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Prior to shift training, male Tomistoma Fernando in the Indo-Malaya Pavilion would go up into the garden area of his habitat during servicing. He would often jump down into his pool, sometimes crashing into the ground if he made poor decisions before the pool had a chance to fully fill.

The inability to shift Fernando meant that even with a two person protocol, habitat modifications and deep cleans were difficult to achieve due to the close proximity between staff and Fernando. That’s when Tomistoma training began!

After a year of target and shift training, gradually getting Fernando comfortable with being locked into his beachside hut, the benefits have been seen clearly, not only for Fernando and his Guardians but for other departments, too!

Our focused effort to target and shift train Fernando has opened up new possibilities. The habitat is now safer for both Fernando and his Guardians of Wild. We obtained our first voluntary weight, and Maintenance staff can safely enter the space to add welfare improvements like platforms, basking spots, and full UV setups. We can also modify and deep-clean the habitat as needed. Overall, the habitat is now safer for Wildlife Care and Maintenance staff - and safer and healthier for Fernando.