First Prosimian Husbandry Workshop 2009 - Cleveland Metroparks ...

Session 10: Prosimian Training:
(Moderator Megan Elder, St. Paul’s Como Zoo)
Topics
Basics of training (how it works, benefits, setting up a program)
Examples (basics thru advanced)
1. Describe voluntary physicals at Indianapolis
2. Buffalo Zoo will describe success with insulin injections
3. Busch Gardens will discuss depo injections.
Problem solving (ask audience what issues they have), Q & A, misc applications- if time allows
(public demos, painting etc)
Close, provide resources & contact information
Basic Concepts
Husbandry training is a program that incorporates the concepts of operant conditioning in daily
management routines. Antecedent leads to a behavior which is bridged and then a consequence
happens. We are discussing positive reinforcement by rewarding behavior you want and ignoring
unwanted behavior. See CD for references.
One of the first steps is determining what is reinforcing for your animal.
Question (Kathleen Milk): Does anyone use secondary reinforcement?
Response: Tactile contact or access to space can serve as a reinforcer.
Next you need to introduce your bridge which marks the bridge. You need to come up with shaping
plans where you make small approximations of behavior. It is important to have both a visual/verbal
cue. When you are starting out, you need to have primary and secondary trainers. One person trains
the behavior first and then other keepers can then begin to learn that behavior.
Question: What about having one animal with different trainers training different behaviors?
Response (Jacqueline Broder): If the bridge is consistent, this should not be an issue.
Response: It is important to watch each other train.
Comment (Kris Becker): You can videotape the behavior as well.
Comment (Julie Taylor): We don’t have more than one keeper training a behavior at a time.
Comment (Jennifer Donovan): Make sure trainers are communicating so behaviors don’t break down.
Moderator (Megan Elder): Creating a training manual is very important and including pictures of
trained behaviors.
The final step is to execute, evaluate and modify your plan. It is extremely important to set up animals
to succeed and to end on a positive note.
Some basic behaviors being trained:
Stationing-this helps reduce competition.
Question (Ingrid Porton):- What is the difference between the targets?
Moderator (Megan Elder): Usually the targets are different shapes and colors.
Comment (Dan McLaughlin): We started with locations and then moved to shape/color.
Comment (Laura Suski): It is important that you let them choose their positions and then let them
decide where they are comfortable.
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