It’s just past 6 a.m. at the San Diego Zoo. I crack the large gorilla-size door open to the kitchen, trying to be as quiet as possible so I don’t wake up Alvila, a 41-year-old female gorilla sleeping right next to the kitchen. As I prepare a breakfast of omnivore biscuits, made especially for our gorilla friends, and a few pieces of fruit, I hear low grumbling greetings coming from all directions: two gorilla troops are letting me know they have heard me moving around the kitchen.

Paul Donn (pictured above), a 13-year-old male, stations himself next to the chute system that he will go through to get to the Gorilla Tropics habitat. Like pawns in a chess game ready to make their next move, each gorilla begins to position itself between the bedrooms and hallways, although it’s still too early to release them into the exhibit. They are habituated to eating breakfast in their own designated area. I begin handing out gorilla biscuits, enhanced with watermelon flavoring, making sure each has gotten their share. It will take them some time to finish their breakfast. This allows me time to clean their enclosure and prepare their daily diets.

Shortly before the Zoo opens its door to the public, each gorilla goes through a short Operant Conditioning Training Course. We separate each gorilla in a chute transfer system that allows the keepers to get a closer look at each animal and run through the training course. Training five basic behaviors allows us to see or treat any body part, if needed, on a daily basis.

Through several visual and verbal cues, the session begins. First, we begin with a back presentation that allows manipulation of the upper and lower back. Second, we ask for an open mouth, which gives us a great view of teeth, gums, or anything unusual going on in the mouth. The third, and one of the most important, behavior is a voluntary shoulder presentation for future vaccinations or blood draws. Next, we check each foot for cuts and scrapes. Lastly, a chest presentation allows manipulation of the entire chest area and gives veterinarians a chance to listen to the heart.

Once each gorilla has gotten a passing grade on these behaviors, he or she is released on exhibit to enjoy a treat scatter and the fresh browse we provide daily. And that’s how the gorillas’ day begins!

Juan Fernandez is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.

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