Hosted by Crowne Plaza Clayton
St. Louis, MO
Cancelled in 2020
TBD November 2021
Course Overview
AZA Regional Studbooks document the pedigree and demographic history of each individual in a population. These collective histories, compiled and maintained by an AZA Regional Studbook Keeper, are known as the population's genetic and demographic identity and are valuable tools to track and manage each individual or group as part of a single, ex situ population.
Population Management I: Data Management and Processing provides the fundamentals needed to maintain and manage population databases for zoo and aquarium Animal Programs. Students will receive training in science-based aspects of population management as well as the methods to best understand and manage an AZA Animal Program using software required to maintain such databases. Students are expected to utilize the skills learned to successfully manage an accurate, documented studbook and provide expertise on biology and history of the population/species in our care.
Course Objectives
After completing this course, students will better understand:
- Studbooks and their role in zoo- and aquarium-based population management
- The definition, role, scope, and history of studbooks
- How to maintain and publish a studbook
- Scientific disciplines for creating and using studbook data
- Taxonomy – Definitions of species and how taxonomy affects keeping a studbook database
- Genetics – Concepts including DNA, Mendel, population genetics, and the basics of applying these concepts to genetic management of populations
- Demography – Definition of terms and development of demographic descriptions of populations
- Managing data in the ZIMS for Studbooks software
This course prepares attendees for the role of Studbook Keeper using the web-based ZIMS for Studbooks software through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises.
Instructors
Josh Courteau, Training Manager – Species360
Gina Ferrie PhD, Science Operations Manager and Adjunct Population Biologist – Disney's Animal Kingdom®
Rebecca Greenberg, Animal Programs Director – Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Bill Hughes, Senior Herpetologist – Tennessee Aquarium
Kelvin Limbrick, Plant Health Care Technician – Kramer Tree Specialists Inc.
Tom Ness, Tropics and Minnesota Trail Curator – Minnesota Zoo
Kendra Strohmayer, PMC Planning Coordinator – Population Management Center
Is This Course Right for You?
This course is designed for current and future Studbook Keepers – focusing on AZA Regional Studbooks. While priority is given to current Studbook Keepers, prospective Studbook Keepers are also welcomed to apply and are accepted as space allows. It is a requirement to complete the course within two years of being approved as an AZA Regional Studbook Keeper.
To ensure the status of your studbook before applying, please reference the list of official AZA TAG-approved Studbook Keepers in the Animal Programs Database. If you are not listed as an official Studbook Keeper and believe this is an error please contact the Conservation, Management, and Welfare Sciences Department.
Prerequisites
Applicants not currently serving as a studbook keeper must submit an institutional letter of support, written by a supervisor or director, verifying that the time and infrastructure for you to keep a studbook will be provided. Studbook keepers have already met this requirement with the statement of institutional support from their program application. Priority admission will be given to studbook keepers and individuals associated with AZA-accredited institutions. International applicants within AZA-accredited institutions 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 Crowne Plaza Clayton 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.
*Prices are subject to change.
For information regarding our registration and refund policies, please visit our Professional Development Course Policies page.