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Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management
This course is full. Wait list applications are being accepted.
- May 17-22, 2008 in St. Augustine, FL (optional field trip on May 23)
- $650 for AZA Individual Members and $750 for Non-members [join AZA]
Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management is hosted by the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
Types of credit available
None available at this time.
Please Note:
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 waitlist letter once acceptance decisions are made. If you have any questions about your acceptance status, please email us at .
Registration
Preference will be given to AZA individual members until January 18, 2008. After January 18, applications will be processed in order received. A late fee will be assessed on all registrations received after April 18, 2008. Class size is limited to 24 participants.
Download the Registration Form (in PDF). 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.
Travel and Accommodations
When making your travel arrangements, make sure to schedule your travel to allow time for the kickoff ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, and a full day of classes on May 22. There is also an optional field trip on May 23 ending at approximately 6 p.m.
The Jacksonville airport is the closest to St. Augustine. For transportation from the airport to St. Augustine call Lighthouse Limo (with flight information) at (904) 827-1003 or toll free (866) 230-1003. Limo service cost varies depending on the number of students picked up at the same time.
Lodging information to be announced.
Objective
This five-day training program concentrates on the captive maintenance techniques, husbandry, breeding, and special requirements for the care of crocodiles, caiman, gharials, and alligators in zoos and aquariums. Class size is limited to 20 participants.
Target Audience
This course is open to professional biologists who either work full time with crocodilians or who may work with them in the near future. Priority will be given to individual members working at AZA accredited institutions. International applicants and those not affiliated with an AZA accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Sample List of Course Instructors
(subject to change for 2008)
Peter Brazaitis
Wildlife Conservation Society (retired)
John Brueggen, General Curator
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Jim Darlington
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
John Groves
North Carolina Zoo
Darryl Heard, DVM
University of Florida
Dave Kledzik
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Greg Lepera
Jacksonville Zoo
Marty MacPhee
Disney's Animal Kingdom
R. Andrew Odum
Toledo Zoo
Scott Pfaff
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Mei Len Sanchez-Barr
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Bruce Schwedick
Crocodile Conservation Services
Michelle Skurski
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Kent A. Vliet, Ph.D.
University of Florida
Bill Zeigler
Zeigler and Zeigler
Course Topics
The school is a balanced program of classroom lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on wet labs. Relevant topics on basic crocodilian biology including taxonomy, reproductive biology, behavior, anatomy, physiology, and conservation will be included as the foundation for captive management practices. Management subjects will include enclosure design, social groups, introductions, breeding, nesting, egg incubation, training, sexing, capture techniques, chemical immobilization, diet, medical care, and population management.
2007 Course Schedule
(this will change for 2008)
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