About Us
Our RootsThroughout our history, Active Environments has always been an organization small in staff and big in expertise and novel solutions to an endless array of challenges . . .
ABOUT US
Our RootsThroughout our history, Active Environments has always been an organization small in staff and big in expertise and novel solutions to an endless array of challenges . . .
They developed the highly effective social management technique called “cooperative feeding” while working with pairs of sea lions, which has since been documented to reduce aggression and increase positive social behavior with numerous species.
With this experience, and a strong interest in animal welfare, Active Environments was formed in 1985 as an animal behavior consulting firm specializing in the application of positive reinforcement training techniques.
In 1996, Margaret Whittaker joined AE as a behavioral consultant, bringing with her valuable experience in the care and training of a variety of species including primates, pinnipeds, and elephants.
Shortly after, AE teamed up with Valerie Hare of Shape of Enrichment to offer training and enrichment workshops designed to improve the lives of animals throughout the world.
Our “Firsts”
Since its inception, AE has been a leader in innovative thinking and ground-breaking methods to care for, manage, train, and enrich a vast array of wildlife species. Our original ideas come with years of proven benefits and documented results.The following techniques were conceived, developed, and implemented by AE and openly shared with the world.
Husbandry Training Of Cetaceans
Tube insertions for collection of stomach contents and fecal samples in cetaceans won the International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association’s Behavior of the Year Award in 1982.
Cooperative Feeding
This social management technique to reduce aggression and increase positive social behavior in group-housed animals was first presented to the zoo community in 1987. It was an integral component of a unique and groundbreaking project with critically endangered drill baboons (Mandrillus leucophaeus) that documented the positive results. It was also the first documented use of the technique with animals other than pinnipeds.
Protected Contact
This effective, humane, positive reinforcement-based management system for elephants that is safer for keepers and trainers, provided a viable alternative to cruel traditional elephant training practices. Developed by AE and introduced to the zoo community in 1991, PC literally revolutionized the way elephants are trained and managed throughout the world. PC is now recognized by the zoological and animal welfare communities as the training method of choice. PC was mandated by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums for all member institutions in 2014 and by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums for their member facilities by 2030. It is also being used in rescue centers, sanctuaries, and elephant camps in range countries throughout the world.
Behavioral Management
This concept was introduced to the zoological community by Tim in 1994 and defined as “a pro-active, holistic, and systematic approach to providing optimal animal care and welfare”. It has become a part of the nomenclature in the animal training and management community , quoted, taught, and implemented by institutions worldwide.
Problem Solving
AE developed a practical formal process for identifying, understanding, and addressing animal behavior problems based on the scientific method. Presented to the zoo community in 1994 by Gail, it has been the subject of numerous publications and conference presentations and was often the most popular part of AE Workshops.