Birds of Prey: Moving Past ‘Traditional’ – Amy Fennell CPBT-KA – Supervisor (Natural Encounters, Inc.)
Many centers are facing large and challenging transitions as they move their birds of prey away from ‘traditional’ falconry and aversive techniques to positive reinforcement-based methods. Navigating this change with birds who may have been originally trained ‘traditionally’ can be a huge challenge! The challenge can grow depending on team knowledge, dynamics, and the support of management. Where do we start, and how do we best provide a high level of welfare for our animals in the meantime? You aren’t alone, and while this talk can’t provide all the answers, it may point you in the right direction!
Raptor Enrichment – Ari Bailey, CPBT-KA, CPAT-KA – Show Manager (Natural Encounters, Inc.)
As animal trainers and caretakers we want the best for our animals and one of the ways we work toward this goal is through environmental enrichment. How do we offer enrichment to our raptors in a meaningful and safe way? This talk will explore ways to think about measures for success when it comes to enrichment so we aren’t just checking that proverbial box. The talk will also focus on safety, novel item introduction and more that could apply to many different classifications of animals.
NEI TEC in Conversation – Amy Fennell, Ari Bailey and Steve Martin President/CEO (Natural Encounters, Inc.)
A panel of NEI TEC faculty members gather to have a conversation about their thoughts on the presentations and questions from the previous sessions, as well as best practices in raptor training, enrichment and welfare.
127 Conservation Way
Winter Haven, FL 33884
