Managing the complex behaviors of animals successfully in zoo settings can be difficult. Identifying the motivation of animal behavior broadly at the species level, and more intimately, as individuals, provides the foundation for successful management. This informal discussion will combine an understanding of evolutionary based behavior, operant conditioning, considerations of natural history and outside influences as well as their resulting strategies.

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Examples and a framework will be presented and an opportunity will exist for those interested to  introduce their own scenarios for group discussion.

Many modern avian exhibits are free- flights, host a number of species and provide guests a walk-through experience. This workshop will share innovative solutions to manage the diverse husbandry needs in these exhibits through trained recall behaviors. Workshop participants are taught how to use cues to target the collection to accomplish a variety of husbandry goals. This ability to recall can be instrumental in facilitating daily inventory, shifting, reproduction, and flock management for many avian species.

This workshop will focus on natural history, social interactions, morphological considerations and sloth husbandry. Topics include safe handling techniques, non-invasive ways to encourage and discourage movement, identifying animals as individuals, protocols for hand-rearing, digestion and diet. Material will include best practices.