| Dr. David Shepardsen Behavioural Enrichment David Shepherdson obtained a bachelors degree in Biology at the University of Sussex in the UK in 1981 and then pursued (and ultimately caught) a Doctorate in Animal Behavior while studying the foraging behavior and space use of the European badger. In 1987 he accepted a research fellowship at the Zoological Society of London where he studied Zoo Animal Behavior and developed and assessed techniques for improving captive animal environments through environmental enrichment. In 1991 he moved to the Oregon (then the Metro Washington Park Zoo) Portland, Oregon to continue and expand his work with Dr. Jill Mellen. David has published and presented widely in the fields of environmental enrichment, animal welfare, and zoo conservation and science education. David is currently an associate editor for the journal Zoo Biology and a founding board member of “Shape of Enrichment”. In 1993, with Jill Mellen he co-chaired the first international conference on environmental enrichment which resulted in the publication “Second Nature: environmental enrichment for zoo animals” published in 1998 by Smithsonian Press. David has worked hard in his capacity as co-chair to the AZA Behavior Advisory Group (BAG) to increase the profile of environmental enrichment programs. He received an AZA Outstanding Service award in 2000 in recognition of this work. David is also a founding member of the AZA Animal Welfare Committee. Current research projects include a multi-zoo investigation of stereotypic behavior in Zoo polar bears, the breeding behavior of endangered pygmy rabbits, and behavioral pain assessment in the Asian elephant. In his spare time David can be found optimizing his stress levels climbing mountains around the world, skiing, riding mountain bikes, white water kayaking and anything else exciting and mildly dangerous in the outdoors. Current Position Conservation Program Scientist, Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221. Address 2323 SE Yamhill, Portland, OR 97214 e-mail: shepherdsond@metro.dst.or.us Nationality and Immigration Status United Kingdom, Resident Alien Status in USA (Green Card) Academic Qualifications D. Phil. Animal Behavior, University of Sussex, UK, 1986. B.Sc. (Hons), Biology. University of Sussex, UK, 1982. Major Research Interests -Identifying the principles underlying the behavioral needs of captive animals in order to improve captive care and husbandry. -Understanding the role of stereotypic behavior in the wellbeing of zoo animals. Currently engaged in a grant funded multi zoo (22) study to determine the relationship between environment, behavior, temperament and stress (fecal cortisol) in polar bears. -Supplementation and re-establishment of threatened and endangered animal populations (currently – Oregon Silver Spot butterfly, Washington pygmy rabbit, Western pond turtle and California Condor). -The role of animal behavior in the teaching of science methodology to elementary school teachers. Employment History/Responsibilities 1991-Present Oregon Zoo – Conservation Program Scientist Develop, maintain and coordinate a program of animal behavior research and training at the zoo. Co-Chair, First International Conference on Environmental Enrichment, 1993. Invited speaker, 6th World Conference on Breeding Endangered Species, UK, 1992. Invited Speaker, 2nd Conference on Environmental Enrichment, Denmark, 1995. Invited speaker 2004 AAAS Annual Meeting, Seattle WA. Coordinator, Oregon Zoo Conservation and Wildlife Lecture Series. 1986-1991 Zoological Society of London, UK - Research Fellow -Devised, obtained funding for, and conducted research on zoo animal behavior -Coordinated and supervised undergraduate and graduate research projects -Authored papers in refereed scientific journals and presented papers at International meetings -Implemented and supervised an animal enrichment/welfare program at the zoo Professional Affiliations/Responsibilities/Awards |