Linda Tellington Jones has
spent much time working to improve the life of wild animals in the zoos of many countries.
She uses TTEAM on the animals and teaches the method to zoo workers. This has included
demonstrations to zoo conferences such as the national zookeepers conference held at the
San Diego Zoo in 1987. The immediate benefits to the animals are rewarding.
Acquisition of TTEAM skills can be a valuable
asset for the rehablilitator. Obviously TTEAM will not be appropriate for some animals.
Healthy animals destined for quick release without handling will not be candidates for
TTEAM. For others, including the critically ill, many neonates and permanently impaired
TTEAM has many far reaching benefits.
Judging when and how to use TTEAM on
releasable animals requires experience. This experience can be acquired safely if you
follow a conservative course. First, acquire at least basic TTEAM skills. Second use TTEAM
on animals when the indication is clear. Then, as skills grow and experience with TTEAM in
various species accumulates, you can make informed choices about 'grey area' cases. Do not
prejudge TTEAM's propensity to permanently 'tame' or build a dependent human/animal
relationship - it is unique.
TTEAM is a gentle, safe method with wide
inherent latitudes. The cautions are few. Don't work dangerous animals unless you know the
species and have taken adequate precautions against personal injury. Don't substitute
TTEAM for timely veterinary attention and don't let early success mislead you into
thinking you know it all! Stay involved in the TTEAM learning/training process. |