Training to reliably obtain blood and urine samples from a diabetic chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)

Positive reinforcement training techniques were used to gain the cooperation of a socially housed, 3-year-old, insulin-dependent diabetic chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) in obtaining blood and urine samples for monitoring of glucose levels. A urine collection device, adaptable to many types of caging, allowed collection of urine from the diabetic subject as well as other trained, socially housed animals in their home cages. Four years after initial training, the diabetic subject continued to urinate into the container any time of the day or night, usually within 2 min of presentation of the cue, without removal from the home cage or separation from her companions. Blood samples were readily obtained from the subject by heel puncture or venipuncture.