AAZK PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE COURSES

KEEPERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
​ Animal keepers often serve as the face of the zoo. Guests trust keepers more than any other representative of the zoo to provide accurate information. Animal care staff interact with the public in various ways, from keeper talks and behind-the-scenes tours, to one-on-one conversations with guests, officials, or donors. But increasingly, animal keepers represent zoos in the news media and in social media. Communication skills—from formal presentations to casual conversation, tweeting, and posting—are a significant part of advancing the mission of zoos and aquariums. This course addresses the important role that animal keepers can play in promoting conservation messaging and extending the outreach efforts of zoos and aquariums. In addition to lectures and discussion, the workshop/lab portions include mock interviews and improvised practice scenarios. Registrants will be invited to submit examples of situations that can be used as case studies.

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​ADVANCED AVICULTURE: HAND-REARING BIRDS
Although parent‐rearing of animals is considered best, zoo keepers may be called upon to hand‐rear  offspring.  This may be due to a variety of factors, including parental inability or neglect, illness of or  injury to the offspring, to produce individuals with a calm demeanor on exhibit or as ambassadors, or to  rapidly increase a population.  Hand‐rearing birds requires advanced skills, a high level of attention to  detail, and in‐depth knowledge of avian development. 

The range of topics that apply across species will include protocol development, egg incubation, brooder  design and management, nutrition, diet ingredients and preparation, feeding methods, amounts,  frequency and weaning, weight gains and developmental landmarks, and requirements for sunlight and  exercise.  Detailed record keeping and careful sanitation procedures will be emphasized.  Participants  will learn ways to avoid malimprintation.  Common problems, including causes, prevention and  treatment, will be covered. 
Case studies and specific protocols will be used to illustrate techniques that apply to various taxonomic  groups, including waterfowl, raptors, flamingos, passerines, and many others.  Skills used in handrearing will also be useful in evaluating chicks being reared by parents and assisting the parent‐rearing  process in some cases.  Because weaning is not the end of the rearing process, emphasis will be placed  on preparing chicks for introduction to conspecifics and other experiences as they mature, including for  potential release to the wild. 
 
It is increasingly important for zoos to maintain viable assurance populations and produce animals for  reintroduction to the wild.  Toward this goal, zoo keepers in this workshop will gain knowledge and skills  to rear birds that are not only physically healthy but behaviorally healthy and socially competent.

ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SKILLS FOR KEEPERS
Zoo keepers are often required to perform basic veterinary care under the supervision of attending veterinary staff; keeper staff at smaller institutions may be responsible for veterinary assessments of the animals under their care at the direction of the regular veterinarian. This 12-hour workshop is designed to teach keepers the basics of clinical veterinary medical skills to improve their ability to care for their animals and work more productively with veterinary staff. They will learn hands-on skills to allow them to administer medications, supportive care, and understand emergency triage to better improve the health and well-being of their charges. Topics will include needle and syringe handling, injection techniques, bandaging, understanding prescription labels, common diagnostics and sampling, basics of imaging, quarantine protocols, and safety during immobilizations. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to understand the purpose, need and methods for many diagnostic clinical procedures; know how to read a prescription; understand many methods for delivering medication to animals; administer medications via injection routes in laboratory exercises; understand wound care and bandages and practice application of basic bandages; understand the fundamentals of diagnostic imaging; and safety for human and animal during chemical immobilizations.