Professional Development Resources

Photo: Jolene Westerling


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Webinars

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

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Grant Writing for Impact: Turning Your Goals into Funded Projects

August 6, 2025 6pm ET | Click Here to Register

Are you ready to bring your conservation or education project to life—but unsure where to start with funding? Join us for this fast-paced 40-minute introduction to grant writing designed specifically for ZAA members. This session will walk you through the basics of developing a compelling proposal, from crafting a strong needs statement to aligning with funder priorities. You’ll learn how to identify good-fit grants, organize your ideas, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're new to grant writing or need a refresher, this webinar will give you practical tips and tools to build your confidence and help you take the first step toward successful funding.

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Dealing with Animal Rights Operatives

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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Insurance Insights: Navigating Trends and Getting Quote-Ready

August 27, 2025 6pm ET | Click Here to Register

This presentation provides current insights into the evolving insurance landscape specific to the zoological industry. It will cover common risks faced by facilities, strategies for risk prevention, and steps to take when preparing for a claim. Attendees will also gain practical guidance on how to effectively prepare for obtaining an insurance quote.

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 June 2025 Issue

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

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

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

Events

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57th Annual Conference of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV)

August 23–29, 2025 | Kansas City, Mo

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. 

Click here for more information.

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45th Annual Conference of the Association of Zoological Veterinary Technicians (AZVT)

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.

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Elephant Managers Association (EMA) Conference

October 5-8, 2025 | Fresno, CA

Click here for more information.

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Private Owner Giraffe Workshop

October 12-15, 2025 | Colorado Springs, CO

Click here for more information.

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Leadership Base Camp

October 12-16, 2025 | Ace Adventure Resort, West Virginia

Hosted by C The Future and Elev8

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.

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DRCTI Professional Animal Trainer (PAT) program

November 30- December 6, 2025 | Grassy Key, FL

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).