Each year, the Little Rock Zoo collaborates with EAST programs to address various challenges that support the well-being of their animals. During the 2024–2025 school year, the zoo requested the development of a puzzle feeder for their raven to provide essential enrichment and promote natural behaviors. The zoo staff emphasized that the feeder should be adjustable to introduce new challenges for the raven with each interaction. A key consideration was that the raven enjoys dismantling puzzles, so the design needed to be durable, user-friendly, and safe for the animal.
The resulting complex raven puzzle feeder was designed as a three-stage system, primarily constructed using 3D-printed components, wood, and acrylic sheets. The first stage involved a stick pull game, requiring the raven to pull sticks in a specific sequence to release food. Multiple configurations allowed for different puzzle variants each time, enhancing engagement. If the raven pulled the sticks incorrectly, the food would drop into an inaccessible area, necessitating a restart. When the correct sequence was completed, the raven pushed the food into the next stage using a stick. The final stage featured a sliding puzzle, with randomized drop points and pieces that the raven needed to manipulate to access all of the food. The design also incorporated a lock and key mechanism, enabling zookeepers to easily remove food from the puzzle if necessary.
The team collaborated with Elizabeth Harris, an Arkansas Master Naturalist. Master Naturalists are volunteers who have completed specialized training and actively contribute to conservation efforts. Ms. Harris provided guidance on suitable construction materials to ensure the safety of the raven and offered valuable insights to improve the overall design.