We would like to thank the almost 300 delegates of the 27th Annual SEAZA Conference on 17-20 November 2019 in Phú Quốc, Vietnam.
The theme of the conference was “South East Asian Zoos in Biodiversity Conservation and Animal Welfare” and was held at Vinpearl Convention Center in the northern part of the beautiful island of Phú Quốc. The program also included a visit to Vinpearl Safari.
The Conference had been an excellent opportunity for all of us to see each other again, to make new friends in the zoo community, and also for exchange of ideas and knowledge.
Please visit this Conference page and the Facebook page for photos, videos, and the upcoming communiqué.
The 27th SEAZA Conference was presented by:
Corporate Partners:
Icebreaker
17 November 2019 (Sunday) | |
---|---|
Time | Activity |
10:00 - 18:00 | Registration |
15:30 - 17:30 | SEAZA Board Meeting (closed) |
18:30 - 21:00 | Cocktail Reception |
Conference Proper
Post-Conference Workshop
Positive Reinforcement Training
21 November 2019
Instructors:
Gail Laule
Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Margaret Whittaker
Creative Animal Behavior Solutions
This day-long Workshop is designed for everyone working with animals – managers, veterinarians, supervisors, and keepers. Positive reinforcement training (PRT) is recognized as an important technique to enhance the care and welfare of all captive animals. Through the training process we gain the animals’ voluntary cooperation in a wide array of behavioral objectives, including training for:
- basic care and daily management;
- husbandry;
- medical procedures;
- enhancing social behavior;
- reducing aggression; and
- reducing abnormal and stereotypic behavior.
Through the use of skillfully applied PRT we can reduce stress and the use of physical restraint and anesthesia. Animals become less fearful, are engaged physically and mentally, and experience greater choice and control, all of which directly contribute to better welfare.
Specific Workshop Topics:
- Introduction to Behavior Management
- Operant conditioning overview
- Positive reinforcement techniques - illustrated with demonstrations and video examples for a wide range of mammals, birds, and reptiles
- Objectives of training – why we train animals
- Basic tools of PRT
- Beginning a PRT program
- Desensitization and acclimation – reducing fear and discomfort
- Socialization training – improving social interactions among animals and enhancing introductions
- Reducing undesirable behaviors - including aggression towards humans and conspecifics, non-cooperation, abnormal and stereotypic behavior
The Workshop format includes lecture, discussion, demonstrations, and some fun activities for participants. All skills and techniques are focused on improving animal care and management to enhance welfare. The Workshop format is interactive, so be prepared to participate to make the experience as valuable and relevant to your own situation as possible!