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Rare iguana target-trained at US san Diego Zoo

Wednesday, 07 October 2015 6:46 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 07 October 2015 6:46 PM ]

For anyone who has trained animals, target-training should sound familiar. It is used to train animals to help shape their behavior. Now, a rare iguana at the US San Diego Zoo has participated in the workout and seemed to have enjoyed it!

During these sessions, a keeper asks the 31-years-old Gus to walk to a spot where a target is placed. Once he successfully completes the task, the keeper hits a clicker, letting the iguana know that he did what he was asked to do. Then, the keeper rewards him with a special treat to positively reinforce the behavior. The training provides exercise and mental stimulation for the animal and allows him to exhibit natural behaviors like foraging and climbing on rocks of his own free will.

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