Using positive reinforcement training techniques to facilitate the assessment of parasites in captive chimpanzees (2001)

Perlman, J. E., Guhad, F. A., Lambeth, S. et al.

Abstract

The chimpanzees in our colony have been trained, using positive reinforcement techniques, to perform a variety of husbandry, management, and research behaviors, including presentation of their posteriors. Therefore, it was relatively easy to train the subjects to voluntarily present the perianal area and allow the placement and removal of a piece of clear tape. A total of 179 tape samples were collected at up to four separate time points from 68 chimpanzees living in 22 social groups. Subjects did not require separation from their groups for sampling. .. We have been able to assess, monitor, and evaluate treatments to control pinworms using trained behaviors, eliminating the need for multiple anesthetic episodes.