Psychology at the Zoo
On Tuesday 18th June, our Year 12 Psychology students visited Dudley Zoo to take part in a conditioning workshop. Students learnt about how the Zoo uses the key concepts of classical and operant conditioning to train their animals to help with vaccinations, health checks or even if there was an emergency on site. The students then got to see positive reinforcement in action when they observed zoo keeper Ed working with a Carpathian Lynx called Dave. When Dave performed a desirable behaviour such as standing, he was rewarded with food.
Students also had the opportunity to ask any questions to the zoo keepers and find out more about how to use their Psychology A-Level to get into working with animals. After the workshop, students were able to explore the zoo to learn more about the 200 species of animals (including 2 baby Orangutans) as well as the historic Dudley Castle housed on the 40 acre site.
We would like to thank Eve and her team at @Dudleyzoo for such a wonderful experience for our students.
