How do I conduct a search?

There are a number of different ways to search for enrichment ideas. You can search by animal, material (i.e., all pvc items), aesthetics (naturalistic or artificial in appearance), or by cost. To conduct a more specific search select an animal combined with any or all of the criteria specified.

To search by animal: Start your search by selecting the appropriate category of animals ( i.e., mammals) from the pull-down menu. Once you have highlighted a general group from the menu, continue to use the pull-down menus that appear until you have selected down to the appropriate level for the desired search. You do not have to specify the category all the way to the lowest level and can search from any of the levels at any time.

Use the rabbit and wolf icons next to your selection to either redirect from any level (rabbit icon) or to display the results of your search (wolf icon).

To search using criteria: Start your search by selecting criteria (cost or appearance) from the pull-down menu. Again, use the wolf and rabbit icons to redirect your search or list your search results at any time during the search.

To search using keyword: Start your search by typing in a keyword and hitting the flamingo icon. Use the wolf and rabbit icons to redirect your search or list your search results at any time.

What happens if my search reveals 0 records? How can I get a larger number of records from a search?

If your search yields zero records, it is possible there have been no submissions for that specific animal. Try your search again using either a closely related animal or try the search at a higher category level.

For example, if you searched for enrichment ideas for an African hunting dog and no records resulted, try searching for enrichment ideas for all carnivores or dogs / wolves / jackals / foxes to obtain a larger number of records.

How were the animal categories developed?

The animal categories are based on the taxonomic structure of the ARKS 4.0 Module of ISIS / Collection Management System (2000). Some modifications were made to this format to facilitate the development of the search function.

SUBMISSIONS?

How do I contribute enrichment ideas?

To contribute enrichment ideas, you must first register with the system. Click on the link " Your Account" and scroll to the section of the page which reads "I would like to create a new account" and follow the instructions.

Once you are registered you can click on "Your Account," log in and click on the hot link "Create enrichment items."

If you are already registered, click on the "Your Account" link, log in and click on the "Create enrichment items" link and follow the instructions.

Can I add a health or safety concern to an established record?

Please send all health and safety concerns to enrichmentonline-feedback@fortworthzoo.org and include the idea title and specific information or experiences with the enrichment item. It should be noted that any information submitted to the site is subject to review by the editors. Therefore, not all information will be added to the site. You can also contribute information by clicking on the "Add a new comment" link at the bottom an enrichment item record.

I submitted an idea and it was never posted. What happened?

Each submission made to this site (including all reviews and ideas) will be reviewed by the Enrichment Online editors. The editors of the site reserve the right to reject any submitted material. We often receive duplicate items that are very similar to ideas already present in the database. Other ideas may require further consideration due to safety or health concerns for the animals or the keepers implementing the idea.

Can I post additional resources and literature?

We welcome any information concerning additional enrichment resources. All submissions should be sent to enrichmentonline-feedback@fortworthzoo.org.

It should be noted that any information submitted to the site is subject to review by the editors. Not all information submitted by users, therefore, will be added to the site. It is possible that your idea may not be added to the site.

How often is new material added to the site?

New material is added as it is received by registered users. There is no schedule for new postings; it depends entirely on the number of submissions received and the rate at which the editors can review them.

How can I provide feedback on a specific idea or item?

To provide comments on any enrichment item in the database, scroll to the bottom of the enrichment record and click on the link titled "Add a new comment…" and follow the instructions. Remember that only registered users can provide comments for enrichment ideas.

HELP?

Where can I get help?

Help is offered through the FAQ section and via email. If your question is not addressed within the FAQ page, please direct all inquiries to enrichmentonline-help@fortworthzoo.org. The editors will address these questions as quickly as possible.

If I have a general question regarding the site, where do I direct it?

General questions can be directed to enrichmentonline-help@fortworthzoo.org.

I have comments / critiques of the site, where do I direct them?

Please direct all comments / critiques to enrichmentonline-feedback@fortworthzoo.org.

YOUR ACCOUNT?

How do I register with Enrichment Online?

To create an account with Enrichment Online, please click here and fill out the form. You will need both a valid e-mail address and your institution's ISIS mnemonic code. If you do not know your ISIS code, please see the 'How do I find out my ISIS mnemonic?' entry under 'Your Account' on this page.

Why should I register with Enrichment Online?

In order to make submissions to the site or add information to any of the available enrichment ideas, you need to register with the site. The registration allows editors the opportunity to correct any errors in records as well as create a forum for allied professionals. It is not necessary to register with the site to conduct an enrichment search. However, to participate in discussions and submit information you must be a registered user of this site.

Do I have to work at a zoo to register with the system?

No, it is not necessary to be employed by a zoological institution. We do, however, ask that you are affiliated with or employed by a laboratory, research facility, wildlife sanctuary or center.

If I change institutions, do I need to re-register?

You will not have to re-register if you change institutions but you will need to update your personal information on your account. To do this, go to the "your account" page and select the edit or delete account information button at the bottom of the page.

In order to promote communication between individuals, we need current information for all registered users.

How do I find out my ISIS mnemonic?

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association membership directory lists ISIS mnemonics for each member institution. If you do not have access to this directory, ask your curator or registrar for this information. If you are still having trouble locating the mnemonic, please contact the editors through enrichmentonline-help@fortworthzoo.org.

What if my institution does not have an ISIS mnemonic?

If your institution does not have an ISIS mnemonic, please contact the web site editors at enrichmentonline-help@fortworthzoo.org and we will assign one to you.

What if I don’t want my contact information posted?

Although we encourage communication between professionals, we also respect the wishes of individuals who do not want to be contacted in regards to their submission. To ensure your e-mail address is not displayed while site visitors browse your enrichment items do the following: after logging in, please select 'Manage Your Account', and select 'No' from the pull-down menu for 'Display Email On Enrichment Items'.

ABOUT US?

What is the site’s mission?

The mission of this site is to provide professional animal managers, both in zoo and laboratory settings, a comprehensive resource for incorporating enrichment into the care and husbandry of captive animals.

This mission will be implemented using a combination of the following strategies:

1. Promote the improved management of captive species by providing detailed information on peer-reviewed and evaluated enrichment ideas.
   
2. Foster communication concerning enrichment theory and practice among captive animal managers.
   
3. Link animal managers throughout the world by interfacing with allied organizations.
   
4. Promote the philosophy of enrichment as part of routine captive animal management.
   
5. Provide animal managers with enrichment related resources, such as vendors, literature, and allied web sites.

Who are the site editors?

The site editors are Tarren Wagener, M.S., Conservation Science Manager, and Meg Bommarito, M.S., Conservation Biologist at the Fort Worth Zoo.

RESOURCES?

Where can I get information on enrichment literature and or suppliers?

The home page contains a link titled "resources" which will provide a list of enrichment related literature and suppliers.