Whats unique about working at cornell university?
Working with woodchucks in the laboratory animal science setting broadened my knowledge and experience of animal behavior. I observed and learned a lot about barrier anxieties, isolation behaviors, and the advantages of offering enrichment items to housed animals in the form of specially designed diets, bedding, watering systems, housing, and playthings. Often what is available for laboratory animal enrichment is designed for smaller rodents such as mice and rats, or larger and more dexterous animals such as monkies and dogs. Observing woodchucks in their enclosures, learning about the standard operating procedures and the importance of sterilization of equipment, and discovering what is available for enrichment in the laboratory animal setting has made it a rewarding challenge to discover (or create) and provide the proper enrichment for these animals….
