Rayne is an absolutely beautiful chimpanzee. However, if you have not noticed before, she also has dry skin on her forehead. I believe it is just genetic, as I know entire chimpanzee families at other sanctuaries that all have the same dry forehead. While I’m not sure if her dry forehead skin bothers Rayne, she does scratch it often. My main role at the sanctuary, apart from being a chimp caregiver, is to work on Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) with the chimps. PRT allows the chimps to participate in their own medical care, which is really amazing.
Lately, I’ve been working on PRT with Rayne, so that she would allow us to apply coconut oil/mixed with Honeysuckle lotion to her forehead. We have decided to avoid sprays because it is so close to Rayne’s eyes, so instead, I use a paintbrush to brush on the moisturizer.
As you will see in the video, I presented Rayne with the gestural and verbal cue for “head”, which she then presents her forehead by leaning forward to the caging. As soon as Rayne presented her forehead, I used my clicker to bridge the behavior, this is a way to tell Rayne she is doing everything correctly. I then presented my paintbrush to Rayne and say “touch” so she knows what I intend on doing. While Rayne is still presenting her forehead to the caging, that allows me to use the paintbrush to apply moisturizer to her forehead. I know Rayne doesn’t like for the paintbrush strokes to be too long, so as soon as I touch her forehead with one swipe, I use my clicker to let her know that reinforcement is coming, which is a blueberry. Rayne and I do this probably 15 times together until her forehead is coated. We will continue to work on her allowing me to use the paintbrush for a longer duration. However, a win is a win. We just want Rayne to be comfortable and make sure her forehead skin does not bother her.
Yay for PR training!!! I love this!!! It is enriching the chimps as well as allowing you to give the hest in care to make her more comfortable!!! GREAT JOB!!! Cant say enough great things about when a Chimp… or any patient, will participate in their own care… dor a treat or two that is!!!
Maybe she could get used to a little bit wider brush so you can cover more area with the quick swipes.
Why use a wider brush when you can use a Paint Roller…Work Smart not Hard………that’s what I say:rofl:
Rayne has a sweet face. Dry, sensitive skin is no fun. What a clever way to moisturize Rayne’s skin! And it looked as if Terry was ready to lick off that yummy coconut oil.
Thanks for showing us what a quick study Rayne is with her PRT. You think of everything!
Forget the clicker, PRT, maybe even the blueberry. if someone wanted to paint coconut and honeysuckle on my face to moisturize my skin I would do it most willingly. In fact, Jenna, don’t find this strange, but that might be an auction item I’d bid on at HOOT. Anything to raise money for CSNW. And look at Cy getting a blueberry or two.
I think you have to make a separate bid for the paintbrush……. Its not:smile:included.
Don’t be Sad ……I think they throw in the clicker:rofl:
You are correct, Jenna:. Rayne is absolutely beautiful, and endearing. While her forehead might feel ticklish when the ends of your brush touch it, I sense that she appreciates your care for her…and your blueberries.
jot to be Turning Heads with her Delicious Smell and SLICK, SHINY Forehead ……the Kind of Forehead Chimps LOVE TO TOUCH 😀 I’m sure she would have let you Slather her Feet and Hands,Too…..Ahhhhh
Blueberries ?
Sorry it’s Friday….. to lazy to correct myself:grin:
Great idea to get some moisturising on that forehead.
I have always wondered about Willy B.’s wrists….they could do with some coconut oil I would say???