Positive Reinforcement Conditioning as a Tool for Frequent Minimally Invasive Blood and Vaginal Swab Sampling in African Lions (Panthera Leo)

ABSTRACT

Information regarding the physiology of African lions is scarce, mainly due to challenges associated with essential routine research procedures. The aim of this experiment was to test the possibility of training six captive lionesses by positive reinforcement conditioning (PRC) to voluntarily allow the collection of vaginal swabs and blood samples. This was done with the final goal of avoiding frequent anesthesia, and potentially stressful management during reproduction research. All lionesses mastered basic clicker and targeting principles within 2 weeks. Routine sampling was possible after 20 weeks of training, enabling the collection of about 750 vaginal swabs and 650 blood samples over 18 months. The animals remained calm and cooperative during all sessions, and demonstrated curiosity in the training. PRC training of captive lionesses proved to be a suitable, minimally invasive method for repeated collection of vaginal swabs and blood. Additionally, PRC may serve as behavioral enrichment for African lions in captive settings. Compared to chemical or physical restraining methods, this noninvasive management approach may reduce distress and physiological negative side effects, thus opening up new avenues for feline research.

KEYWORDS:

• African lion
• behavioral training
• blood collection
• operant conditioning
• vaginal swab collection

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Ukutula Conservation Center for the support provided during the development and performing of this study, especially Mr & Mrs Jacobs (owners of the facility), Mr Pierre Grobler and Ms Sara Gonçalves (creators of the “la-la-licking technique”), and all the staff, volunteers, and students directly involved in the training of the lionesses, as well as the South African National Research Foundation, the South African Veterinary Foundation, and the Zebra Foundation for Veterinary Zoological Education for the financial support.

Additional information

Funding

This research project was funded by the South African National Research Foundation, the South African Veterinary Foundation and the Zebra Foundation for Veterinary Zoological Education.