My recent trip to the Houston Zoo was quite fascinating. Because it was a cloudy day and rain was predicted, there were very few people walking around. We were fortunate to chat with one of the big cat trainers as he was giving one of the lionesses her morning ‘treats’. Jonathan, the male lion, was lazily looking our way, not wanting to be disturbed from his morning lounging, not even for his ‘treats’.
Our discussion led to breeding these beautiful animals. Because of the national breeding organization, not all zoo animals are eligible for breeding. Jonathan and his two ‘companions’ were all bred from non-approved breeders (primarily from the exotic animal trade), and as such are discouraged from breeding. To prevent any unexpected surprises, they give these cats birth control.
Giving these animals shots, pills or even checking teeth can be dangerous. They are all trained, with a lot of treats, to make it easier on the handlers. For a shot (or a daily pseudo-shot) they are told “hip!” in which they put their hip up against the cage so they can get the shot. Of course, they are rewarded with treats. The trainers do the same with ‘paw’ – to check the pads of the animals’ feet.
The trainer emphasized that the animals are given a lot of positive praise and rewarded handsomely with treats. This is a great experience for all involved and lessens the stress on everyone involved.
You may be thinking “my employees/direct reports/team members are not animals!” True, yet they will respond with positive praise and ‘treats’ — depending on how they are motivated of course. The ‘treat’ could be a $5-$25 gift card, a handwritten note, an appropriately worded email, or a cup of coffee and some of your time.
Remember: you reinforce the behaviors of those around you — are you reinforcing the behaviors you want to see more of, or are you not rewarding any behaviors? If it’s the latter, you will get what they feel is an appropriate response to your neutrality.
