For more information on the Avian SAG Meetings and Workshops, download the draft schedule in PDF.
Sunday, April 7
7:30 am – 10:00 am
• Kori Bustard SSP – closed
10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Piciiformes TAG
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Anseriiformes TAG
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Raptor TAG – closed
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
• Ratitie TAG
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
• Penguin TAG
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
• Coraciiformes TAG
Monday, April 8
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Avian SAG Workshop - We’re Not In It Alone-Integrating Conservation Strategies Across Mutual Organizations
Today’s wildlife management, whether in zoos or in the wild may require a cooperative global approach to be truly successful. Program leaders within AZA can become more effective by working more closely with organizations such as IUCN/SSC [International Union for Conservation of Nature- Species Survival Commission], BirdLife International, USFWS, CBSG [Conservation Breeding Specialist Group and WAZA [World Association of Zoos and Aquariums], EAZA [European Association of Zoos and Aquariums], ZAA [Zoo and Aquarium Association], LAAZA [Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums]. By working cooperatively and on a global scale only then can we begin to address the many issues facing the future sustainability of wildlife populations. This workshop will provide an introduction to these organizations, provide case studies of successful globally managed captive programs and will give the AZA program leader the necessary tools required for managing their populations at a cooperative and more effective level.
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• ASAG TAG Chairs/Steering Committee – closed
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Avian TAG Chairs – closed
Tuesday, April 9
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
• Collaborative Thinking Session - Ingetrating Conservation Strategies Across Mutual Organizations Q&A
This collaborative thinking session will be an opportunity for those attendees who attended the Monday workshop “We're Not In It Alone-Integrating Conservation Strategies Across Mutual Organizations” to pose questions to the speakers. All conference attendees are welcome to attend this interactive Q and A session.
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
• Collaborative Thinking Session - Bird Safe Exhibit Design
Zoos and aquariums are in a unique position to lead by example by promoting “bird safe design” principals in all new construction, and to retrofit existing reflective surfaces that can be a hazard to birds. By communicating these efforts to guests, anyone can easily and inexpensively incorporate these strategies at home and participate in a meaningful way to conserve wildlife. In this session participants will be able to: Learn about the research currently underway to better understand the issues surrounding bird strikes; discuss strategies and share experiences; and learn about guidelines and regulations regarding bird safe design in several cities.
Wednesday, April 10
9:30 am – 10:30 am
• Columbiformes TAG
10:45 am – 12:00 pm
• Conures, Cooties and Common Sense
In a joint session with the Safety Summit, safety topics such as zoonotic disease, service animal accessibility, and avian aggression issues in walk through aviaries will be discussed.
1:15 pm – 5:30 pm
• Avian SAG General Meeting
Thursday, April 11
7:00 am – 8:00 am
• Avian SAG Steering Committee – closed
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Chardiiformes Workshop
This workshop will focus on a variety of topics related to Charadriiformes. It will be divided into two general sections. The first section will be concerning captive shorebird and puffin topics including training, husbandry, enrichment and common medical problems, educational outreach, longevity of captive shorebirds, as well as how our captive Charadriiformes populations have changed over the years. The second section will include how AZA organizations are working to help Charadriiformes populations in the wild.
1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
• Avian SAG Oil Spill Workshop
Sharon Schmaltz, Executive Director of the Wildlife Center of Texas and Dr. J. Jill Heatley, DVM MS DABVP DACZM. Associate Professor, Zoological Medicine, College of Veterinary, Texas A&M University will present a four and a half hour workshop on the basics of Oiled Wildlife Response. The workshop will include an overview of oil spill response, regulations regarding response, safety – both human and animal, medical needs and issues, and an overview of how the wildlife response fits into the larger picture of an oil spill. Presenters will incorporate 29 years of experience in Oiled Wildlife Response and training.
Friday, April 12
8:00 am – 9:30 am
• Passeriformes, Apodiformes, Coliiformes, Caprimulgiformes and Trogoniformes TAG
9:30 am – 10:30 am
• Galliformes TAG