Brushing Bonobo Teeth

A bonobo keeper at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens provides oral hygiene to Lexi, a female bonobo. Lexi is a willing participant in her own care, due to a positive reinforcement training called operant conditioning. "Clicker," "target," or "whistle training" are other terms that may be familiar to those who use positive reinforcement in dog training.

Animal training at the zoo is not for tricks. Many of the behaviors sought are related to providing optimal stress-free veterinary care, such as examination of the mouth and brushing teeth. Sometimes behaviors sought are to facilitate management or safety goals (training animals to shift easily in and out through doors without crowding or aggression, training animals to separate from each other without anxiety).

Another benefit of training is that apes enjoy the challenge of learning. As one can see in Lexi's expression, learning is its own reward. To top it off, she gets treats, such as grapes, for a job well done!

Photo by M. Brickner