Information regarding the physiology of African lions is scarce, mainly due to challenges associated with essential routine research procedures. The aim of this experiment was to test the possibility of training six captive lionesses by positive reinforcement conditioning (PRC) to voluntarily allow the collection of vaginal swabs and blood samples. This was done with the final goal of avoiding frequent anesthesia, and potentially stressful management during reproduction research. All lionesses mastered basic clicker and targeting principles within 2 weeks. Routine sampling was possible after 20 weeks of training, enabling the collection of about 750 vaginal swabs and 650 blood samples over 18 months. The animals remained calm and cooperative during all sessions, and demonstrated curiosity in the training. PRC training of captive lionesses proved to be a suitable, minimally invasive method for repeated collection of vaginal swabs and blood. Additionally, PRC may serve as behavioral enrichment for African lions in captive settings. Compared to chemical or physical restraining methods, this noninvasive management approach may reduce distress and physiological negative side effects, thus opening up new avenues for feline research.

有关非洲狮子生理的信息很少，主要是由于与基本日常研究程序有关的挑战。本实验的目的是测试通过积极强化条件训练（PRC）训练六只圈养母狮的可能性，以自愿收集阴道拭子和血液样本。这样做的最终目的是避免频繁的麻醉，避免生殖研究过程中产生压力。所有雌狮在2周内掌握了基本的答题器和定位原则。经过20周的训练，可以进行常规采样，从而在18个月内收集约750个阴道拭子和650个血液样本。在所有训练中，动物保持镇定与合作，并在训练中表现出好奇心。PRC圈养雌狮的训练被证明是一种适用于重复采集阴道拭子和血液的微创方法。此外，中华人民共和国可能会在圈养环境中充实非洲狮子的行为。与化学或物理限制方法相比，这种无创管理方法可以减少痛苦和生理上的负面影响，从而为猫科研究开辟了新途径。