Professional Development Resources

Photo: Jolene Westerling

Webinars

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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 September 2024 Issue

Advocate | ZAA and Government Affairs

Educate | Adopting Choice and Control in Behavior Programs

Conserve | Saving Rungwecebus kipunji from Extinction Risk in Tanzania

Behavior Buzz | Keeping it Classy

Wild About Welfare | Presented by the Animal Welfare Committee

Bonus Article - Advocate: ZAA Washington DC Fly-In

Bonus Article - Advocate: 2024 ZAA Conservation Grant Winners

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Advertise in the ZAA Magazine

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

Submission deadlines

1st of March, June, September, December

Ad rates

Full page (8.5" wide x 11" high) $300

1/2 page (7.5" wide x 5" high) $200

1/4 page (3.75" wide x 5" high) $100

*Discounted rates available for ZAA Commercial Member

Events

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Bitesize Behaviour Series Presents: Cooperative Care - Introduction to Husbandry Behaviors Part 2

January 7, 2025 at 2-4pm EST | Online
Register here.

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Giraffe & Okapi Conference

January 20 - 24, 2025 | Palm Desert, CA
Click here to learn more.

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Bitesize Behaviour Series Presents: Understanding Observable Behaviour

February 4, 2025 at 2-4pm EST | Online
Register here.

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2025 IAATE Annual Conference

February 19-22, 2025 | Pigeon Forge, TN | Hosted by The American Eagle Foundation

Registration will open soon.

Learn more at https://iaate.org/conferences/

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Bitesize Behaviour Series Presents: The Science of Behaviour

March 4, 2025 at 2-4pm EST | Online

Register here.

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Small Mammal & Ambassador Symposium

March 5-7, 2025 | Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville, Texas

Abstracts due December 2nd, 2024

Register here.