We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable success of our innovative giraffe training programme that is taking cooperation to new heights. Get ready to witness the incredible power of positive reinforcement as these majestic creatures become willing participants in their own healthcare.
Our giraffe family, which includes one male, Sifa, and three females, Bella, Ruby, and Harriet, has made incredible progress over the past year. Our training programme focuses on encouraging the giraffes to voluntarily participate in healthcare procedures, such as hoof care, blood draws, jaw X-rays, and hand injections for contraception. This approach significantly reduces the need for sedation or restraint, ensuring a more relaxed experience for our giraffes.
Large Mammal Deputy Team Leader Shonagh Bell explained more, ‘During each training session, a target stick is used to communicate what we want the giraffes to do, while a clicker and vocal cues serve as signals that the behaviour has been achieved. The giraffes are rewarded with delicious treats like vegetables and willow leaves when they exhibit the targeted behaviour. This positive reinforcement strengthens the desired behaviour and encourages voluntary cooperation. We are delighted with how well the training programme is going so far.’
Harriet, often know as our shyest giraffe, has actually made the most progress in her training. She now willingly cooperates with blood draws from her neck, allowing us to collect samples without stress. Harriet and Sifa are also advancing well in hoof care training. They are now both comfortable placing their feet on a foot block and are beginning to accept touch from keepers.
Bella and Ruby are also part of the programme, though they’re still at an earlier stage. Ruby has her own ideas about rewards, insisting on training only for pellets and turning her nose up at carrots! On the other hand, Sifa’s enthusiasm is so apparent that he drools over the keepers during every session.
But this is just the beginning. This incredible programme also aims to achieve voluntary cooperation for jaw x-rays. Yes, you read that right. Giraffes getting x-rays! All in the name of dental health. Just like you would have a check-up at the dentist, these giraffes can now have a comprehensive assessment of their pearly whites without any fuss. Harriet has already paved the way by willingly participating in voluntary jaw x-rays.
Our Large Mammals team at Blair Drummond Safari Park is absolutely committed to the ongoing progress of this fantastic training programme. With the dedication of our keepers and the willingness of these lovely giraffes to participate, the future is looking brighter than ever for their overall health and well-being.
From hoof care to dental check-ups, these amazing creatures are showing us what can be achieved through patience, trust, and a handful of tasty treats. Hats off to the giraffes and their keepers for embarking on this remarkable journey. We can’t wait to see what incredible heights they’ll reach.