A year ago today, we shared about KardiaMobile training with you all for the first time. I had been planning on sharing some exciting Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) progress today, and this gives me the perfect opportunity to share some of our wins from the past year. We have come so far!
As a refresher, the KardiaMobile is a small, wireless EKG device that records heart rhythm to a smartphone or other device. To record a complete reading, the chimpanzee must sit still for at least 30 seconds, with one finger from each hand resting on the pads of the KardiaMobile device. This sounds simple, but it is no small feat for a chimpanzee to stay completely still for 30 seconds. To make things trickier, readings are easily impacted by interference from other sources. For example, another chimpanzee pant-hooting, displaying, or even tapping on the caging to request a snack can impact a reading. Other devices such as fans, radios, and TVs can also cause interference which can muddle the EKG enough that it no longer provides diagnostic information. Watch the video before continuing on to avoid any spoilers!
Since our first update on this behavior, we have recorded multiple EKG readings with Willy B, Terry, Cy, and…George! Willy B is a quick learner and was the first to successfully record EKG readings. JB made some adjustments to the platform that holds the KardiaMobile device (and keeps it safe from being taken by the chimps), so that Terry’s adorably stubby fingers could reach the KardiaMobile, and he is now unstoppable. Cy needed more time to grasp the behavior, but in the past 2 weeks has recorded his first EKG reading, and several more since then! George impressed us all by learning the behavior in just one session!
Above is one of George’s first EKG readings recorded with the KardiaMobile device. You can see at the beginning where he moved his fingers slightly, and the reading is affected. He then settled in and recorded a very clear reading for Dr. Erin to be able to review.
PRT is one of my favorite parts of my job. Not only is it a fun way to build relationships and incredibly exciting when the chimpanzees make breakthroughs in behaviors, but most importantly it allows them to cooperate in their own care. Through KardiaMobile training, we are able to provide Dr. Erin with awake EKGs on the chimpanzees, which gives her a diagnostic tool to regularly assess their heart health. For more information about KardiaMobile training and other PRT behaviors, check out the blogs linked here, here, here and here!
Willy B?! Wow! Good job! I can see why George would catch on so quickly with all of his early training in life. Plus all that great nutritious food he’s now getting! Yay for Cy and Terry too. I’d think Jamie and Burrito would ace it.
I think Jamie would refuse to co-operate on principle, and good luck trying to get Burrito to sit still for 30 seconds 🙂
:thumbsup:
Oh George, once again a new challenge and he aced it. What a smart and delightful addition he has been, we look forward to having him within a group enjoying the companionship he deserves. Glad to see the other males were cooperative as well.
love all the boys – burrito & gordo have not yet been successful?
are the girls heart health less of a concern or not yet successful?
i agree rayne would be a good next intro for gorgeous george?
Great job to everyone! So fun to watch George quickly adapting. And proud of Cy for not giving up!
Magnificent work Ellen! With so many wonky things acting as obstacles (beyond the anticipated hoots, displays, and shenanigans) that affect the KardiaMobile outcome, you must have incredible patience to work through the training. I never imagined that fans, radios, TVs could mess with the device.
George does make mastering the 30 second hold look easy! As long you keep the beverage and goodies flowing, George is glued to KardiaMobile!
Well done Willy B, Terry, and Cy, too. Who will you teach next?
Wow! Way to go George! Also way to go Willy B, Cy, and Terry! Terry’s teeny tiny little fingers always crack me up.
Yet another great Blog in a constant series of wonderful and thoughtful reports on fun, food, play, conflict, exporation and “serious business” for the welfare of all, chimps, cows and caregivers alike. We are very fortunate to have this window on such great work, amazing growth, education (always with some surprises and valuable lessons included) and well deserved freedom, joy and comradere for all! Thank you CSNW!
Wow! Thank you for this wonderful update and video! The guys did a great job and George was truly impressive! Treats do help!