Hosted by Oglebay Resort
Wheeling, WV
February 11 - 16, 2019
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
Karen Gibson, Savanna Curator, Dallas Zoo
Daryl Hoffman, Curator of Large Mammals, Houston Zoo
Sharon Joseph, Director of Welfare, Denver Zoo
Mike McClure, General Curator & Elephant Collections Manager, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Nick Newby, Supervisor of Pachyderms, Oklahoma City Zoo
Tracy Clippinger, Veterinarian, Smithsonian National 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*:
~$1100 Standard Double Room Package
~$1330 Standard Single Room Package
~$1200 Premium Double Room Package
~$1440 Premium Single Room Package
~$1105 Cottage Package
*Package pricing rates are all-inclusive and 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.
Early Bird Rates:
$875 for AZA Individual Members
$975 for Non-members
Registration deadline: 12 weeks prior to course start date
Regular Rates:
$975 for AZA Individual Members
$1075 for Non-members
Final registration deadline: 4 weeks prior to course start date
Accepted forms of payment for registration are by: credit card, check or purchase order. Registration is now closed. Check back this August for more information regarding the 2019 session.