<em>By Kim Wanders, Keeper III, Jacque Blessington, Keeper III
Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO </em>

<strong>Abstract</strong>
There are ~20 species of duikers(1).  The Red-flanked duiker is a medium-sized duiker that is found naturally in western and central Africa.  From the 2006-2007 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Population Management Plan (PMP), there were 27.22 individuals at 17 institutions.

In 2007, the Kansas City Zoo housed 1.1 Red-flanked duikers.  Lil, the female, was born at the Kansas City Zoo on 30 September 2004.  Alfalfa, the male, was born at the San Diego Zoo and was brought to Kansas City on 17 November 2006 as a breeding recommendation from the 2006-2007 Population Management Program [PMP].

Red-flanked duikers are generally shy and elusive creatures that normally live in pairs.  They are monogamous animals with a very short estrus period of only ~1/2 to 1 full day(1).  Gestation is recorded at ~223-245 days (2,3).  Given that the estrus period is so short, the staff working with the duikers had never seen actual copulation by the pair.  It was decided that a conditioning program would be established to help determine and monitor a possible pregnancy.  The conditioning program started with scale training to track weight changes followed by ultrasound training to determine actual pregnancy and calf development.  Upon completion of the ultrasound training, it was decided to apply her previous conditioning to radiograph training.

This article is a compilation of the steps taken and results found from these conditioning programs.

<strong>Scale Conditioning</strong>
1. Presented board covered with mats that were used in holding.  Treats were placed on it as a tool for desensitizing.
2. Slowly raised the board until it was approximately the height it would be when placed on top of the bar scales.
3. Once the desired height was reached, desensitizing was practiced a couple of times a week with the bar scales, board and mats.  The entire process took less than a month for her to voluntarily step up on the weighing board. (see Photos 1 &amp; 2)

We did not use a clicker or whistle.  Animal is very skittish with different/new sounds (general characteristic of duikers).  We utilized a verbal reinforcement paired with food rewards of sweet potato, grape and apple as well as various other treats.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1977" title="duiker" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/duiker.jpg" alt="duiker" width="661" height="513" />

<strong>Photo 1</strong>