Keynote Abstract

Ken Ramirez

Karen Pryor Clicker Training


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The Changing Face of Training in the Modern Zoo: The Welfare Connection

The modern zoological trainer has become increasingly aware of the benefits of training and the ways in which it assists in caring for our animals. However, that does not keep our detractors from criticizing our profession and misunderstanding our motives. Sometimes the criticism is based on misinformation, half-truths, or outdated facts. But at other times the criticism is based on real information about facilities and programs that are not adhering to best practices and modern standards. It is our responsibility as profes-sional trainers to make sure that we represent and practice our craft properly, not because protest groups have shined a light on us, but because it the right thing to do. More importantly, we need to rally behind our professional organizations to help in bolstering and promoting information about the good work so many of us are doing in caring for our animals. We must assist facilities and programs that do not meet cur-rent best practices to move into the modern era or distance ourselves from their poor work. If we do not find the way to accomplish this we will always be measured by the lowest common denominator. This presentation will take a look at the evolution of training in the zoological field and highlight some of the common challenges and suggest some possible solutions. The goal is to focus on both perceptions and re-alities as well as offer some practical recommendations for how we move forward in these challenging times.