUCAN, KEA, INVERTEBRATES.
LEVEL B: Includes medium sized Class III animals as defined by Standards.
Trained animals (capable of inflicting moderate injury) that present moderate risk to their
trainers Examples include but are not limited to: MACAW, ROCK HYRAX, FOX,
KINKAJOU, SKUNK, AARDVARK, PORCUPINE, WALLABY, MEDIUM SNAKE
(3 to 7ft.), OPOSSUM, TAMANDUA, MEERKAT, HORNBILL, ALLIGATOR (6
inches to 4 ft.).,MEDIUM SIZED RAPTORS.
LEVEL C: Includes medium sized Class III and some Class II animals as defined
by Standards. Trained animals (capable of inflicting serious injury) that present
moderate risk to their trainers Examples include but are not limited to: SMALL
PRIMATE (Including lemurs),RIVER OTTER, CALIFORNIA SEA LION, LARGE
SIZE RAPTORS, LARGE HOOFSTOCK, PIG, LARGE SNAKES (7 to 10 ft.),
COATIMUNDI, CARACAL, SERVAL, OCELOT, TREE KANGAROO,
BINTURONG, RACCOON, KOALA, ALLIGATOR (4 ft or longer), BURRO,
MUSTANG, ZEBRA, CAMEL.
LEVEL D: Includes some Class II and Class I animals as defined by Standards.
Trained animals (capable of inflicting a lethal injury) that present the highest level of risk
to their trainers Examples include but are not limited to: APE, BEAR, CHEETAH,
TIGER, LION, WOLF, ELEPHANT, LARGE SNAKE (80lbs or greater), HYENA.
1.9 Equipment
Supplies to be carried (on site): The following should be carried for special events:
leashes, harnesses, restraints, water containers, water, towels, food treats from regular
diet (when appropriate), clickers, radio, hand sanitizer; (off site): copies of all permits,
restraint equipment, bungee cords, cell phone and an emergency kit that includes all
safety measures not already included in the list above.
1.10 Trainer Backup
a. During the training of new handlers for animals of all levels, a trained backup
or supervisor should be present in the work area during all free contact training
sessions until the new handler is cleared to work that animal alone.
b. Two trained animal handler members must be present in the work area when
working in free contact with Level “D” animals and may be needed, especially
during training of new handlers when working in free contact with some Level
“C” animals
c. The trained backup animal handler member must be wearing a radio when ongrounds and a cell phone when off site.
d. At least one extra leash/restraint and collar/harness will be in the immediate
working area.
Section II.
STAFF
2.1 Eligibility
a. Trained animal handlers, should display proficient animal handling skills,
having been trained and evaluated by appropriately trained supervisors, or
managerial animal care staff. They should be outgoing, personable, patient, able
to speak in front of large groups, able to present animals on-camera, able to
exhibit presence and professionalism at all times, able to remain calm under stress
and must be able to work in a team environment. Preference should be given to
animal handlers with public speaking as well as acceptable animal handling skills.
2.2 Staff Required
a. Off-grounds: A single trained animal handler may travel off grounds with
category “A” & “B” animals, provided a cell phone is available and the animals
are never left unattended.
b. Two-person Animals: Class I animals as defined by Standards, or
Animal Welfare Act (AWA) require that two trained animal handlers, a primary
and a trained back up.
2.3 Staff Training
a. Training: All staff with responsibility for handling animal ambassadors will be
trained by a supervisor (or their designee).
b. Decisions to Train with Additional New Animals: Determined by supervisor
based on organizational needs, the employee’s past performance, the employee’s
animal handling skills, the frequency of handling and the time available for the
required training.
c. Training Responsibility
i. Trained animal handler should be knowledgeable about principles of
operant conditioning and general theories of animal behavior and animal
learning.
2.4 Animal Training and Consistency
a. Animal Handling: Time should be spent behind-the-scenes, focused on the
animal, becoming familiar with its behavior. Time should be allowed for reading
prepared information provided about the animal. Time required for training and
“maintaining” an animal is determined by the Supervisor on the individual animal
and any applicable Animal Welfare Act (AWA) restrictions.
b. Animal Handling with the Public: When appropriate, handling sessions will
include contact with the public on-grounds, within the compound area, and in
other designated areas within the facility. Whenever guest contact with an animal
has been made, hand sanitizer must be provided to the guest with instructions on
its use.
Contact with an animal should be avoided in immediate area of where people
have food in hand that they are consuming. The Center for Disease Control is also
concerned about people coming into contact with surface areas that animals have
used. This type of contact should be avoided whenever possible, or the risk
should be appropriately mitigated using approved infection control methods.
c. Animal Handling Frequency: Trained animal handler must maintain
reasonable frequency when handling an animal in order to maintain proficiency.
Handlers not working with an animal that they have previously been trained on
for a period of longer than one month (dependant on protocols for specific
animals) will need to work with supervisor or designated person on retraining/review.
2.5 Program and Presentation Skills
a. Training for handlers/presenters: Suggestions in relating presentations to the
facilities Key Messages, mission and collection, status and developments of the
species in its native habitat.
2.6 Responsibilities
a. Safety
i. When working with an animal the trained animal handler is responsible
for ensuring the safety of the public and other staff, and will have the final
discretion on all safety matters related to approved presentations.
ii. Handlers are responsible for determining the animal’s status of health
and its wellbeing.
iii. All handlers should be trained in the safe procedures for capturing and
restraining the individual animals under their care, including demonstrated
proficiency in the use of capture and restraint equipment.
b. Identifying Animals: The trained animal handler working an event is
authorized by the appropriate supervisors to use any of the animals approved for
public contact.
c. Media: ZAA facilities shall not make statements or give interviews of any
kind relative to the ZAA or any of its operations or activities to the media. ZAA
has appointed a Public Information Officer (PIO). Nor should a trained animal
handler speak on behalf of the facility unless they are the designated PIO for that
facility.
2.7 Reporting Injuries:
a. Facilities should have a policy in place that requires that employees report
when they have been injured on the job. For all trained animal handlers,
whenever an injury occurs that results in any break of the skin, the injury
should be reported and documented before that employee’s shift ends.
2.8 Appearance
a. Uniform: All staff involved in presentations should be required to wear a
designated uniform complete with appropriate undergarments and belt.
b. Professionalism: All staff involved in public presentation should observe
exceptional personal grooming and oral hygiene.
Section III.
TRANSPORTATION
3.1 General Media Access: Media access to animal ambassadors during transport should
be prohibited.
3.2 Vehicle
a. Maintenance/Safety: All transport vehicles should be regularly maintained
and serviced. However, it should be an animal handler's responsibility, prior to
leaving facility grounds to ensure that the vehicle has sufficient gas, the
temperature control systems are operating, all windows and doors unlock, open,
close and lock, and tire are inflated properly. A vehicle check-out list is strongly
recommended.
b. Vehicle Care: Animals carried inside vehicles should always be crated unless
permanent caging has been installed in the vehicle to safely and adequately
enclose and contain animal away from other vehicle occupants.
c. Personal Vehicles: In general, personal vehicles should not be used.
Exceptions to this may be made at the discretion of the Facility Director or their
designee.
d. Emergency Kit: The following equipment should be carried in an animal
transport vehicle at all times: emergency kit, cell phone, flashlight, flares,
accident forms for vehicle-related incidents, permits, extra bungees and ratchet
straps (for securing cargo) accident forms for animal-related incidents, emergency
contact numbers and fire extinguisher.
i. A kit should be permanently located in the Zoo & Park Education and
PR Department’s vans.
ii. Animal handlers are responsible for ensuring that kits in all facility
vehicles are present and materials in the kits are in date when checking out
the vehicle.
f. Accident/Emergency: In case of an accident with a facility vehicle, the trained
animal handler staff must first take care of medical emergencies. The name and
phone number(s) of other drivers involved and their insurance companies must
also be obtained. In case of a serious accident a police report should be filed and
the POI for the home facility should be contacted and then the immediate
supervisor should be notified.
g. Crates: Positioning/Securing: Crates should always be positioned and secured
in the vehicle to prevent movement and injury.
3.3 Air Transportation Observe all guidelines and regulations for International Air
Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations as well as USDA AWA, and
CITES transportation guidelines).
a. Acceptable Airlines: Whenever possible the facility will utilize airlines,
which are members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and
follow carriage guidelines as established by the IATA Live Animal Regulations
and AWA. Exceptions to the airlines used (not the IATA regulations) to be
approved by facility's management.
b. Crating: Facility staff will follow and meet guidelines established by IATA
Live Animal Regulations and AWA when preparing animals for shipment by air.
3.4 Animal Exposure
a. Co-mingling: Trained animal handlers with their animals from one facility
should not co-mingle with trained animal handlers with their animals from
another facility. Animals and their trainers may be stationed in the same general
proximity, but standard separation between crates, carriers and animals
themselves should be maintained at all times (20 feet).
b. Hand Sanitizers: Trained animal handlers should reduce exposure to
pathogens between people and animals in public contact settings and in settings
where food and drinks are being served. Hand sanitizers like Purell or their
equivalent, should always be immediately available in settings where public
contact may occur. Trainers and handlers will model appropriate, common sense
practices regarding personal hygiene and will make hand sanitizer products
available to guests in all public contact settings. All guests touching animals
should sanitize their hands after contact with an animal.
Section IV.
ON-GROUNDS EVENTS
4.1 Set-up
a. Crowd Control/Security: Access to and around a presentation area itself
should be protected from the general public using stanchions or barriers, as
necessary.
b. Access/Parking: For events held off-site a designated parking area close to the
presentation site should be identified and requested.
4.2 Safety
a. Radios: During on-site events, a radio should be worn by one trained animal
handler during all on-grounds events, and may be turned down only during the
actual animal presentation.
b. Supervising Animals: Trained animal handler are responsible for supervising
crated animals. Trained animal handler should not leave animals unattended or
under the supervision of a non-trained employee or member of the public unless
the animals are located in a secured area.
c. Animal Observers: Non-handlers (interns & volunteers) may be trained and
utilized as back up observers to accompany trained animal handler and supervise
crated animals. Responsibilities may include: keeping the public away from
crated animals, contacting handlers should an animal exhibit signs of stress,
carrying equipment, handing equipment to handlers. At no time may non-handlers
handle animals.
d. Unsafe Situations: It is the responsibility of a trained animal handler to
determine if conditions are unsafe and to then return animals to their home.
Section V. VISITING PRIVATE HOMES & OTHER OFF-GROUNDS
EVENTS - SAME SET UP AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AS LISTED
ABOVE, PLUS THE FOLLOWING
5.1 Visits to private homes: Some facilities may book programs off site, in private
homes. A phone conversation with the home’s owner must take place to discuss the
venue and facility requirements and determine whether or not animals live on property.
If animals are housed at the location, plans should be in place to secure those animals
prior to the visit.
5.2 Site Requirements for hotel conventions, sporting venues, trade shows, etc.
Off-Grounds Checklist: All requirements as listed below for all off-grounds venues
should be addressed with the client prior to the event:
a. If Not Set Up: If the venue is not set up as agreed, trained animal handlers
should not continue with the presentation if they determine that the public, staff
and/or animals are in an unsafe and/or unhealthy situation.
b. Distractions: Prior to unloading animals, the event area is to be scouted by
facility's trained animal handlers for excessive noise, music, entertainment,
balloons, mirrors, potential of sudden loud noises, bright colors/decorations. All
efforts will be made to be aware of the layout of the stage, buildings, parking lots,
etc. prior to any presentation.
c. Access/Loading and Unloading: Designated loading/unloading areas in
convenient proximity to event location entry and exit must be safe for both
animals and trained animal handlers.
d. Parking: Parking at the event should be in a designated space with direct
access to event space.
e. Confirmation: An event should not be confirmed until the client and site
operations representative have agreed to all requirements for presenting animals
off-grounds.
5.3 Possible additional requirements
a. Equipment needed: Address whether sound equipment tables or other
equipment is needed prior to confirmation.
b. Introduction: A standard introduction should be provided to venue identifying
the facility; adequate time should be made available during the appearance to
convey the facility's conservation mission and natural history of the animal(s).
c. Conservation message: There should be a definite tie to the facility's
conservation mission and opportunity to convey the mission and natural history
information of the animal(s).
5.4 Outdoor Venue: Requirements in addition to 5.1: Weather considerations may
require addition of fans, heating units, wind blocks, over-head shelter, etc.
a. The animal’s safety and welfare must be assured.
b. The public safety must be assured.
c. The trained animal handler's safety must be assured.
d. The facility’s responsibilities for compliance with federal, state and local
regulations, as well as specific permit and agreement requirements must be met.
e. The use of an animal must take into account the legal and insurance
responsibilities of the facility.
Section VI.
PUBLIC CONTACT
6.1 Public Touching/Handling Animals:
a. Appropriate Circumstances: There are individual animals that may be
designated as appropriate for touching by the public; the trained animal handler is
responsible for determining the animal’s level of comfort when being touched,
and must retire the animal if at any time it exhibits behaviors (for the species and
individual) that are associated with stress. The Center for Disease Control (CDC)
is concerned about both direct and indirect contact with animals. For example: If
a member of the public touched an animal when food was present. After contact,
the individual fails to wash their hands, eats a hot dog and inadvertently becomes
sick that is considered direct contact. An example of indirect contact is when the
public comes into contact with a surface area that may also have been used by
animals. Trainers must be alert to this possible vector for disease transmission.
Trained animal handler's should not permit animal contact when food intended for
human consumption is present at a presentation area. Dander from feathers and
fur can be aerosolized creating the opportunity for disease transmission. For this
reason, when food is present at the animal presentation, trainers should observe a
5 foot set-back from stanchions.
b. Procedure: In most cases of public touching, the animals will be presented
with the back facing the public and the handler protecting the head.
c. Control: Handlers must always be in control of the animal and training
situation. At no time is a member of the public allowed to be in control of an
animal or training situation. An example would be a guest holding an animal’s
leash.
d. Feeding: At the trained animal handler’s discretion, guests may be allowed to
feed an animal an approved food item as noted in the individual animal’s protocol
and as used to demonstrate a natural behavior.
e. Message: In circumstances where the animal may not be touched by the public,
handlers are encouraged to explain why this is the case. i.e. "this species does not
preen one another, so it is not natural to them, they do not understand the intent"
or "Stranger Danger".
f. Hand Washing: Trained animal handler will be responsible for providing an
anti-bacterial hand gel or hand wipes to all persons touching animals.
6.2 Photo Opportunities
It is at the discretion of the trained animal handler, whether or not photos will take place.
Any number of factors can influence the trained animal handler decision including, but
not limited to; the animal’s behavior, the guest’s behavior, the number of guests and
other environmental conditions. Public safety must always prevail.
Large Cats: The USDA requires that two leashes and two handlers be used with
cheetahs. Both leashes used with a cheetah must be controlled by a designated, qualified
and trained animal handler. Prior to a photo set up, the cat must be under behavioral
control and calm. The guest is ushered to the cat from the side and back. The back-up
trained animal handler is responsible for clearly describing the expectations to the guest.
A trainer must stand between cheetah and guest and they are not allowed to pet the
cheetah. Recommended age limit of participants, no younger than 10 years old.
Section VII.
MEDIA APPEARANCES
a. Approved Staff Media interviews and appearances are at the discretion of the
Facility's Director or their designee. The facility should have a designated Public
Information Officer (PIO) that has received previous media training. The facilities
PIO should avoid the use of industry jargon such as "knockdown" instead using
anesthesia. Terms such as cage should be eliminated, instead refer to the animal's
exhibit, enclosure, habitat or home. PIO should be adept at highlighting positives
and key messages. PIO's should not speak on behalf of , rather refer to PIO.
b. Changes: Any changes to the agreed upon interview/presentation/appearance
will be discussed (prior to the event, when possible) with the trained animal
handler and back-up. Trained animal handler retains final approval on all changes.
c. Unsafe Situations: It is the responsibility of the trained animal handler to
determine, for any reason, if conditions are unsafe.
d. Crisis: It is the duty of the trained animal handler back-up to intervene during
the presentation in the event of a crisis situation or should sudden changes in the
tenor of the presentation threaten any of the policies or standards of the accredited
facility, its reputation or the well being of its staff.
e. Trained Animal Handler Stress: It is the responsibility of the trained animal
handler back-up to monitor trained animal handler members for signs of stress or
discomfort and to make adjustments to the environment in order to alleviate the
stressor.
f. Maintaining Image: It is the role of the PIO to maintain the image of the
facility, and protect professionalism of the animal care staff.
7.3 Animal Hand-Offs
a. To other facility trained animal handler: Trained animal handler will decide
the most appropriate sequence and process for presenting and re-crating animals
and inform media of that decision and plan.
b. Image: Animal appearances may include trained animal handler in camera
shots. Animal staff will be dressed appropriately in a media appropriate uniform.
7.4 Dignity/Respect
a. Dignity: Animals must not be demeaned in any presentation. The use of
language and animal handling techniques will not demean or otherwise imply a
lack of respect for the animals involved in the appearance.
b. Naturalistic Behaviors: Every attempt should be made to exhibit the animal’s
natural behaviors and characteristics.
c. Staff Treatment: Animals and employees of the trained animal handler will be
treated with respect throughout their visit and during their appearance by the
media. Trained animal handlers will at no time be subjected to, nor will they
subject others to a hostile environment, language or behavior, which is demeaning
or abusive or shows facility in a negative light.
7.5 Waiting Area
a. Conditions: Animals and trained animal handler will be given a separate, quiet,
temperature controlled, enclosed space away from the presentation area to wait
for the appearance.
7.6 Presentation Area
a. Scouting: Trained animal handler and animals (as required) should be allowed
access to the appearance area, once the stage has been set, to familiarize
themselves with the area and finalize any last minute details.
b. Host: Host should meet with the animal presenters and animals shortly before
an appearance to make sure they no what to expect.