スミソニアン国立動物園さんのインスタグラム写真 - (スミソニアン国立動物園Instagram)「Happy International Clouded Leopard Day! Let’s learn a thing or two about our clouded leopard cubs—Jilian and Paitoon! . . . Every morning and afternoon, the cubs take part in husbandry training sessions. Asia Trail keepers are teaching them behaviors that enable them to voluntarily participate in their own veterinary care. This allows our animal care team to perform important procedures—including administering vaccines—while the cubs are awake, reducing the need for anesthesia. . . . Over the past few months, keepers have been working closely with Jilian and Paitoon to voluntarily accept injections. This prepares them for yearly vaccinations they will need, such as rabies and distemper. . . . Our training program uses positive reinforcement, which means the cubs are rewarded with a favorite treat for doing the behavior asked of them. Paitoon always trains first because he demands it! He will eagerly train for his normal diet of raw meatballs. Jilian’s favorite treat is goat’s milk. Keepers dilute it with water, and she happily laps it out of a syringe. . . . The first time keepers were able to inject Paitoon with hardly any reaction at all was a very proud moment! Training complex behaviors such as this can take weeks, months or even years. (Paitoon mastered it in 2 months and received rabies and distemper vaccines. Jilian is allowing needle sticks, and keepers are pleased with the progress she has made so far.) The trick is to turn an experience that could be uncomfortable or scary into something positive and enjoyable.」8月5日 0時57分