Who’s training who? Implementation of a positive reinforcement program for shifting of a large group of hooded capuchin monkeys
J. Hickman, J. Stein*, Primate KeepersDenver Zoological FoundationColorado , USA
Shifting large groups of animals can be challenging, especially when those groups of animals are intelligent and highly social primates. At the Denver Zoo, a group of sixteen hooded capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) are housed together and are currently shifted daily to an island, and then back again to inside holding cages. In years past, this was often a time consuming and very frustrating task for keepers and animals. In 2005, keepers, supervisors, and the behavioral curator had decided that the shifting could be more efficient and less stressful if a positive reinforcement based program was implemented. New protocols and procedures needed to be developed. This began with a series of meetings and observations of shifting to identify specific problems. Some of the problems identified were lack of motivation, use of negative reinforcement by keepers, lack of positive consequences for shifting, and negative interactions with con-specifics once inside (in part due to lack of space for up to eighteen capuchins). Now that the problems were identified the next step was to create a plan of action. This plan included structural modifications to cages, changes to food presentation, framework for better keeper communication, and the creation of a positive reinforcement based relationship between keepers and animals. Implementation of the various elements of the plan over the last three years has resulted in a decreased shift time and a more positive environment for everyone involved.
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