Traditionally, giraffe in human care have been considered to be challenging patients, partly due to their tall stature, unique anatomy, and neophobic nature. However, zookeepers and veterinary staff at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are challenging these assumptions by incorporating operant conditioning methods for medical behaviors. By using positive reinforcement procedures to shape medical behaviors, we are able to do an increasingly wide range of diagnostics and treatments. This allows our 17 reticulated giraffe to be active participants in their own medical care.
