Modern zoos use positive reinforcement training (operant conditioning) to facilitate voluntary veterinary care. Rather than darting or anesthetizing a 5,000-pound elephant or a silverback gorilla for a routine check-up, keepers and veterinarians train the animals to cooperate.
The ultimate synthesis of these fields is the Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists). These are veterinarians who complete a residency in psychiatry. They are the only professionals legally allowed to:
For decades, veterinary medicine focused almost exclusively on the physical health of animals—vaccinations, surgeries, and the eradication of parasites. However, as our understanding of the animal kingdom has evolved, so too has the realization that mental and physical health are inextricably linked. Today, the intersection of represents one of the most dynamic and essential fields in modern animal care. The Evolution of Clinical Ethology
Gone are the days when a vet only asked, "Is he eating?" Modern veterinary intake forms include behavioral screening. Questions now routinely include: