In Other Words- October 2013

A lot of people are talking about environmental enrichment these days. And I am pleased to report that the conversations are moving beyond definitions and talk about toys and treats. The level of discussion is getting higher and deeper with presenters focusing on...

In Other Words- July 2013

These are interesting times. In the wake of crippling economic and environmental disasters, the biomedical research community is challenged to keep focused on lab animal welfare. It is only natural for people whose livelihood is threatened to make themselves and their...

In Other Words- April 2013

“If I could store any character quality in a cookie jar, I’d store patience. Chocolate-chip patience cookies. And I’d eat them all at one sitting.” —Jarod Kintz, This Book is Not for Sale It is hard to wait. It sometimes seems like forever before new ideas, innovative...

Rope Toy

Marcie Donnelly, Sr. Scientist, Clinical Services Dept. of SALAR, Merck & Co., Inc One of our Non-Human Primate’s (NHP) favorite enrichment devices is a hanging rope toy. The toy is made up of natural jute rope—12 to 14 inches in length and 3 inches in girth. The...

In Other Words- January 2013

Recently, I’ve been thinking about all the ways we are trying to share information about the value of environmental enrichment for laboratory animals. It’s a communications challenge to find the right medium as well as credible messengers who can get the attention of...