March 7-12, 2010
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Orlando, FL
The purpose of the Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium Settings course is to provide zoo and aquarium staff involved in the daily care of animals with a background in training theory and an understanding of the skills necessary to train animals.
This 5-day course will include classroom time that provides a historical perspective of animal training (including the art and science of training), as well as terminology and an overview of training techniques. Classroom time will also focus on problem solving and communication skills as well as other program considerations. In addition to classroom time, selected training concepts and skills will be taught via animal demonstrations, group activities and individual skill development (i.e. actual animal training) opportunities. Students will have hands-on experience in training animals housed at the park such as rats, fish, bearded dragons or juvenile alligators.
Course Tuition
$850 for AZA Individual Members
$950 for Non-members
Course Registration
Download the Registration Form. Please note that you can use Adobe Acrobat Reader to type your responses directly into this form, print, and return by mail or fax. You may also print the form, write in your information and return by mail or fax. Each course has a registration form specific for that course.
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 letter or wait list letter once acceptance decisions are made.
If you have any questions about your acceptance status, or for additional details please contact the AZA Professional Training Department or call (301) 562-0777.
Travel and Accommodations
Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive a confirmation letter containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.
Curious about the costs associated with this course?
The Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium Settings Cost and Logistics page will help you estimate the total cost of attending, including registration, hotel, and ground transportation.
Course Scholarships
The following scholarship opportunities are currently available to aquarium and zoo professionals for the Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium Settings.
Target Audience
The primary target audience will be animal keepers, aquarist, and other animal care staff from AZA institutions. Additional audiences include keepers and aquarist from non-AZA institutions and keepers/aquarist in a supervisory position. If space permits, Managers and Curators could also benefit from this course.
Course Topics
• Introduction to Animal Training and Animal Welfare
• Understanding an Animal's Natural and Individual Histories
• Learning Theory and Concepts
• How to Create a Training Plan
• Understanding Motivation and Relationships with Animals
• Communication and Partnerships
• Working with Social Groups and Maintaining Behavior
• Husbandry Training and Roadblocks
• Safety
• Reinforcement Strategies
• Record Keeping
• Problem Solving
• Common Challenges and Hurdles
• Animal Demonstrations/Group Activities
Course Schedule
Download the course schedule (subject to change)
Course Instructors
Emily Insalaco
Manager of Behavioral Programs
Denver Zoo
Marty MacPhee
Curator of Behavioral Husbandry
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Steve Martin
President of Natural Encounters, Inc.
Michelle Skurski
Zoological Manager of Behavioral Husbandry
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Ken Ramirez
Vice-President of Animal Collections and Animal Training
Shedd Aquarium
For additional details please contact the AZA Professional Training Department or call (301) 562-0777.