Objectives

2

The responses to stress of captive Malayan sun bears (

Helarctos malayanus

) during the management

transportation and physical examination were reduced to improve the efficiency of feeding and management.

Methods

2

4 captive Malayan sun bears including a 9 years old male "Kunzai"

a 13 years old female "Damei"

a 11 years old female "Ermei"

and a 9 years old female "Sanmei" from Chongqing Zoo were used to conduct behavioral training by establishing conditioned reflex through positive reinforcement including following training

crate‑entering training and weighing training. The state of behavior and stress in the Malay sun bear was observed and recorded throughout the entire process of training.

Results

2

4 Malayan sun bears were able to stably respond to manual instructions and successfully complete standardized operations including following

autonomously entering and exiting the transport crates

and passive weight testing after the systematic positive reinforcement training. There were no abnormal behaviors including aggressive behavior

restlessness and escape

and no obvious responses to stress throughout the training and practical operation.

Conclusions

2

The training protocol is easy to operate

highly safe and practical

which can effectively avoid the stress and stimulation caused by manual operation on captive Malay sun bears

and is suitable for large-scale captive management scenarios. It will provide scientific basis and practical reference for the daily management

medical care

allocation of population and safe transportation of captive Malayan sun bears.