Taming a Reluctant Patient

Keepers get him to insert his arm by feeding him grapes, but care has to be used, because he can reach through the hole.

One morning last week during a training session, Teresa Anderson and Becky Malinsky coaxed Kwame into a holding area, where, in exchange for grapes, he stuck his arm through the sleeve.

Murray sat next to the sleeve with medical instruments. Anderson dropped grapes into Kwame's mouth. Malinsky watched for any sign of trouble.

The team has yet to draw blood from Kwame. Murray is still getting him used to the procedure, to the sight and feel of the instruments. During the session, she showed him the tiny, capped needle.

"Touching," she said, as she touched Kwame's arm. "Nice job. Verrry good." The session was brief. It was important that the gorilla enjoy the experience and eventually get bored with the needle.

Overall, he did well, and the keepers rewarded him with honey.

As for his unexpected arm thrust, "We try not to react to it," Anderson said. "Hopefully, he'll get over it."