Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) is an important part of how we care for the chimpanzees at CSNW. It allows us to work together to accomplish a variety of goals, from daily shifting to access their spaces for cleaning, emergency recall when there is danger present (for example a rattlesnake in their outdoor enclosure), regular monitoring of chronic health conditions (for example utilizing the Kardia Mobile to obtain ekg readings) as well as acute injuries (obtaining an x-ray on a hand or foot, or presenting a wounded body part for inspection and cleaning), and much more all while rewarding the chimps for their cooperation with something that is motivating for them. In today’s blog video, see what the chimps have been learning lately, and make your guess as to who will be the star student!
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
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This was hilarious!
I predict Cy and George as the stars (and possibly Jamie).
Dora will try to eat it.
Honey B will try to use it to pick the locks.
“Honey B will try to use it to pick the locks.” 😀 😀 😀
Caregivers should add “creative, patient, calm, and persistent” to describe their personal qualities and “trained observers and supportive teachers versed in team work” to their job descriptions! Such important training underway, no easy task!
Oh my god, Dora’s choice to do a deep dive into her nostrils had me laughing so hard. If I had to pick somebody who would be best at this task, I’d have to go with Willy B simply because, as you proved, he loves opening up his mouth to check out his teeth. He will do so willingly and without a juice treat!
It appeared as if all the chimps were “opening” their mouths for a sip of juice not for an open-wide inspection. Seems like a tricky transition to get them to understand the end result required. But I did love seeing all those lips protruding from the mesh awaiting their sweet reward!
Good luck as you move forward! Please keep us in the progress loop.
Baby steps!
What fun…..I think maybe the B’s will win as Willy already does it naturally and Honey is so intelligent. How do you get Burrito to anything with a serious side, when he turns everything into a game??
and getting him to hold still!
Dora! :sweat_smile:
I think Willy B will have it down pretty quickly! Like others has said, he loves to show off his teeth!
Rayne, who else? :heart_eyes: