Module 07 - Environmental Enrichment

Examples of Environmental Enrichment

An extension of the use of feedstuffs to carry medication is the training of animals to take their own medication.  This monkey has been given a syringe with juice carrying the medication and he will take the juice voluntarily.  Although we can force most of our experimental animals to do what we want, it is always better to have their cooperation.  The level of stress on the animals, technicians, and investigators is less when force is not needed.  Monkeys and dogs have been trained to present arms or legs for blood sampling.  The training requires patience but the rewards are great for both the animals and the investigators.