Comparing Synchronous and Episodic Reinforcement Schedules for Giraffe Hoof Care

Abstract

Animal wellbeing is a critical component of accredited zoological institutions. Staff enhance animal wellbeing by training animals to participate in their own healthcare. Routine medical procedures such as hoof trimming, blood collection, radiograph, injection, nail trims, and ultrasounds are considered common husbandry practices in zoos. However, training methods and strategies for long duration and sometimes uncomfortable husbandry behaviors vary among institutions. We used a within subject concurrent multiple baseline design with reversal to compare two schedules of reinforcement used to achieve voluntary hoof trims in zoo-housed giraffes: synchronous reinforcement and episodic reinforcement. Episodic reinforcement (ER) requires the learner to complete the behavior before the trainer delivers the reinforcement. In contrast, a synchronous reinforcement (SSR) schedule permits the trainer to deliver reinforcement while the target behavior occurs. The results show the giraffe (a) participated in longer hoof care trials in the SSR condition; (b) became slower (longer latency) to start the next trial as trial duration increased; (c) waited longer to assent to hoof care after experiencing the episodic condition; (d) emitted more unwanted behaviors in the shorter episodic trials compared to the longer SSR trials. This study indicates SSR could be useful for increasing giraffe participation in health care procedures to ultimately enhance their wellbeing.