Red river hog training

Here at Durrell we use operant and classical conditioning to enhance the welfare of our animals. By using reward techniques such as clicker and target training we can perform simple but crucial veterinary and husbandry procedures without the animals having to endure the stressful process of catch up.

Lola and Lara have learned to touch and follow a target, which means they can be moved safely around the enclosure, into crates and onto weighing scales. They are learning to calmly accept a syringe, to open their mouths, climb up against the sides of the enclosure and to stand still so they can be easily and safely examined.

We are also training them to touch an object at a distance so we can get them used to novel structures such as a crate being introduced into their enclosure.

The hogs engage in this activity of their own free will and can wander off at any point if they choose to do so. We do not train our animals to perform unnecessary behaviours purely for entertainment purposes.

And this with just a click and a few peanuts!

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