Population Management I: Data Management and Processing

After completing this course, students will better understand:

• Studbooks and their role in zoo- and aquarium-based  population management

• The definition, role, scope, and history of studbooks

• How to maintain and publish a studbook

• Scientific disciplines for creating and using studbook data

  • Taxonomy – Definitions of species and how taxonomy affects keeping a studbook database

  • Genetics – Concepts including DNA, Mendel, population genetics, and the basics of applying these concepts to genetic management of populations

  • Demography – Definition of terms and development of demographic descriptions of populations

• Managing data in the ZIMS for Studbooks software

This course prepares attendees for the role of Studbook Keeper using the web-based ZIMS for Studbooks software through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises.

Monday
 - Course activities, including student registration, begin after 4 PM
 - Opening evening ceremony 6:30-7:00 PM
 - Courses meet for individual opening session/class 7:00-8:30 PM

Mid-Week
- Classes meet all day

Saturday
- Classes meet through mid-afternoon
- Closing Ceremony 5:30-7:30 PM

Attendance is required for course participants for the duration of the course until the evening of the last day. As a result, individuals generally depart the following day, Sunday. Attendees will receive a detailed schedule for their course after their registration is confirmed.

Josh Courteau, Training Manager – Species360
Gina Ferrie PhD, Science Operations Manager – Disney's Animal Kingdom^®
Bill Hughes, Herpetology Coordinator – Tennessee Aquarium
Mike Murray, Vice President of Life Sciences – Detroit Zoo
Lindsay Sears, Interactive Animal Programs Manager – Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Kendra Strohmayer, PMC Planning Coordinator – Lincoln Park Zoo
Joseph Svoke, Animal Science Manager – Zoo Miami
Steven Yong, Senior Biologist – Steinhart Aquarium

This course is designed for current and future Studbook Keepers – focusing on AZA Regional Studbooks. While priority is given to current Studbook Keepers, prospective Studbook Keepers are also welcomed to apply and are accepted as space allows. It is a requirement to complete the course within two years of being approved as an AZA Regional Studbook Keeper.

To ensure the status of your studbook before applying, please reference the list of official AZA TAG-approved Studbook Keepers in the Animal Programs Database. If you are not listed as an official Studbook Keeper and believe this is an error please contact the Conservation, Management, and Welfare Sciences Department.

Prerequisites
Applicants not currently serving as a studbook keeper must submit an institutional letter of support, written by a supervisor or director, verifying that the time and infrastructure for you to keep a studbook will be provided. Studbook keepers have already met this requirement with the statement of institutional support from their program application. Priority admission will be given to studbook keepers and individuals associated with AZA-accredited institutions. International applicants within AZA-accredited institutions are also welcome to apply. 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.

Air Travel
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the closest airport. Airport Limousine Plus and First Class Limo provide a shuttle service between PIT and the hotel.

Lodging
Please visit the Wheeling Student Information page.

Course participants stay at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling, West Virginia and classes meet on-site. All lodging reservations are priced per person at a package rate. Your accommodations will include breakfast, lunches, dinners, and snacks throughout the entirety of your stay. 

Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive an email containing detailed information once you are admitted.

Registration for this course will open in Fall 2023.