Course Description
Animal Welfare: Evidence-Based Management is a facility-based course that includes hands-on experience learning about the science of animal welfare and the application of skills and knowledge for an evidence-based animal welfare management program. This course will expand upon the entry level online animal welfare course developed by the AZA Animal Welfare Committee. Students will learn through hands-on experiences and build the skills necessary to implement an evidence-based management program that promotes high levels of animal welfare.
Course Objectives
After completing this course participants will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the science of animal welfare.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the AZA animal welfare requirements.
- Develop the skills and knowledge to assess the welfare of individual animals.
- Demonstrate ability to develop strategies to improve the welfare of individual animals.
- Develop leadership skills and strategies to implement an evidence-based animal welfare management program.
Instructors
Donald Janssen, DVM, Corporate Director of Animal Health - San Diego Zoo Global (Retired)
Jill Mellen, Ph.D., Education and Science Director - Disney's Animal Kingdom (Retired)
Lance Miller, Ph.D., Sr Director of Animal Welfare Research - CZL - Brookfield Zoo
Beth Posta, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry and Research - Toledo Zoo
Greg Vicino, Associate Curator of Elephants and Welfare - San Diego Zoo Global
Sharon Joseph, Director of Animal Welfare and Research, Denver Zoo
Is This Course Right For You?
This course is designed for management-level animal care professionals (lead keeper, supervisor, manager, and curator) at AZA-accredited institutions. Other care professionals at AZA institutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis if space allows. Students enrolling in this course will benefit from having a basic understanding of animal enrichment and training theory and practice.
Prerequisites
None. Priority will be given to individuals associated with AZA accredited institutions. 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 for consideration.
Course Schedule
First Day
- Student registration
- Opening evening ceremony
Mid-Week
- Class meets all day
Last Day
- Class meets
- Closing evening ceremony
Attendance is required for course participants for the duration of the course until the evening of the last day. As a result, individuals generally depart the following day. Attendees will receive a detailed schedule for their course after their registration is confirmed.
Course Travel & Registration
Travel & Accommodations
Chicago's Midway Airport (MDW) and O'Hare Airport (ORD) are both about 30 minutes from the hotel and Zoo. This course takes place at the Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, IL. Course participants stay at the designated hotel and a shuttle will transport participants to and from the Brookfield Zoo daily.
General Hotel Pricing*:
$109+ One/Two Queen Bed(s)
Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will reserve an email containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.
Tuition & Expenses*
The AZA registration fee below covers tuition and lunches for each day of the course. Other expenses include hotel, travel, and other meals. Registration prices are subject to change.
Scholarship funding for courses is available through a competitive process. AZA scholarship applications are due by mid-July and are awarded by early September.
Staff at AZA Accredited / Certified Institutions*
Early Bird Rate: 12 weeks prior to course start date
$1075 with Individual AZA Membership
$1275 without Qualifying Individual Membership
Regular Rate: 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1275 with Individual AZA Membership
$1475 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
$1275 with Professional Associate Membership
Regular Rate: 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1475 with Professional Associate Membership
Accepted forms of payment for registration are by: credit card, check or purchase order.
*Prices are subject to change
For information regarding our registration and refund policies, please visit our Professional Development Course Policies page.
Registration Details
To register with a credit card
You may now register and pay online with a credit card! Non-members can log in too, after creating a free account. After logging in, choose "Professional Development" from the menu on the left. Next, click on the title of the event for which you would like to register. Finally, choose "Event Registration" from the options at the top and complete the registration process. When registering online, there is no need to submit the registration form. You will receive an acceptance email or wait list email once acceptance decisions are made.