Strepsirrhine Primate Training Programs in North American Institutions: Status and Implications for Future Welfare Assessment

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Training techniques are based on operant conditioning learning (the behavior is modified by its consequences). In many nonhuman primate species, they have been used to influence animals to perform specific behaviors voluntarily and cooperate with routine husbandry and veterinary procedures. However, the information regarding the suborder of strepsirrhine primates (lemurs, lorises, and galagos) is scarce. We assessed the development and current status of training programs with these species in North American institutions through an online survey. We collected information related to training program details; animals, behaviors, and techniques; the evaluation process; and the impact of training. Seventy-one organizations completed the survey, with results showing that 97% trained their strepsirrhines with the main objectives of husbandry and veterinary care (around 80%). Sixty-eight percent of organizations did not report any risk in training these species. The benefits reported include increases in positive human–animal interactions, psychological well-being, and staff awareness of animal behaviors, supporting the success of these programs in providing optimal care for these nonhuman primates. However, we need to improve our understanding of the impact of training on the welfare of strepsirrhine primates, and we hope that the data offered in this survey can help in this future assessment. ABSTRACT: Many articles have shown the benefits of operant conditioning training techniques in the care and welfare of several species of nonhuman primates; however, the information regarding their use in strepsirrhine species is scarce. We assessed the development and current status of training programs with these species in North American institutions. An online survey was distributed through members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums using a multiple-choice format. We collected information related to training program details; animals, behaviors, and techniques; the evaluation process; and the impact of training. Seventy-one organizations completed the survey, with the results showing that 97% of respondents trained their strepsirrhines with the main objective of husbandry and veterinary care (around 80%). Sixty-eight percent of organizations did not report any risk in training these species. The benefits reported include increases in positive human–animal interactions (97%), psychological well-being (88%), and staff awareness of animal behaviors (90%). However, a multi-dimensional approach to measure the efficacy of training could provide a deeper understanding of its impact on the welfare of strepsirrhine primates. We hope that the data offered in this survey can help in this future assessment.