The Use of Classical and Operant Conditioning in Training Aldabra Tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) for Venipuncture and Other Husbandry Issues

A variety of nonhuman animals in zoo and research settings have been the subjects of classical and operant conditioning techniques. Much of the published work has fo-cused on mammals, husbandry training, and veterinary issues. However, several zoos are training reptiles and birds for similar procedures, but there has been little of this work published. Using positive reinforcement techniques enabled the training of 2 male and 2 female Aldabra tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) to approach a target, hold steady on target, and stretch and hold for venipuncture. This article discusses training techniques, venipuncture sight, and future training. Nonhuman animal training for husbandry and veterinary purposes in a zoo set-ting has recently grown within the zoo and research community. Training results have been reported for various primates (Kelly & Bramblett, 1981; Laule, 1992; Priest, 1990), marine mammals (McHugh, Lacinak, & Force, 1989; Reichard