Test Apparatus

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Multi-Access Box (MAB)

Puzzle boxes, like the multi-access box (MAB) that I am using to test cheetahs (described below), have been used to evaluate numerous species, including cheetahs. However, prior to conducting this study, no cheetah, to my knowledge and thorough research, had ever successfully opened a puzzle box.

I hypothesized that this was not because cheetahs lack intelligence, but instead was the result of the MAB not being designed with cheetah morphology in mind. The research that I am conducting is specifically designed to test cheetahs utilizing an MAB tailored to the unique adaptations of the cheetah, with the goal of learning more about the cognitive abilities of the species.

IMG_5786

Multi-Access Box (MAB)

Puzzle boxes, like the multi-access box (MAB) that I am using to test cheetahs (described below), have been used to evaluate numerous species, including cheetahs. However, prior to conducting this study, no cheetah, to my knowledge and thorough research, had ever successfully opened a puzzle box.

I hypothesized that this was not because cheetahs lack intelligence, but instead was the result of the MAB not being designed with cheetah morphology in mind. The research that I am conducting is specifically designed to test cheetahs utilizing an MAB tailored to the unique adaptations of the cheetah, with the goal of learning more about the cognitive abilities of the species.

IMG_5786
Untitled design (34)

Morphology-Specific MAB

The MAB was constructed using 1.905 cm (3/4 in) thick, transparent cast acrylic sheeting and a steel frame, and was designed to ensure the safety of all participating individuals. Multiple holes are present on each side of the MAB to allow for both olfactory and visual identification of a food reward within the box. Four access points to the food reward are located on separate sides of the MAB, each requiring a unique solution. Four separate, internal compartments are present within the box, with each internal compartment corresponding to an access point solution on the box.

Morphology-Specific MAB

The MAB was constructed using 1.905 cm (3/4 in) thick, transparent cast acrylic sheeting and a steel frame, and was designed to ensure the safety of all participating individuals. Multiple holes are present on each side of the MAB to allow for both olfactory and visual identification of a food reward within the box. Four access points to the food reward are located on separate sides of the MAB, each requiring a unique solution. Four separate, internal compartments are present within the box, with each internal compartment corresponding to an access point solution on the box.

Untitled design (34)
Untitled design (32)

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Are you interested in supporting this research? We are seeking collaboration with zoological and breeding facilities housing cheetahs that may be interested in allowing us to conduct this research onsite with resident cheetahs. Contact us to learn more about how you can get involved!

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