Behavior Scientific Advisory Group
The mission of the Behavior Scientific Advisory Group (Behavior SAG) is to promote positive welfare and science-based approaches to animal training, enrichment, and behavior-based husbandry programs. The Behavior SAG serves the AZA community of accredited institutions by supplying tools to support and enhance institutional programs, providing technical advice to meet the husbandry, social, and behavioral needs of animals, and promoting behavioral strategies which can be applied to the conservation of species.
It is overseen by the Animal Welfare Committee.
Who We Are
The Behavior SAG is administered by a Steering Committee (SC) composed of a maximum of 15 members. There are four officer positions within the committee: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Chair
Angela Miller, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Vice-Chair
Melissa Nelson Slater, Bronx Zoo
Secretary
Brenda Melton, Steinhart Aquarium
Treasurer
Heidi Hellmuth, Saint Louis Zoo
Members
Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo
Tarah Cornelius, Houston Zoo
Ellen Dreyer, Brevard Zoo
Heather Keenan, Zoo Miami
Kimberly Leser, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Steve Martin, Natural Encounters, Inc.
Darren Minier, Conservation Society of California, Oakland Zoo
Christine Montgomery, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Rachel Salant, Woodland Park Zoo
Jason Wark, Lincoln Park Zoo
In addition to the Steering Committee, the Behavior SAG includes a general membership comprised of individuals serving on working groups to advance the goals of the SAG.
How to Get Involved
The Behavior SAG Steering Committee organizes open meetings for all individuals and proposes relevant sessions in conjunction with AZA’s annual conference and mid-year meeting.
The Behavior SAG has an Institutional Representative (IR) from every AZA Accredited facility. The IR is the contact for Behavior SAG communications, able to vote in our election process, and has the opportunity to run for election to our steering committee.
The Behavior SAG will announce opportunities to serve on the Steering Committee or General Membership. For more information about responsibilities, appointments and terms see the Behavior SAG Steering Committee and General Membership Positions Descriptions.
Join the Animal Behavior Open Forum on the AZA Network to stay connected with discussion threads, resources and announcements.
Questions about the Behavior SAG? Please contact Angela Miller, Chair.