A few months ago, we began a positive reinforcement training (PRT) program with the chimpanzees. (Read JB’s thorough description in this blog post.) Our ultimate goal with this program is to give the chimps the opportunity to participate in their own medical care, and to make it a positive experience for them. By teaching them to present certain body parts for inspection, for example, we will be better able to check on and treat wounds.
We started by teaching the chimps to touch a “target.” A target can be just about any object – we use PVC pipes with colored tape on the end. When a chimp touches the target, the caregiver who’s working with them presses a clicker (click = “good job”) and then rewards the chimp with a small piece of fruit or other treat. Once a chimp has learned this “targeting” behavior, we move on to asking for different body parts. The routine is the same – when a chimp presents the body part we’ve asked for, they hear a click and get a treat.
When we started this program in April, we invited Gail Laule from Active Environments to spend several days at the sanctuary training the staff on these positive reinforcement techniques. This week, Gail has returned to check up on our progress. Here are some photos from today’s sessions.
Jamie presenting her shoulder to Diana:
Jody opening her mouth while working with me (Elizabeth):
Annie presenting her back (Anna and Negra are on the right):
Negra “targeting” with Anna:
Negra presenting her shoulder:
Participation in this program is totally optional. The great thing about PRT, though, is that the chimps want to participate. It’s a win-win. It’s enriching for them (and for their bellies!) and the cooperative behaviors they learn are going to improve their lives by allowing us to give them the best care possible.
Very interesting post!
SO proud of Neggie!! and everyone else too 🙂
Many, many thanks to Gail for her knowledge and patience. She was very perceptive and open minded in having some great ideas for each chimp and human to accomplish the goals set forth. It is a work in progress but I think some great steps have been made. The progresss is not an overnight thing, it takes due diligence and daily training. The staff is committed to this training and it is evident in the progress the group has made.
Very Cool!
Oh how I would have enjoyed watching todays session. Wonderful seeing each chimp partaking (willingly!). PRT is so life changing. I believe we have Bob Bailey to thank for PRT but Karen Pryor to thank for that wonderful little clicker! Look at Negra tapping that target! So proud of all the chimps. It looks as if you are making great progress and this is very exciting. Thank you Gail and everyone for all you do for seven deserving chimpanzees.
Fantastic idea! Chimps are wonderful learners as long as their is a food reward! This technique is good for their brains and for positive reinforcement in so many different situations. Thanks for keeping us all informed.
How wonderful that the chimps have a way of interacting with medical care that seems unthreatening to them, given their past histories with abusive care! Kudos to all of you at the Center!
Looks like they enjoy the activity and the treats of course.