Professional Development Resources

Photo: Jolene Westerling

Webinars

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

There are no upcoming webinars at this time. Please check back soon for future webinars.

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!

Photo: Jolene Westerling

Magazine

Would you like to access previous issues of the ZAA Journal?

Join ZAA to view the journal archives for ZAA professional development webinar archives, and more.

Inside the March 2025 Issue

Advocate | ZAA Washington, D.C. Fly-In

Educate | Award Winning Teddy Bear Hospital

Conserve | ZAA’s Newest Animal Management Programs: Clouded Leopards

Behavior Buzz | Manners Matter

Benefits of Training Foundation Behaviors for Long-Term Successes in Training

Wild About Welfare | If You Build It, Will They Come?

Bonus Article - Advocate: Supporting Zoos and Animal Experience Operators Through Innovation and Collaboration

Bonus Article - Educate: Seeing Stripes: Grevy’s Zebra Births at Texas Zoofari Park

Bonus Article - Educate: A Lifesaving Training: Why We’re Teaching Dogs to Fear Snakes

Bonus Article - Conserve: A Recipe for “Saving Rhinos”

Advertise in the ZAA Magazine

Click here to learn more about our ad rates.

If you would like to advertise in the quarterly ZAA Magazine, email [email protected].

Submission deadlines:

1st of March, June, September, December

Events

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Bitesize Behaviour Series: Raptors Reimagined - A Holistic Approach to Choice-Based Care and Training - Virtual 10 Week Course on Contemporary Raptor Care and Management

Tuesdays beginning April 15, 2025 from 2-4pm EST

Early Bird Registration pricing ends March 15

Register here.

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Virtual 4-Week Course: Ambassador Animal Training and Welfare - The Natural Encounters, Inc., Training and Education Center (NEI TEC)

Thursdays: May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025 | Online

Click here for more information.

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Reaching and Helping the Biting Parrot

May 18, 2025 From 1-3pm EST

Click here for more information.

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Elephant Managers Association (EMA) Conference

October 5-8, 2025 | Fresno, CA

Click here for more information.

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Professional Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop - The Natural Encounters, Inc., Training and Education Center (NEI TEC)

November 8-13, 2025 | Winter Haven, Florida

Click here for more information.

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Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group 2025 Conference - Field trip will be to Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

November 19-21, 2025 | Mesa, AZ

Click here for more information.

Disclaimer: The events and workshops listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement or imply affiliation by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA).