Ex-situ Captive
Breeding Programme

We carry out behavioural training programmes with our primates for four key reasons: husbandry, veterinary care, behavioural modification, and problem-solving and enrichment.

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It is important that all trained behaviours remain within the natural capabilities of the species and provide clear benefits to the individual animal. These benefits include improved welfare, reduced stress associated with traditional husbandry techniques, and physical or cognitive stimulation. Any trained behaviour must not compromise the animal’s physical or psychological well-being and should form part of its behaviour management programme, as outlined in the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Animal Training Focus Group Position Statement.

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At the Centre, we follow the operant conditioning method of training, also known as positive reinforcement training, as described by the BIAZA Focus Group:

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“Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behaviour is influenced by its consequences. Behaviour is strengthened if followed by the addition of a stimulus the animal desires (known as positive reinforcement) or the removal of a stimulus the animal does not desire (negative reinforcement). Likewise, a behaviour is weakened if followed by the addition of a stimulus the animal does not desire (positive punishment) or the removal of a stimulus the animal desires (negative punishment). The animal ‘operates’ on the environment, leading to a desired outcome. This type of learning is described as ‘response-stimulus’ relations, as the behaviour is not automatically triggered by the stimulus.”