Training is key for wild animals, just like the family dog
Lisa Melnik wild animal keeper has Zheng, the Red Panda, stand and be weighed at the Akron Zoo. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Zheng, a four years-oldRed Panda, plays in a tree at the Akron Zoo. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Lisa Melnik wild animal keeper, gets Zheng, a Red Panda, going in and out of an animal carrier at the Akron Zoo. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Tara Gifford (left), Ohio Animal Training consultant and Dr. Grey Stafford (right), nationally recognized author and animal trainer with Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium, watch Lisa Melnik (center) work with Zheng, a Red Panda at the Akron Zoo. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Dr. Grey Stafford, nationally recognized author and animal trainer with Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium, talks about working with zoo personnel at the Akron Zoo. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)