Differential reinforcement training of seals for husbandry procedures

Husbandry procedures performed on zoo animals often rely on invasive methods, such as anesthesia and physical restraint. Positive-reinforcement training is a fairly recent development used to make husbandry procedures less aversive. This study assessed the effectiveness of a treatment condition for training harbor seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) for husbandry procedures through a multiple baseline design across subjects, with a reversal on one seal (Saudargas and Drummer, 1995). The study consisted of two treatment conditions; non-contingent tactile reinforcement (NTR) and contingent tactile reinforcement (CTR). The seals were trained to remain on target for an extended period of time by using differential reinforcement in the form of tactile contact. Data were collected on the SECOS program on a HP-71 computer and statistically analyzed with ITSACORR (Crosbie, 1993). Results showed a significant increase in mean percent time on target for all subjects after the treatment was applied. In addition. ITSACORR showed a significant overall change between treatment conditions. The study allows for data-based decisions to be made, resulting in better management of the animals.