Starting an operant conditioning program with visyan warty pigs: trials and tribulations

L. Civili: Keeper Ungulates

St. Louis Zoological Park

Missouri , USA

Antelope@stlzoo.org

The increased importance of operant conditioning for daily management and enrichment has led to the establishment of a program based on positive reinforcement for 1.0 Visyan Warty Pig “ Cebu ”. The St. Louis Zoo became the home of 5.0 Visyan Warty Pigs in 2004. While the herd was immersed in the standard husbandry and enrichment protocols of the ungulate unit, they soon showed that they were above average in their curiosity and inventiveness. This led to a need of focused attention and positive reinforcement for desired behaviors.

I chose Cebu for several reasons. Cebu is the second largest pig in the herd, and displays a lot of dominant behaviors. While working with pigs, it was clear that he took advantage of enrichment more often than the other pigs, and that comprehensive program would benefit him greatly.

The operant conditioning program has focused on such cues as touch, side, side right, steady and rear. While these cues have helped focus Cebu ’s energy into positive behaviors, it is just the beginning of the program. Further work will hopefully lead to ability to successfully weigh him on a consistent basis, administer yearly vaccines, do minor veterinarian procedures without anesthesia, and tusk/hoof trims when needed. It will also be very beneficial to include the other 4.0 pigs in this program