Giraffe and Rhino blood draw training

Werribee Open Range Zoo’s two largest species are now allowing keepers and
vets to take a blood sample - all without the need for an anaesthetic procedure
!
The achievement follows months of dedicated training sessions to shape new behaviours to help facilitate the medical
procedure, and build enduring and trusting bonds between the animals, keepers and vets.
Zoos Victoria is a zoo-based conservation organisation, fighting for a future rich in wildlife. Learn more about our work at zoo.org.au

[@cincinatus90]

Amazing animals

[@ewakoszczyk3580]

👍👍👍👍👍💖💖

[@cincinatus90]

The blood draws are not voluntary

[@shannondominguez9725]

Explain how they are not voluntary (I see nothing that is forced or pushed)something like this is a big behavior especially for a giraffe who are prey animals. They constantly get reinforced for standing there (and in the beginning it’s typically with a favorite food item they might not get all the time)while it’s being done and if the animal isn’t comfortable NOTHING is done without ensuring their comfort while making it a positive experience so it can continue to be done for the animals well being.