Upcoming Professional Development

Animal Training Applications in Zoo & Aquarium Settings - 2018
Date: September 29 — October 4, 2018
Location: Denver Zoo
Description: Animal Training Applications provides zoo and aquarium staff with a background in training theory and an understanding of the skills necessary to train animals. It includes a historical perspective of animal training as well as terminology and an overview of training techniques.

Managing Animal Enrichment & Training Programs - 2018
Date: September 29 — October 4, 2018
Location: Denver Zoo
Description: Managing Animal Enrichment and Training Programs provides students with the tools and skills needed to set up and manage a successful enrichment and training program that meets AZA accreditation standards. This course focuses on developing the components of a successful program and learning the leadership skills needed to successfully implement that program.

Principles of Elephant Management II - 2018
Date: October 30 — November 2, 2018
Location: Houston Zoo, Inc.
Description: Principles of Elephant Management II focuses on the skills necessary to safely accomplish all of the AZA-required elephant behavioral components. Live training demonstrations and hands-on experiences will be utilized to combine the teaching of advanced elephant principles with best occupational safety practices.

Creating Successful Exhibits - 2018
Date: November 5 — 10, 2018
Location: Clayton Plaza
Description: This course provides an integrated overview of a team-based exhibit development process. The course follows the phases of an exhibit project from formation of the team, through concept planning, design and construction, to operation, in chronological order of the tasks. Full attention is given to techniques that improve an exhibit's impact on visitors.

Population Management I: Data Acquisition and Processing - 2018
Date: November 5 — 10, 2018
Location: Clayton Plaza
Description: This course teaches critical skills needed to create a population database for a single zoo or aquarium population. Students learn to handle unique data entry situations and to adapt to changing software.

Population Management II: Data Analysis and Breeding Recommendations - 2018
Date: November 5 — 10, 2018
Location: Clayton Plaza
Description: This course teaches the integration of demography, genetics and husbandry to set population goals and make breeding recommendations for zoo and aquarium populations. This course produces competent managers for zoo or aquarium populations.

Principles of Program Animal Management - 2018
Date: November 5 — 10, 2018
Location: Clayton Plaza
Description: This course exposes students to the range of opportunities for program animal use and provides students with the knowledge to effectively develop and manage formalized programs utilizing animal ambassadors. By focusing on a range of methods, rather a single "recommended" approach, students will be better prepared to develop an approach that fits their institution's mission and philosophy.