The application, use, and effects of training and enrichment variables with Japanese snow macaques (Macaca fuscata) at the Central Park Wildlife Center (1997)

Goodwin, J.

Abstract

A training protocol is briefly described which allows the keepers through vocal and visual cues to herd the animals to a holding area. Training sessions were deterring stereotypic and abnormal behaviour - such as excessive grooming and fur-pulling. A feeding enrichment is outlined. Frozen items like ice cubes and large blocks of ice (which float in the water) as well as frozen fruits and vegetables were all well liked. Rawhide chewbones were not well received. In addition to being cheap, edible, and abundant, browse also acts as a substrate material for animals to hide behind, drag around, or to bed down with. We have placed large piles of leaves in the cages which the macaques enjoy scattering and throwing around, chewing on and rolling on. Although the [commercial] primate puzzles proved to be a learning success, they were best used sporadically to prevent the macaques from becoming bored with the puzzles.