Photo: Jolene Westerling
ZAA offers weekly webinars. If you are interested in viewing past webinars, you can join ZAA today.
July 9, 2025 6pm ET | Click Here to Register
As wildland fire seasons grow longer and more intense, readiness and response strategies are critical for zoological facilities in regions at risk from wildland fires. In this webinar, ZDR3 brings together a panel of seasoned professionals from facilities with wildfire experience to share their insights, best practices, and real-world lessons learned. From developing pre-fire mitigation plans to managing active threats and post-fire recovery, this session will offer practical guidance for facilities. Whether you're updating your emergency response plan or starting from scratch, this is an opportunity to learn directly from peers who have navigated wildfire events. ZDR3 will moderate the session and provide additional context based on our deployment and support experience during wildfire events.
July 16, 2025 6pm ET | Click Here to Register
Ever wondered what happens behind-the scenes when ZDR3 is contacted for assistance during a disaster? This webinar walks through the process, from the moment a request comes in to the coordination and mobilization of support teams. We will explain how ZDR3 communicates with impacted facilities, how potential responder teams are identified and contacted, what kinds of support can be provided, and what it is like to have ZDR3 Responders at your facility. This session is ideal for both new and existing partners who want a better understanding of how ZDR3 facilitates safe, appropriate, and collaborative deployments when it matters most.
August 20, 2025 6pm ET | Click Here to Register
Any facility with animals is a target for undercover animal rights operatives. What should you look out for, and how can you protect yourself?
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Notes:
Advocate | The Harsh Realities of Raising Orphaned Cheetah Cubs Rescued from the Illegal Pet Trade
Educate | The Teaching Zoo: Where the Creatures are the Teachers
Conserve | Building the Future of Aardwolf Conservation in North America
Behavior Buzz | Thoughtful Use of Primate Ambassadors: A Case Study from Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Wild About Welfare | Hot off the Press!
Bonus Article - Educate: Alternative Training Methods: Using Scent to Target
Bonus Article - Conserve: Chinook Salmon at Turtle Bay Exploration Park
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If you would like to advertise in the quarterly ZAA Magazine, email [email protected].
Submission deadlines:
1st of March, June, September, December
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
We will be offering both in-person event registration and a virtual, on demand registration for this event. Both events offer a possible 20.5 hours of accredited CE.
September 25-28, 2025 | Grand Hyatt Denver, CO
Hosted by Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. Registration will open July 23, 2025
Click here for more information.
October 12-15, 2025 | Colorado Springs, CO
Click here for more information.
Contact: [email protected]
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).