Hosted by Oglebay Resort
Wheeling, WV
February 14 - 19, 2022
Avian Management, Biology and Conservation will enhance your effectiveness as a bird keeper and avian program leader. A major goal of the class is to teach critical thinking techniques that lead to informed decisions regarding the future of avian collections. Students will be given a variety of tools, techniques and best practices to provide a foundation for understanding and meeting current challenges in avian management.
Course Objectives
After completion of the Avian Management, Biology and Conservation Course, students will:
- Train potential avian managers how to create a successful program that addresses both the care standards for avian species and the development of conservation programs
- Provide processes and techniques to manage bird collections on a broader scale than one species or taxa
- Provide a common base of knowledge to the next generation of managers in an efficient way
- Provide a mechanism to educate managers on avian welfare
- Provide a wealth of knowledge and resources to small institutions who may not have the expertise required to effectively manage a diverse collection
Instructors
Hannah Bailey, Curator of Birds, Houston Zoo
Ann Tieber, Zoological Manager - Bird Department, St. Louis Zoo
Scott Newland, Curator of Birds, Sedgwick County Zoo
Kathy Russell, General Curator - Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Is This Course Right for You?
This course is targeted toward bird keepers, keepers who need to gain experience with bird husbandry, and professional managers at zoos, aquariums, nature centers, aviaries, wildlife agencies and related organizations who are interested in management of an avian collection or program. Facilities with a single broad taxonomic animal manager will benefit from the techniques and processes provided in the course.
Prerequisites
None. Priority will be given to AZA members. 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
- Courses meet for individual opening session/class
Mid-Week
- Classes meet all day
Last Day
- Classes meet
- Closing 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
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the closest airport. Airport Limousine Plus and First Class Limo provide a shuttle service between PIT and the hotel.
Course participants stay at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling, West Virginia and classes meet on-site. All lodging reservations are priced per person at a package rate. Your accommodations will include all: breakfast, lunches, dinners, and snacks throughout the entirety of your stay.
General Package Pricing*:
~$1150 Standard Double Room Package (Shared Room)
~$1370 Standard Single Room Package
~$1200 Deluxe Double Room Package (Shared Room)
~$1500 Deluxe Single Room Package
~$1260 Premium Double Room Package (Shared Room)
~$1600 Premium Single Room Package
~$1150 Cottage Package (Shared Cottage - 6 person maximum)
*Package pricing rates are all-inclusive and per person. Prices are subject to change
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*
The AZA registration fee below only covers tuition for the course. Other expenses include hotel, travel, and meals which are included at a package rate with lodging accommodations. For more information about costs and logistics for courses hosted by Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV, visit our Wheeling Courses Travel Information page. 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.
AZA Accredited / Certified Institutions*
Early Bird Rate: Deadline 12 weeks prior to course start date
$950 with Individual AZA Membership
$1150 without Individual AZA Membership
Regular Rate: Deadline 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1150 with Individual AZA Membership
$1350 without Individual AZA Membership
Individual Membership must be Professional Affiliate or Professional Fellow to qualify.
Non-AZA Institutions
Early Bird Rate: Deadline 12 weeks prior to course start date
$1150 with Professional Associate Membership
Regular Rate: Deadline 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1350 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.
Accepted forms of payment for registration are by: credit card, check or purchase order.
For information regarding our code of conduct, registration, and refund policies, please visit our Professional Development Course Policies page.
*Prices are subject to change