Training Animals for a Healthy Life in Our Zoo
At Chahinkapa Zoo, one of the most important tasks we undertake is training and caring for our animals, giving them the best possible care both physically and psychologically.
To that end, we use proven methods of operant conditioning to reduce stress during our routine animal management and veterinary procedures. Training not only reduces stress but also increases mental stimulation and gives our animals behavioral choices. Training takes place with many species in the zoo.
- Otters
- Orangutan
- Cheetahs
- Snow Leopards
- Spider Monkeys
- Cougars
- Tigers
- Gibbon
- Camels
- American Alligator
- Lemurs
- Fossa
- Grizzly Bears
- American Bison
Training takes place every day at Chahinkapa Zoo, and you're welcome to participate by observing and asking questions of our staff.
Bear Training
Teeth Check

Keepers give oral exams to the animals to check their teeth for cavities and their mouth and tongue for sores. Changing in eating habits is one indication that something in the mouth might be bothering the animal.
Spider Monkey Training
Belly Present

Belly present is a great way for the keepers to check an animal's abdomen for hardness, bumps, and abrasions. For female animals, keepers are able to check for pregnancy.
Orangutan Training
Enrichment Painting

Enrichment painting for Tal is an extra added enrichment that he loves to do with our director, Kathy Diekman. Orangutans are extremely intelligent and therefore need extra stimulants to use all parts of their brain. Painting makes Tal think more. Tal had an art show that went national. When available, you can purchase Tal's paintings.
Otter Training
Targeting

Targeting is the first thing most animals are trained to do. Targeting allows the animals to focus on an object for distraction while the keepers check the animal over.
Cougar Training
Side Present (Mock Wound Treatment)

Side present mock wound treatment allows the keepers to apply swat on an animal's side/back without having to give an anesthetic. This position also allows keepers to get a closer look at the animal's sides for wounds and sores. Keepers could also give injections in this position if need be.
Other Benefits of Zoo Animal Training
- Provides opportunities for Chahinkapa Zoo staff to build skills and share knowledge with colleagues for the betterment of professional conservation facilities
- Develop the skills in our animal care staff by encouraging staff creativity, keeper-animal relationships, and superior animal management techniques
- Reduces stress during emergency veterinary procedures
- Improves daily management methods
- Facilitates introductions with new animals
- Creates a goal-oriented, self-sustaining, and measurable program
Learn More About
Chahinkapa Zoo
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