#animal interaction

[miamaimania]

"Pigeon feeding near Blue Mosque" ~ Istanbul, Turkey (1991) by Steve McCurry ⌘ Wrapped in earth tones, creating a momentary avian constellation

[local-hellhound-steals-spaghetti]

Actually speaking of capybara cafes.. have you looked at Khao Kheow Zoo's instagram? Seems like are (or were) running some kind of capybara petting zoo? Seems pretty iffy :/

I looked into it for you and it's... not good.

It's hard to say if this is a specific encounter or was just provided for these influencers but it looks like way too many animals in a very small space and too many guests, with no one following guidelines on interacting safely.

The guests are getting mugged, with capybaras following their poorly placed treats into their laps. And keepers are not doing anything to help or support the guests, they're kind of just letting the chaos unfold.

There's also resource guarding happening on camera, which is not what you want happening around your guests at all - it's extremely dangerous and shows a completely uncontrolled interaction that could result in animals or guests getting hurt.

Compared to this free contact capybara encounter program - one guest, not a lot of animals and a much larger space for them to spread out in.

Sydney Zoo does more animal interaction programs and free contact encounters to remain competitive with the other zoos in the area (I have mixed feelings about this facility tbh) but this program does look to be a lot more structured and calm.

I like Currumbin Wildlife Sancturary's approach of a fence between the guests and the animals so there's a bit more safety there and less chance of guests pushing boundaries on the animals.

Animal interaction programs are fine but it’s so important that they’re structured in a way that sets both the guests and the animals up for success and doesn’t cause unnecessary stress.

[unspokenmantra]

via @violaozinnn

[movieexpert1978]

From The Horse’s Mouth

@mysteryy0 :  Prompt idea- Elisa overhears King talking to Fritz

King Schultz is not my character. 

Whenever King would introduce himself he would always say, ‘I’m Doctor King Schultz and this is my horse Fritz,’ and the horse would do a little bow. Despite having seen it so many times, Elisa never got tired of it and had to hold back her giggle almost every time. She always wondered how King taught him that trick as training a horse could be tricky sometimes. King would just say with practice and a bribery of a treat or two at times. They were heading towards a town but still had a few days before they would make it so they made camp for the night. It was a pleasant evening as the stars were out and there wasn’t any humidity. She was laying down on her blanket as the fire crackled when she heard King’s voice.

“Evening Fritz.” He says to his horse who just gives a tiny bow at his friend and rider. “How are tonight?” He asks patting his head. The horse just snorts and leans into his touch for more. He scratches Fritz behind his ear and the horse likes that very much as King chuckles. “I got you something.” King says again. He reaches for something in his coat pocket and pulls out a lovely carrot. Fritz sniffs it briefly before he bites into it eagerly. King holds it until Fritz has hold of it chewing away. Elisa smiles as King smiles. The sight is so adorable. “Do you like Elisa, hmmm?” He asks curiously. The horse keeps munching until the carrot is gone and is once again asking for pets. King happily pets away at his face, gently rubbing his palm over Fritz’s cheek. “Don’t think I haven’t seen her sneaking an apple your way every now and then young man.” He teases and Elisa smirks quietly. “I really hope you are doing well my friend.” King says sincerely. While some may view a horse as just a method of transportation, King has had Fritz for years now. His ever faithful companion through his bounty hunting days. Fritz is like family to King and Elisa can perfectly understand that as she has bonded with her own horse as well. King does a quick check of his legs to make sure nothing is bother him before he scratches his ear again. “Goodnight my friend.” King says softly before he walks back to his own spot by the fire and he finally realizes Elisa was watching him. “What?!” He snaps in more embarrassment than anger.

“Oh nothing. That was really cute.” She giggles at him. He blushes hard and stares at the fire. Fritz lets out a loud neigh as if to laugh at King being caught.

“You shut up back there!” King shouts at him.

[miamaimania]

"The Musical Chair" by Ruben Bellinkx ◇ Dogs and chair locked in still frames ➤ Where play meets persistence

[wintrfeld]

Connection

[holidaytots]

Devon Family Holiday: 10 Toddler-Friendly Days Out

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