April 2021

AZA Animal Programs Tip-of-the-Month

AZA is excited to announce the new Monocerus SSP! This program is designated as a rainbow SSP, and such an exceptional program requires that all AZA individual members be Program Leaders. If anyone would like to be the Monocerus Care Manual Coordinator, please contact the AZA Mythical Beasts Department (aprilfools@aza.org). Thank you, as always, for your dedication to AZA Animal Programs!

ZIMS for Studbooks

Tip-of-the-Month
The AZA, PMC, and APM Committee have put together two resources to help you get started in ZIMS for Studbooks. The Reference Guide to ZIMS for Studbooks for Animal Program Leaders includes general functionality information, training opportunities, contact information, and other related information. Starting a New Studbook in ZIMS for Studbooks outlines the various ways a studbook can be created. Both documents can be found on the Resource Documents page of the AZA website. Need more help? Contact Species360 for questions about using ZIMS. For questions about your studbook, contact AZA or PMC.

Office Hours
Virtual “Office Hours” sessions for AZA Animal Program Leaders who have questions about ZIMS for Studbooks are planned for April 27 (2-3pm ET), June 4 (12-1pm ET), and August 12 (3-4pm ET). Please contact AZA for the meeting links.

SSP Sustainability Award

AZA is excited to announce the winner of the 2021 Sustainability Award — congratulations to the Vietnam Pheasant SSP for their commendable communication, steady recruitment of new facilities, pedigree research, and successful increase in breeding!

AZA SAFE

The SAFE Andean Highland Flamingo program published their three-year program plan in March. You can read it on the SAFE Species webpage.

Are you interested in proposing or joining a SAFE program? Reach out to your colleagues or contact SAFE@aza.org for more information. Don't forget to join the SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction Network group for real-time updates like these, and more.

AZA Calendar

AZA 2021 Mid-Year Meeting – Virtual
The 2021 Mid-Year Meeting will be held April 5-9 and will include a variety of engaging programming anchored with general sessions and a virtual Exhibit Hall. The program will include summits, workshops, and opportunities for facilitated discussions and networking led by many Committees, Animal Programs, SAGs, SAFE Programs, and other groups. For more information, visit the conference schedule page. Registration to attend is open until April 9.

Annual Larval Fish Conference – Virtual
The 44th Annual Larval Fish Conference will be held virtually June 24-26 and will include oral and poster presentations, networking events, picture contests, and more. Visit the University of Connecticut's website for more information, to submit an abstract (deadline May 20), or to register (deadline June 20).

Please visit the AZA calendar to find the current list of workshops, meetings, and training opportunities that are of interest to Animal Program participants and other zoo and aquarium professionals. To add to this list, please email AZA's Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences Department.

Funding and Award Opportunities

Behavior SAG Grant
The AZA Behavior Scientific Advisory Group is excited to announce a small grant program to support projects focused on welfare and behavior science-based approaches to animal training, enrichment, and behavior-based husbandry programs. Single or multiple grants totaling up to $1000 will be awarded. View the Call for Grants for more information. Applications are due June 1 and can be submitted to the Behavior SAG Chair, Angela Miller. 

Visit AZA's Other Conservation Funding Sources page for information about grants provided by AZA-accredited institutions as well as external sources. Please email any other funding opportunities to AZA's Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences Department for posting on the website.

New Program Leaders

SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper

MUNTJAC, REEVES’
Elana Kopel, Prospect Park Zoo

PHEASANT, PALAWAN PEACOCK
Cynthia Barr, Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

Studbook Keeper

TORTOISE, GALAPAGOS
Ashley Ortega, Gladys Porter Zoo

Candidate Program Leader

FISHER
Jacqueline Buckley, Lincoln Park Zoo

New Program Leader Vacancies

Find applications and instructions regarding vacancies in the Animal Program Handbooks.  Applications are due May 1, 2021, unless otherwise noted. For a full list of available Program Leader positions, visit the Current Program Leader Vacancies page.

SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper

CAT, BLACK-FOOTED
Please send application materials to Dan Dembiec, Felid TAG Vice Chair for Small Cats.

GAZELLE, SLENDER-HORNED
Please send application materials to Steve Metzler, Antelope, Cattle, Giraffid, & Camelid TAG Chair.

HAMERKOP
Please send application materials to Harrison Edell, Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, and Pelecaniformes TAG Chair.

MONKEY, COMMON SQUIRREL
Please send application materials to Keith Lovett, New World Primate TAG Chair.

TURACO, GREAT BLUE
Please send application materials to Leigh Ramon, Turaco and Cuckoo TAG Chair.

SSP Coordinator

CROCODILE, SIAMESE
Please send application materials to Kent Vliet, Crocodilian TAG Chair.

TIGER (AMUR, GENERIC, MALAYAN, & SUMATRAN)
Please send application materials to Don Goff, Felid TAG Chair.
*In addition to the application and resume, please submit a letter of interest that addresses the experience and skills outlined in the position description.

Studbook Keeper

LION
Please send application materials to Don Goff, Felid TAG Chair.

Candidate Program Leader

BUSTARD, BUFF-CRESTED
Please send application materials to Mike Taylor, Gruiformes, Eurypygiformes, Cariamiformes & Otidiformes TAG Chair.

Other Animal Program Participant Vacancies

Ambassador Animal Advisor
Ambassador Animal Advisors work with TAG or SSP members to serve as a resource and provide expertise on topics related to the use of a taxon or species in an ambassador capacity. View the position description for more information on how to apply.

Raptor TAG Steering Committee - Applications due April 15, 2021
The Raptor TAG is looking to fill 3 steering committee positions. All Raptor TAG Institutional Representatives (IRs) are welcome to apply. Resumes and any questions can be sent to Scott Tidmus or Steve Sarro.

Want to include a vacancy for your program? Only Program Leader positions are required to be posted to the Monthly Update, but if you are interested in announcing another position, we are happy to help. Please email the AZA Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences Department for posting on the website.

New Publications

Please note that all documents are available for download on the Program's page found by logging in and searching the Animal Programs Database.

Want to contribute to the Update?

All announcements for the monthly Animal Programs Update should be submitted to the AZA Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences Department by the 25th of the prior month.