Operant conditioning of apes to facilitate medical procedures and immobilizations (2001)

Seiver, D., Walsh, P., Weber, B. et al.

Abstract

There are many benefits of using operant conditioning to facilitate medical procedures and immobilizations. Most importantly, the animals benefit directly from an established program, while the animal care staff and the veterinary staff benefit as well. Everyone involved experiences a reduction in stress during proceduresthrough a facilitated, routine conditioning process. The animals acquire a strong relationship with the keepers and the veterinary staff. Minor medical procedures can be accomplished in the animals' environment without causing a disruption in the group. Through daily training sessions, the animals are observed thoroughly and preventative measures are taken to provide the best animal care possible. Training sessions are also used to break up an animal's daily routine and provide environmental enrichment necessary for their psychological well-being.