Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am interested in training two juvenile alligators (about 4 feet, 12 pounds each) in a zoo setting. I have had no experience in this area, though I have read it has been done. These gators will be on exhibit where it will be difficult to remove them due to the large amount of water. My goals are to feed the gators at different stations and for the gators to go into a transportation box. These would be separate tasks. I have heard of others whose alligators have learned to go into boxes. Has anyone had exprience with this? Is shaping the best technique to use? What would be a reasonable time frame? In terms of wavelengths, what would be two different and very opposing colors to use? One idea that has crossed my mind is to have some type of color target when feeding, each gator having a different color. This was just an idea and I don't know the feasability of it. If anyone has any ideas or experience, I would love to hear it. Thanks

Hello,

Personally I think you won't have to much problem getting them to do what you want, if I understod you correctly. As I read you, and feel free to correct me if I am wrong, you will have the two alligators in the enclosure, but may wish to seperate them from time to time. To make the process easier you want a given animal to respond to a set color, correct?

Getting the alligators to respond to the feeding regimen will be fairly simple and also fairly quick. They are fast learners and learn a routine quickly. I suspect your biggest problem will be ensuring that both gators don't pick up the same cues, you want independent cues. This is harder with both animals in the same pen.

I have never kept a crocodilian, whether caiman, alligator, or crocodile of whatever species that did not learn the feeding -transport regimen well and quickly. I personally have never tried the color target idea, a friend did, had some success using white. The problem is, with a group of animals they all tend to focus on the small cues we miss, a door opening, footsteps, etc.

As an example, a large Nile croc in my care enters the water when he hears the gate opening, even though he cannot yet see me. If every animal in the group responds to such signals and anticipates a feeding it makes subsequent animal signals harder to isolate.

Sincerely,
CD

>>I am interested in training two juvenile alligators (about 4 feet, 12 pounds each) in a zoo setting. I have had no experience in this area, though I have read it has been done. These gators will be on exhibit where it will be difficult to remove them due to the large amount of water. My goals are to feed the gators at different stations and for the gators to go into a transportation box. These would be separate tasks. I have heard of others whose alligators have learned to go into boxes. Has anyone had exprience with this? Is shaping the best technique to use? What would be a reasonable time frame? In terms of wavelengths, what would be two different and very opposing colors to use? One idea that has crossed my mind is to have some type of color target when feeding, each gator having a different color. This was just an idea and I don't know the feasability of it. If anyone has any ideas or experience, I would love to hear it. Thanks

about the colors.. i know that Steve Irwin gets his crocodilians stimulated to eat by banging a WHITE bucket. Just thought i'd add

Interesting ideas. I am excited to try this, though it will be a few weeks before they will be moved from holding to exhibit. Hopefully they can learn basic behaviors that will make it easier for the gators. The exhibit design and size of gators would almost make it necessary to snare them if they need to be removed. The box idea would reduce stress if it works.
The biggest problem I foresee is that the gators won't discriminate how I want them too. When they see the keepers now, they get excited. I can see them running over when I open up the gate.

Alligators tend to only respond to visual stimuli if an object is moving. They are highly in tune with audio stimuli and this may work for you better. What has always worked for me is teaching the gators their individual names. This does not take very long usually. Just a few weeks at best. The way to do it is to repeat their name loudly and clearly several times with each item of food that you give them as they eat it. I have taught large groups of gators their names while feeding all simultaneously by employing this method. Over a short period of time, if the only time they hear the sound of their name is when they are literally eating they quickly associate this particular sound,.. with food. The secret is to never use their name except while the gator is phyically eating, until they have completely learned to respond to it. Once the individual gator understands that "Cuddles!" means food for him, he will never forget it. Remember, repeat it many times as each one is eating. Repetitive conditioning is what it is. Large pieces of food that they have to crack and chew and manipulate work best for this method. This way there is ample time to say the name as each is eating.

If you end up trying this procedure out keep me posted on your progress. If you have any difficulties don't hesitate to post here and I'll answer.

>>I am interested in training two juvenile alligators (about 4 feet, 12 pounds each) in a zoo setting. I have had no experience in this area, though I have read it has been done. These gators will be on exhibit where it will be difficult to remove them due to the large amount of water. My goals are to feed the gators at different stations and for the gators to go into a transportation box. These would be separate tasks. I have heard of others whose alligators have learned to go into boxes. Has anyone had exprience with this? Is shaping the best technique to use? What would be a reasonable time frame? In terms of wavelengths, what would be two different and very opposing colors to use? One idea that has crossed my mind is to have some type of color target when feeding, each gator having a different color. This was just an idea and I don't know the feasability of it. If anyone has any ideas or experience, I would love to hear it. Thanks
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Believe in yourself and your abilities and you can accomplish anything.

You could probably see if you can get a contact name at the Metro Toronto Zoo, they successfully move their Komodo dragons on and off display using laser pointers and dead rats as food rewards.

I suggest to get in contact to Gatorland in Orlando.
These guys are doing a great job training their crocodilians.
Ralf
Tomistoma Task Force