Page 308 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

280 11 Welfare Implications of Zoo Animal Training

VetBooks.ir Spinelli 1986). The aim of which was to train polar bears were less likely to show stereo-
typic behaviour if a training programme were
animals to perform behaviours which would
improve their welfare; this developed into
findings were reported by Shyne and Block
the phenomenon of environmental enrich- included in their husbandry routine. Similar
ment as practised widely now (see Chapter 6). (2010) in African wild dogs which were
We might train animals to show fewer trained for veterinary care, but during peri-
aggressive behaviours towards us (Minier ods when training was provided, the dogs
et al. 2011), as we don’t like to think that the spend less time performing stereotypic
animals don’t want to be in proximity to us. behaviours. In a study where both training
Another argument for training animals to and play (via human–animal interactions)
perform behaviours we like the look of, and/ were provided to a group of zoo housed
or are conducive to good animal welfare, is gorillas, a variety of behavioural indicators
that by performing these behaviours, the ani- associated with poor welfare were seen to
mal changes and becomes more like the reduce (stereotypies, behaviour directed at
behaviour it has been trained to display. Data visitors, aggression, and inactivity), whilst
do exist within the laboratory primate litera- behaviours associated with good welfare
ture, where primates have been trained to be were seen to rise (affiliative and social play‐
more social; this was executed by using posi- related behaviours; Carrasco et al. 2009).
tive reinforcement training of ‘less socially Importantly this final study found that the
engaged’ primates when they sat next to or positive ramifications associated with the
made physical contact with another primate training programme were seen in all animals
(e.g. Schapiro et al. 2003). in the group, even though training was not
Coleman and Maier (2010) found the provided to all animals in the group.
inclusion of a training programme reduced Interestingly, in another group of zoo housed
the performed behaviour and stereotypies in gorillas, behavioural change (reduced ear
a group of laboratory housed rhesus covering and keeper‐directed aggression)
macaques. The macaques were not explicitly was observed not during a period when
trained not to show stereotypies, but instead training was provided but afterwards
were trained for venepuncture. The authors (Figure 11.5). The authors suggest that a
suggested that the training might have func- combination of training and increased
tioned by alleviating boredom and stress. human–animal interactions were likely the
Shepherdson et al. (2013) also noted that cause the behavioural change.

Figure 11.5 Studies have shown that training and human–animal interactions can increase play behaviour in
gorillas. Source: Ryan Summers https://www.flickr.com/photos/oddernod/35106444790.