Former National Institute of Health scientist speaks at 1pm, community lunch at 1230pm
From Gracey United Church,
An Animal Behaviorist is a professional who studies, evaluates and modifies animal behavior to improve the well-being of……animals! They are essentially a clinical psychologist for animals (without the clinical salary).
Dr Jim Weed has worked both in and with the laboratory animal community since 1992. During his tenure in the laboratories, he was responsible for oversight and implementation of behavioral management programs. He carried out these behavioral programs at a private research laboratory, as well as at the National Institute of Health, in the Division of Veterinary Resources; and the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, in the Comparative Medicine Branch. Dr Weed worked closely with Principal Investigators; Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees; and other stakeholders, at each facility to enhance their behavioral management programs. His research interests include investigating ways to assess and reduce stress in laboratory animals. This is done by using non-invasive methods; designing and testing innovative housing systems for laboratory animals; and implementing social housing of laboratory primates.
Dr Weed has worked with a vast number of animals, but his main focus has been with primates and goats. He has many fascinating tales of his adventures with all sorts of animals. He looks to analyze animal behavior to understand why animals act in certain ways and then develop strategies to address behavioral issues such as aggression, anxiety, destructive habits or fearfulness.
Since retiring from the CDC his current research interests include conducting owl census and leading owl prowl field trips at the owl woods in the wildlife management area at Braddock Bay, Greece, NY. Also, additional work includes banding raptors as part of the Braddock Bay Raptor Research Program.
Please come and join us for a fun time.
