AAZK PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE COURSES
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KEEPERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Sponsored by Animal care software 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. |
THANKS TO OUR PCC SPONSORS
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ADVANCED AVICULTURE: HAND-REARING BIRDS
Sponsored by brinsea 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. |
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ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SKILLS FOR KEEPERS
Sponsored by zoo hoofstock trim program 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 8-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, understanding prescription labels, common diagnostics and sampling, basics of imaging, emergencies, triage, and assessment, 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; understand the fundamentals of diagnostic imaging; practice triage and assessment of animals in common veterinary emergencies; and safety for human and animal during chemical immobilizations. |
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