The elephant in the classroom!
February 4-9, 2013
Oglebay Resort
Wheeling, WV
From 2013 through 2016, enrollment in this course will be restricted to current elephant care professionals working in AZA-Accredited institutions.
Contact the AZA Professional Development Program Manager at azatraining@aza.org to reserve spaces for keepers at your institution.
For more information about the new PEM courses and requirements, view our FAQs.
Course Description
Principles in Elephant Management I focuses on the foundation necessary for developing comprehensive and proactive elephant management programs. Students will take away skills for creating self-sustaining elephant management programs. AZA Accreditation Standards require that at all elephant care professionals (keepers, managers, and directors) at institutions keeping elephants attend this course.
Tuition & Expenses
Early Bird Rates:
$850 for AZA Individual Members
$950 for Non-members
Regular Rates:
$950 for AZA Individual Members
$1050 for Non-members
The AZA registration fee above covers only tuition for the course. Other expenses include hotel, travel, and meals. For more information about costs and logistics for courses hosted by Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV, visit our Wheeling Courses Travel Information page.
Scholarship funding is available through a competitive process.
Target Audience
This course is designed for elephant managers, curators who oversee elephant programs and elephant handlers. At least one elephant manager at each institution keeping elephants is required to attend this course.
Prerequisites
None. Priority will be given to individuals associated with AZA accredited institutions. If you are not employed by a zoo or aquarium, please submit a letter describing your interest in taking the course; instructors will then determine whether the class would suit your needs.
Course Registration
Checks sent for course payment will be cashed immediately upon receipt as per standard business practices. Cashing your check does not indicate that you have been accepted into a course. You will receive an acceptance email or waitlist email once acceptance decisions are made.
Travel & Accommodations
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the closest airport. Airport Limousine Plus and First Class Limo provide a shuttle service between PIT and the hotel.
Course participants stay at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling, West Virginia and classes meet on-site.
Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive an email containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.
Course Topics & Instructors
- SSP/TAG Updates
- Standards and Protocols
- Training theory and terminology
- Conflict Resolution
- System Definitions
- Behavioral Components
- Public/Media Relations
- Animal Welfare Issues
- Enrichment
- Tools/Equipment/Facility Design
- Problem Solving
- Medical Management
- Elephant foot care
- Elephant Reproduction/Birth Management/Calf introductions
- Successful Elephant Program Components
Melinda Arnold, Public Relations/Marketing Director
Dickerson Park Zoo
Jeff Bolling, Assistant Curator of Elephants
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Chris Dulong
Toronto Zoo
Daryl Hoffman, Curator of Large Mammals
Houston Zoo
Sharon Joseph, Vice-President of Animal Operations
Houston Zoo
Curtis Lehman, Animal Care Manager - Elephants
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Bruce Upchurch, Curator of Behavioral Management & Elephants
Woodland Park Zoo
Tony Vecchio, Executive Director
Jacksonville Zoo
Ellen Wiedner, Clinical Lecturer in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine
Questions?
For additional details please contact the AZA Professional Development Department or call (301) 562-0777.