Minimizing the energy of conflict during physical restraint and chemical immobilization: a conscious approach to wildlife handling
M. R. Johnson, DVM Global Wildlife Resources, Inc Montana , USA mjohnson@wildliferesources.org R. Cisneros, Animal Care Supervisor San Diego Zoo California , USA Animal care professionals play an active role during any chemical immobilization or physical restraint. Whether actively participating in the procedure or passively observing, those present are in constant interaction with the immobilized animal. As with any procedure involving wild animals, both chemical and physical restraint may pose risks to both the animal and animal care staff. Understanding the principles of restraint, organizing and implementing a preparation method, and adopting a professional attitude of respect and honor for both animal and fellow staff members are vital to ensuring a safe and successful restraint for both animal and personnel. During chemical immobilization, animals are suppressed or anesthetized using a variety of immobilizing drugs. Understanding the general effects of these drugs will help identify animal responses and vital signs that correlate to the specific drugs administered. Recognizing these effects can assist animal care staff in understanding how their actions can influence an animal’s response to immobilizing drugs. Also paramount to any safe and successful immobilization is the role that staff plays in monitoring the animal’s response to both its environment and immobilizing agent. The chemical immobilization section of this workshop will cover these topics, providing attendees with an in-depth overview of the principles and techniques of chemical immobilization. During physical restraint or capture of an animal, multiple considerations should be foreseen prior to the event. The safety of both animal and personnel is a chief concern during any physical interaction. The physical restraint section of this workshop will explore, discuss, and demonstrate the safe and successful capture of mammals and birds using a variety of techniques including netting, y-poles, hand-grabbing, chutes and tamers, and squeeze boxes. Goals: generate successful attitudes toward chemical immobilization and physical restraint by understanding the various methods of restraint and the affect that they have on the animal; empower animal care staff to create a positive environment by minimizing conflict during immobilizations; develop successful techniques in the physical capture and handling of animals. Objectives: Workshop participants will participate in learning the following: Discuss the philosophy of animal care and handling Review and discuss the principles and equipment for handling an anesthetized or physically restrained animal, ensuring both care and human and animal safety Understand and identify the primary immobilization drugs for wildlife and recognize their effects on animals Understand and discuss advantages and disadvantages of various drug delivery systems and capture techniques Understand basic veterinary procedures for patient care and processing including: Monitoring and recording temperature, pulse, and respiration Collecting blood and other samples Preventing simple veterinary emergencies Post-procedure recovery Demonstrate safe and successful techniques in physical capture and restraint of animals including: Netting Y-pole usage Manual capture Learn how to minimize conflict and error during immobilization and handling of wildlife
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