Professional Development Resources

Photo: Jolene Westerling

Webinars

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

Breaking Down the Fourth Wall: Creative ways facilities can encourage guests to be active participants vs. passive spectators in everyday presentations

March 19th 2025 | Registration link.

Have you or your facility ever wondered how to encourage the staff to become more involved in your guests' day? In this webinar, we will be exploring the unique and innovative ways to engage the guests that choose to spend time with the animals we care for. Join us in how Dolphin Research Center “breaks the fourth wall” between the audience and trainers/ keepers so we can spread our love and passion for the animals in our care and to inspire visitors to conserve the natural environment. Oftentimes when guests visit zoos or aquariums, there is an invisible barrier between the audience and the keepers during a presentation. We’d like to encourage members of the ZAA community to think outside the box when it comes to guests becoming a part of the animals' success in sessions and incorporate them in daily narrations or training.

Brevard Zoos Voluntary Hoof Trim Training Program

March 26th 2025 | Registration link.

This webinar with Kimberly Castrucci will talk about how they implemented their training program at Brevard Zoo. It focuses more on Grevy Zebra and Giraffe training, with some information on the other species they train.

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!