Hosted by Oglebay Resort
Wheeling, WV
February 15 - 20, 2021
Course Description
Principles in Elephant Management I focuses on the foundation necessary for developing comprehensive and proactive elephant management programs. Students will take away skills for creating self-sustaining elephant management programs. AZA accreditation standards require that all elephant care professionals (keepers, managers, and directors) at institutions keeping elephants attend this course.
Course Topics & Instructors
- SSP/TAG Updates
- Standards and Protocols
- Training theory and terminology
- Conflict Resolution
- System Definitions
- Behavioral Components
- Public/Media Relations
- Animal Welfare Issues
- Enrichment
- Tools/Equipment/Facility Design
- Problem Solving
- Medical Management
- Elephant foot care
- Elephant Reproduction/Birth Management/Calf introductions
- Successful Elephant Program Components
Bryan Amaral, Senior Curator - Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Daryl Hoffman, Curator of Large Mammals - Houston Zoo
Mike McClure, General Curator & Elephant Collections Manager - Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Nick Newby, Collection Manager - White Oak Sanctuary
Tracy Clippinger, Veterinarian - Smithsonian National Zoo
Vernon Presley, Curator of Africa - Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Tuition & Expenses
Target Audience
This course is designed for elephant managers, curators who oversee elephant programs and elephant handlers. At least one elephant manager at each institution keeping elephants is required to attend this course.
Prerequisites
None. Priority will be given to individuals associated with AZA accredited institutions. If you are not employed by a zoo or aquarium, please submit a letter describing your interest in taking the course to azatraining@aza.org for consideration.
Course Schedule
First Day
- Student registration
- Opening evening ceremony
- Courses meet for individual opening session/class
Mid-Week
- Classes meet all day
Last Day
- Classes meet
- Closing Ceremony
Attendance for course participants is required for the duration of the course until the evening of the last day. As a result, individuals generally depart the following day. Attendees will receive a detailed schedule for their course after their registration is confirmed.
Course Travel & Registration
Travel & Accommodations
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the closest airport. Airport Limousine Plus and First Class Limo provide a shuttle service between PIT and the hotel.
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 all: breakfast, lunches, dinners, and snacks throughout the entirety of your stay.
General Package Pricing*:
~$1150 Standard Double Room Package (Shared Room)
~$1370 Standard Single Room Package
~$1200 Deluxe Double Room Package (Shared Room)
~$1500 Deluxe Single Room Package
~$1260 Premium Double Room Package (Shared Room)
~$1600 Premium Single Room Package
~$1150 Cottage Package (Shared Cottage - 6 person maximum)
*Package pricing rates are all-inclusive and per person. Prices are subject to change
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.
Tuition & Expenses*
The AZA registration fee below only covers tuition for the course. Other expenses include hotel, travel, and meals which are included at a package rate with lodging accommodations. For more information about costs and logistics for courses hosted by Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV, visit our Wheeling Courses Travel Information page. Registration prices are subject to change.
Scholarship funding for courses is available through a competitive process.
AZA scholarship applications are due by mid-July and are awarded by early September.
AZA Accredited / Certified Institutions*
Early Bird Rate: Deadline 12 weeks prior to course start date
$950 with Individual AZA Membership
$1150 without Individual AZA Membership
Regular Rate: Deadline 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1150 with Individual AZA Membership
$1350 without Individual AZA Membership
Individual Membership must be Professional Affiliate or Professional Fellow to qualify.
Non-AZA Institutions
Early Bird Rate: Deadline 12 weeks prior to course start date
$1150 with Professional Associate Membership
Regular Rate: Deadline 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1350 with Professional Associate Membership
Individual Membership Requirement
Staff from non-AZA accredited institutions must have an individual AZA membership to apply and register for an AZA course.
Accepted forms of payment for registration are by: credit card, check or purchase order.
For information regarding our code of conduct, registration, and refund policies, please visit our Professional Development Course Policies page.
*Prices are subject to change