Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Training Laboratory Rabbits to Refine Routine Husbandry Procedures
Published on: February 16, 2024
Using operant conditioning and desensitization to facilitate veterinary care with captive reptiles
Heidi Hellmuth1, Lauren Augustine, Barbara Watkins
1Department of Animal Programs, Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008, USA. hhellmuth@verizon.net
Abstract:
In addition to being a large component of most zoological collections, reptile species are becoming more popular as family pets. Reptiles have the cognitive ability to be trained to facilitate daily husbandry and veterinary care. Desensitization and operant conditioning can alleviate some of the behavioral and physiological challenges of treating these species. A survey of reptile training programs at zoos in the United States and worldwide reveals that there are many successful training programs to facilitate veterinary care and minimize stress to the animal. Many of the techniques being used to train reptiles in zoological settings are transferable to the exotic pet clinician.
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