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Gorilla training
Mar. 6th, 2014 01:41 pmSarah and Wayne asked pretty much the same question, probably others are thinking the same thing: what does the zoo train the gorillas to do?
The gorillas are trained to present body parts, so that they can be examined: they are trained to open their mouths for example. They are trained to hug themselves so that they aren't holding onto the cage mesh, and the zookeeper can get an accurate weight (training often takes place on a platform that doubles as a scale). They are trained to present a shoulder and to endure pressure from a syringe, so that they can be given flu shots and sedatives when needed.
Most of the training that happens at the zoo, from peacocks to primates, is done so that the animals can be cared for in a way that minimizes the stress of capture, restraint, and darting. The training also provides behavioral enrichment for the animal--a chance to use its brain and to make decisions and get rewards, and to interact directly with another non-aggressive animal (the zookeeper).
I hope that answers it for you!
The gorillas are trained to present body parts, so that they can be examined: they are trained to open their mouths for example. They are trained to hug themselves so that they aren't holding onto the cage mesh, and the zookeeper can get an accurate weight (training often takes place on a platform that doubles as a scale). They are trained to present a shoulder and to endure pressure from a syringe, so that they can be given flu shots and sedatives when needed.
Most of the training that happens at the zoo, from peacocks to primates, is done so that the animals can be cared for in a way that minimizes the stress of capture, restraint, and darting. The training also provides behavioral enrichment for the animal--a chance to use its brain and to make decisions and get rewards, and to interact directly with another non-aggressive animal (the zookeeper).
I hope that answers it for you!
