Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium Settings

After completing this course, participants will be better able to:

• Articulate and properly use terminology and framework involved in the training process

• Select and test for effective reinforcers

• Demonstrate specific hands-on skills involved in animal training

• Articulate the importance of and skills necessary for working as a team

• Use a systematic problem-solving process and develop effective action plans

• Articulate and apply concepts around animal welfare in relation to training, and understand how behavior and training can enhance and support our welfare programs

First Day
 - Student registration
 - Opening evening reception
 - Courses meet for individual opening session/class

Mid-Week
- Class meets all day at Natural Encounters

Last Day
- Class meets all day at Natural Encounters
- Students transported back to hotel

Attendance for course participants is required for the duration of the course until late afternoon on the last day (typically by 4PM but schedules are subject to change - students will recieve scheduled times once admitted to the course).

Lisa Davis, Zoological Manager of Behavioral Husbandry - Disney's Animal Kingdom
Emily Insalaco, General Curator - Denver Zoo
Steve Martin, President - Natural Encounters, Inc.
Ken Ramirez, VP & Chief Training Officer - Karen Pryor Clicker Training
Tim Sullivan, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry - Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

This course is designed for animal keepers, aquarists, and other animal care staff. Education staff who handle animals or discuss animal training may benefit as well. 

Prerequisites

None. Priority will be given to AZA members, but volunteers and private animal trainers are welcome to attend. Those not affiliated with an AZA-accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis;  please submit a letter describing your intended benefit from taking this course to azatraining@aza.org for consideration.

Air Travel

More information to come 

Lodging

More information to come

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.