Population Management II: Data Analysis and Breeding Recs

Hosted by Crowne Plaza Clayton
St. Louis, MO
Cancelled in 2020
TBD November 2021

Population Management II: Data Analysis and Breeding Recommendations teaches the integration of demography, genetics and husbandry to set population goals and make breeding recommendations for zoo and aquarium populations. This course produces competent managers for zoo or aquarium populations.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will better understand:

• Train participants to be competent population managers who can effectively coordinate zoo and aquarium breeding programs.
• Produce zoo and aquarium professionals who can analyze studbook data, interpret resulting output, develop realistic population goals, and produce a management plan to achieve the population goals developed. 

• Integrate attributes of population demography, genetics, and species specific husbandry into a single coherent management plan.
• Use population management software and available data to conduct analyses that describe a population's past history and project its future course.
• Set attainable goals for a captive population in relation to target population size, growth rate, generation length, amount of gene diversity retained, etc.
• Work with others in the course to formulate animal-by-animal recommendations as a critical aspect of management plan development.
• Understand the role of an AZA program leader and how that program leader works with the Population Management Center or a Small Population Management Group Advisor to manage their animal program.

Instructors

John Andrews, Population Biologist - Lincoln Park Zoo / Population Management Center
Karen Bauman, Laboratory Manager - Saint Louis Zoo
Asako Navarro, Population Biologist - San Diego Zoo
Andrea Putnam, Ph.D., Population Biologist - San Diego Zoo 
Kristine Schad Eebes, Director - Lincoln Park Zoo / Population Management Center
Paul Senner, Population Biologist - Lincoln Park Zoo / Population Management Center

Is this course right for you?

This course is designed for current and prospective Species Survival Plan® (SSP) coordinators and TAG Leaders that desire to understand the biology and process behind making breeding recommendations. Priority is given to current Program Leaders and AZA members.  International applicants and those not affiliated with an AZA accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis;  please submit a letter describing your intended benefit from taking this course to azatraining@aza.org. 

Prerequisites

Population Management I or Studbook I. Applicants must submit an institutional letter of support, written by a supervisor or director.  The letter must include: the studbook(s) which the applicant keeps or has applied to keep; an expression of institutional support for keeping the studbook(s) and the date of when Population Management I or Studbook I was completed. International applicants working in an AZA-accredited institution are also welcome to apply. Those not affiliated with an AZA accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis;  please submit a letter describing your intended benefit from taking this course.  

Course Registration & Travel

Travel and Accommodations

Lambert Saint Louis International Airport (STL) is the closest airport.The hotel provides free airport shuttle service and is also accessible via MetroLink.

Course participants stay at Clayton Plaza in St. Louis, Missouri and classes meet on-site. 

Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive an email containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.

Tuition & Expenses*

Please note, these rates are higher than other course offerings because they include course registration, as well as breakfasts, lunches, break service, and two dinners during the course.  The hotel rate in St. Louis will be ~$110 plus taxes per room per night, with no surcharge for double occupancy. The overall resulting cost to participants will be similar compared to other less-inclusive courses. 
Scholarship funding is available through a competitive process. AZA scholarship applications are due by mid-July and are awarded by early September.   

AZA Accredited / Certified Institutions*
Early Bird Rate: 12 weeks prior to course start date
$1125 with Individual AZA Membership 
$1325 without Qualifying Individual Membership

Regular Rate: 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1325 with Individual AZA Membership 
$1525 without Qualifying Individual Membership

Individual Membership must be Professional Affiliate or Professional Fellow to qualify. 

Individuals Not Employed at an AZA-accredited or Certified Insitution
Early Bird Rate: 12 weeks prior to course start date
$1325 with Professional Associate Membership

Regular Rate: 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1525 with Professional Associate Membership

Individual Membership Requirement
Staff from non-AZA accredited institutions must have an individual AZA membership to apply and register for an AZA course. 

For information regarding our registration and refund policies, please visit our Professional Development Course Policies page.