Meerkat mob take the sting out of annual injections
The Slender-tailed meerkats at Werribee Open Range Zoo are impressively queuing up for their medical immunisations, with an innovative training technique making potentially stressful medical procedures a thing of the past.
The training focuses on providing the highest quality welfare for the animals, enabling them to have the choice and control to participate, and providing incentivisation with high-value food rewards.
Zookeepers are using a custom-designed, open-ended L-shaped medical chute, that allows the meerkats to voluntarily manoeuvre into. Once inside, they cleverly extend their tiny paws to touch a target stick, to indicate they’re in position for the procedure. The meerkats then calmly allow keepers to administer the vaccinations, which is immediately rewarded with some tasty treats.
African River Trail Keeper Eliza Baker said training any behaviour to support an animal’s healthcare takes a series of small steps supported by big rewards.
“We commence the training by using a capped needle to apply a small amount of pressure to desensitise the area,” Ms Baker said. “If the Meerkat’s behaviour consistently indicates they’re comfortable with the sensation of pressure, we can progress this to finally administering the injection.”
To ensure a positive experience for all participants, training is supported by positive reinforcement to help build an enduring and trusting bond between the keepers and individual animals.
To ensure a positive experience for all participants, training is supported by positive reinforcement to help build an enduring and trusting bond between the keepers and individual animals.
“By empowering our animals to participate in their own proactive healthcare, we’re able to reduce any undue stress. This is particularly important for social species, such as Meerkats, to maintain a strong group cohesion.
“The training chute is designed so we can safely access the muscle of their thigh without the need for restraint or anaesthesia. As it is open ended, the meerkats can decide whether to participate or leave the session if they feel uncomfortable at any stage.”
Zoos Victoria and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au. Zoos Victoria Members no longer need to book but are required to scan their Membership card for entry.
