Animal Welfare Committee Mission
The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) defines animal welfare and promotes a common understanding within AZA zoos and aquariums as to the role of the AWC, and each AZA member’s responsibilities including:
- Identifying and encouraging the development of animal welfare research projects and assessment tools
- Educating and engaging AZA zoos and aquariums in applying assessment tools
- Driving the creation of Animal Care Manuals for all taxa
- Proactively identify and address internal and external animal welfare issues not addressed in the Animal Care Manuals
- Understand and influence public perception about animal welfare in AZA zoos and aquariums.
Chair:
Nadja Wielebnowski, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo
Vice-Chair/Animal Care Manuals:
Sara Hallager, Smithsonian National Zoo
Vice-Chair/Communications:
Chris Kuhar, Ph.D., Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Members:
Kathy Carlstead, Ph.D., Honolulu Zoo
Liz Harmon, Kansas City Zoo
Tom Mason, Toronto Zoo
Robert Peel, Calgary Zoo
Lori Perkins, Zoo Atlanta
David Powell, Bronx Zoo
Gary Priest, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park
Ken Ramirez, John G. Shedd Aquarium
Suzi Rapp, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Steve Ross, Lincoln Park Zoo
David Shepherdson, Ph.D., Oregon Zoo
Andy Snider, Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo
Grey Stafford, Ph.D.,Wildlife World Zoo
Beth Stark-Posta, Toledo Zoo
Karen Terio, D.V.M., University of Illinois
Advisers:
Joseph Barber, Barber Consulting
Scott Carter, Detroit Zoo
Roger Germann, John G. Shedd Aquarium
Jill Mellen, Ph.D., Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Don Moore, Smithsonian National Zoo
Dawn Neptune, Utah's Hogle Zoo, AAZK
Board Liaison:
Pat Simmons, Akron Zoological Park
AZA Staff Liaisons:
Paul Boyle, Ph.D., Debborah Colbert, Ph.D., Candice Dorsey, Ph.D.