In a healthcare breakthrough, some of the cheekiest animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo are lifting their wings and presenting their paws for voluntary injections.
Kangaroos, ostriches and Tamar wallabies are now able to participate in their own healthcare without leaving their spacious habitats.
Werribee Open Range Zoo animal training coordinator Kelly Hobbs said the achievement follows months of positive reinforcement and involves a trusting relationship between keeper and animal.
“When we first started the training, we made sure we’re didn’t just stick the needle straight into their skin,” Ms Hobbs said.
“Keepers start by gently touching with their own hands, then a blunt object, and always reward the animals for staying still and choosing to engage with us.
“Eventually we were able to build up to a real needle that they now barely notice which is a testament to the strong, trusting bonds we’ve created.”
Ms Hobbs said the first step to obtaining a blood sample is to encourage the animals to touch their nose to a target stick, which helps them settle into position.
“Once the animal is standing still, we promptly provide a high-value food as a reward and as positive reinforcement for their participation,” Ms Hobbs said.
“A second keeper will then prompt the animal with a verbal cue to let them know that the keeper is about to touch and approach them with medical equipment – and that’s when all the magic happens.”
For kangaroos and Tamar wallabies, vaccines are injected into their thighs. But when doing a blood draw for an ostrich, the vein is underneath the wing, which requires a little extra help.
“It’s incredible that the ostriches know to lift up their wings for the blood draws,” Ms Hobbs said.
“But as their wings are quite heavy to hold in their air, sometimes we support them during the process.”
Once the blood sample is obtained, the animals are provided more tasty and nutritious treats and then carry on with their day.
Visitors can see the ostriches on the Savannah, and kangaroos and Tamar wallabies on the Australian Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo
