I love watching the chimps learn new ways to participate in their own healthcare. We’ve had a KardiaMobile device for a little while now, thanks to a generous donor who purchased it from our wish list, but only after making sufficient progress with other medical behaviors was our PRT team able to begin setting their sights on training everyone for cooperative EKGs. In theory it’s a simple behavior to train, since it doesn’t involve any pain or discomfort, but getting a chimpanzee to sit still for 30 seconds straight, while at the same time getting their friends to wait their turn, can be a challenge. Kudos to our training team and to our current EKG champion, Willy B. But watch your back, Willy—once we adjust the platform to accommodate ol’ stubby fingers (aka Terry), you may have some competition!
Hey, speaking of wish lists and generous donors…if you’d like to help supply the sanctuary with food, enrichment, medicines, supplies, and other necessities, please check out our Christmas in July drive and help empty our wish lists!
Linda C says
Willy B takes the prize!
I thought Honey B was going to try to horn in on his session, too.
JB, are you currently just focusing on training those who have known heart conditions?(the guys)
J.B. says
They are the priority but in reality we often end up training whoever shows up!
Linda C says
With Blueberries and grapes, who wouldn’t show up!? :yum:
Judy says
Wow… just wow!
Dan Oksiuta says
Perhaps if the phone is positioned so they can see the data recording squiggles that extra feedback would facilitate training. They’re smart enough to grasp the idea.
Arlene and Michael says
This is amazing. Thank you to the donor who purchased it for the Sanctuary too:)
Kathleen says
Yay Terry and Willy B!! Well done, I am so impressed. Ellen you are an excellent teacher! Your voice is fun filled and positive and you offer up special treats so I can see why the gang is lining up to play the two finger touch game with you. Seriously, seeing everybody lined up from the back as they spy on your training session was simply fabulous. I’ve got to go back and watch it again.
Eli says
I love to see everyobe so interested and engaged in the PRT sessions… Even when they’re not the ones participating!!! Willy B handles the KardiaMobile like an old pro! He was so still! I got a good laugh out of Terry raspberry-ing away the whole time!
Adrienne says
Great tiny device – thank you to the generous donor!!! :clap::woman::medical_symbol::monkey_face:?
Anne Gardner says
Good that you have it thanks to the wonderful donor. The chimps at Whipsnade zoo also have this training as two of their male chimps were found to carry two genes for ARVC. They had a teenage chimp die suddenly back in 2008 hence the research, they also trained the chimps to have conscious cardiac ultrasounds and the two individuals also have implantable loop recorders. Great you’re able to check on your beautiful chimps too with this amazing device.