GVSU professor oversees innovative research at John Ball Zoo

Lori Tarou, an assistant professor of psychology at Grand Valley, has established a working relationship with the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. Tarou is an expert in animal behavior and animal psychology. Several of her students are conducting research on the behavior of animals in captivity.

"The John Ball Zoo has been very supportive of our desire to do research and is open to letting us study the well-being of the animals," said Tarou.

A team of Grand Valley students, all psychology majors with an interest in animal behavior, have been observing 11 spider monkeys. They have been observing the monkey's activity outdoors compared to their behavior once they are inside for the winter. The spider monkeys are housed on a large "island" during the warmer months, and are brought into a smaller facility during the colder months. The project will examine the behavior of the spider monkeys, 10 hours a day for eight months, to determine if the change in environment is associated with changes in social or abnormal behavior.

Norah Fletchall, assistant director of the John Ball Zoo said the staff is excited about the partnership with Grand Valley. "This is the first real project of its kind that looks at the behavior and social interaction of spider monkeys, along with physiological changes in the animal," she said. "The study will affect how keepers manage and care for the animals."