Professional Development Resources

Photo: Jolene Westerling

Webinars

ZAA offers weekly webinars. If you are interested in viewing past webinars, you can join ZAA today.

Shift Your Perspective: Pre-requisites to Effective Communication

January 8th 2025 | Registration link.

In this presentation by LynnLee Schmidt, we explore a fundamental challenge in effective communication: the necessity of viewing others in a neutral or positive light. Addressing members of the ZAA, whose roles often involve navigating adversarial relationships with various stakeholders, including animal rights organizations, regulatory bodies, and colleagues, we delve into how entrenched negative perceptions hinder communication effectiveness. By examining tools such as narrative reflection, assuming positive intent, and adopting alternative perspectives, attendees will gain practical insights to overcome these barriers. Join us as we uncover strategies to transform outlooks and enhance communication dynamics within the zoo and aquarium community.

Common Myths of Zoo and Wildlife Feeding

January 22nd 2025 | Registration link.

Feeding our animals is one of the most expensive aspects of our daily operations. It is in our best interest to “get it right” on a variety of fronts from overall feeding philosophy to ingredient choice to logistics. This discussion with Mike Maslanka revolves around some of the more common misconceptions and misinterpretations of information that might stand between us and the best diets we can provide for the animals in our care. Whether honing or overhauling diets, hopefully this chat can provide useful information and ideas for you to employ.

Keepers are the Backbone: Enhancing and Advancing an Existing Wellbeing Program

January 29th 2025 | Registration link.

The care and prioritization of animal wellbeing in zoos and aquariums is paramount. To effectively assess animal wellbeing, various tools and metrics are utilized. This includes assessments completed by husbandry staff, as their experiences and knowledge of the animals in their care is invaluable. In 2023, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium updated their animal wellbeing program, including the development of a new assessment tool and tracking process, to better identify and address wellbeing opportunities. By utilizing the expertise and passion of the animal care staff, the zoo was able to create a wellbeing program with strong staff investment and measurable outcomes.

Animal Training

OPTIMIZING ANIMAL WELFARE THROUGH TRAINING

Training plays a vital role in promoting the well-being of animals in managed care. The ZAA’s Animal Training Committee champions integrating evidence-based animal training practices as an essential component of comprehensive animal care alongside factors like nutrition, veterinary care, enrichment, and appropriate habitats.

THE BENEFITS OF ANIMAL TRAINING

Contemporary animal training transcends simple behavior change. By employing a combination of behavior analysis, ethology, phylogeny, and extensive practical application, today’s animal training fosters a deeper understanding of animal behavior, allowing for the development of training programs tailored to an animal’s individual needs and specific contexts. These programs provide numerous benefits for animals in managed care, including the following:

Enhanced Animal Welfare: Training facilitates cooperation in medical care, allows for the implementation of enriching activities, supports day-to-day care, and promotes overall well-being.

Conservation Support: Training can be instrumental in learning about a species, preparing animals for reintroduction programs, and teaching behaviors that contribute to conservation efforts.

Guest Engagement: Well-trained animals can serve as effective ambassadors for their wild counterparts, inspiring guests to become advocates for wildlife conservation.

Interested in Learning More about The Animal Training Committee? View their factsheet below!