Paper Presentations List

Epizoonotic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, is a virus that results in significant clinical disease and mortality of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Clinical signs range from oral and gastrointestinal ulcers to lethargy, hemorrhage, and sudden death. At the Wildlife Safari Park, we see several cases of EHD each year with varying survival rates due to limited treatment options. Rosemary is a three year old, parent-raised white-tailed deer, who was treated for severe corneal ulcers as a result of infection with EHD. Treatment involved managing a subpalpebral lavage line for 6 weeks and administration of ophthalmic and oral medications. Since Rosemary was parent-raised and not accustomed to residing in a barn or being in close proximity to keepers, the challenge was building a relationship and reducing stress to ensure treatment would be possible and successful. Quality of life was monitored and discussed throughout the entire process to ensure treatment was in Rosemary’s best interest. Rosemary was successfully treated and had complete restoration of her vision. This paper details our experience and what we believe contributed to our success with the hope other facilities can benefit.

In November 2021, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium acquired an adult Chacoan horned frog with an unknown background as he had been part of a confiscation. Upon seeing him, it was obvious that he should be named Brimley. Unfortunately, Brimley presented ill very quickly, with keepers noting edema and no fecal output. He received multiple medications and a barium study seeking answers. Due to concerns about colonic impaction and gas proliferation, emergent surgery was elected. Despite the success of surgery, his recovery period was very difficult. Keeper staff worked extremely hard to get him to eat on his own, but the most difficult task was, well, pooping. During his months of TLC, information about him in daily keeper reports and during all zoo meetings spurred a significant fanbase among all zoo departments. Everyone became deeply invested in his story, his care, and his recovery. The cheer and applause he received after it was announced that he finally provided his first bowel movement was deafening! Who would have thought that a good fecal would be cause for such celebration? Brimley was much more than a frog; he became one of our institutional mascots. He was a teacher, a symbol of hope, and an amazing ambassador for his species. This presentation discusses impaction, amphibian health (including challenges, intricacies, and signs to look out for), empathy, and other lessons Brimley inspired us to learn.

Imagine an owl, one of nature’s most skilled hunters, finding itself without the gift of sight. What happens when an apex predator relies solely on its other senses? The impact vision loss has on the welfare of owls remains highly debated in the animal care profession. Despite differing beliefs, our organization values a program that empowers animals with choice and control through behavioral training- and these owls are no exception. In our training sessions we replaced sight with carefully selected auditory cues, teaching the owls to recognize an auditory target. By introducing these sounds as “visual substitutes,” we challenged the owls to learn new ways of moving through their environment, locating food, and reacting to their surroundings. As expected, they’ve responded incredibly well! Get ready for a fun, insightful look at how we can give these magnificent birds a second chance, and how the power of sound can unlock new possibilities in animal training.

Reproductive failure remains a persistent challenge in many managed animal populations, even under high standards of veterinary care and genetic management. Increasing evidence across taxa demonstrates that excess adiposity and overconditioned body states can negatively impact fertility through endocrine disruption, metabolic dysfunction, and altered reproductive cycling. In both domestic and wildlife species, obesity has been associated with reduced fertility, impaired gamete quality, and disrupted hormonal signaling. In managed populations, similar patterns have been observed, including links between elevated body condition and ovarian acyclicity in species such as elephants, black rhino, and panda. Daily husbandry decisions ultimately shape metabolic health, and metabolism regulates reproduction. We explore how common husbandry practices may unintentionally contribute to overconditioning in zoo animals, including the cumulative caloric impact of training reinforcement or enrichment, limited opportunities for physical activity, and human perceptions of “ideal” body condition. We will examine how these factors intersect with animal physiology to influence reproductive outcomes and highlight the role of adipose tissue as an active endocrine organ affecting hormonal balance, inflammation, and metabolism. By reframing body condition as a critical component of reproductive management, keepers can be empowered to make informed, impactful changes to daily husbandry that support both animal welfare and population sustainability.

Despite their iconic status, giraffe populations experienced significant declines across much of their range, facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and ecological changes, with recent global estimates of approximately 140,000 individuals remaining across all four giraffe species. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) is the only NGO in the world that concentrates solely on the conservation and management of giraffe in the wild throughout Africa. GCF takes an action-oriented approach to reversing this trend by working directly with local stakeholders to develop and implement effective conservation initiatives for all four species of giraffe. A key part of GCF’s approach is the development of national and regional giraffe conservation strategies and action plans, co-created with governments, conservationists, researchers, and local communities. These plans offer a comprehensive framework for addressing giraffe conservation challenges and creating sustainable, long-term solutions. GCF has spearheaded the creation of 13 such plans, providing a roadmap for their conservation in Africa over the next decade. Guided by science, GCF’s collaborative approach drives measurable action - from capacity enhancement to regional giraffe monitoring programs. Our flagship translocation programs, conducted with government partners, uses rigorous data to return giraffe to their historic ranges. Successes in Angola, Niger, and Uganda prove that we can restore resilient populations across the continent. This presentation will provide an overview of GCF’s holistic approach to giraffe conservation, demonstrating how science, collaboration, and innovative action are making a tangible impact for giraffe in Africa.

Zoos and aquariums are uniquely positioned to inspire future conservation professionals, yet many students have limited opportunities to engage directly with organizations doing conservation work before entering the field. This presentation shares a course-based partnership model implemented during the Spring 2026 semester in collaboration with the AAZK Conservation Committee and AAZK Conservation Partners. The project connected college zoo students with conservation organizations through structured, applied assignments designed to support student learning while also creating value for partner organizations. In this model, students were paired with conservation partners and completed scaffolded assignments such as researching organizational priorities, translating scientific information for public audiences, creating communication materials, developing professional interview questions, and engaging directly with conservation professionals. These experiences helped students build workforce-ready skills while increasing confidence, career awareness, and understanding of conservation in practice. For participating organizations, student collaborations offered opportunities to expand visibility, generate outreach materials, highlight conservation stories, and strengthen connections with emerging professionals who may become future staff, advocates, or supporters. The project also helped students recognize that zoo careers extend beyond animal care into conservation action, communication, and community engagement. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for building meaningful partnerships between zoos, aquariums, colleges, and conservation organizations, including realistic ways to involve students without creating unnecessary burden for staff. The session will also discuss how this model can continue to grow and be adapted in future semesters.

Sumatran tigers are one of the most critically endangered, and understudied, big cats on Earth. Unreliable data on Sumatran tigers and continued use of novel, untested conflict mitigation efforts prevent objective evaluation of conservation effectiveness. When monitoring data are sparse, it is impossible to track tiger population trends, much less evaluate conservation goals. Support from zoos – namely the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Memphis Zoo – have facilitated contributions toward correcting these imbalances while guiding the development of more integrative actions that foster coexistence and advance conservation. For example, three consecutive years of PDZA funding (2021-2023) enabled us to achieve, most recently, the first baseline estimate of tiger population densities in the Leuser Ecosystem. PDZA funds also supported one of the most comprehensive analyses of human-tiger conflict, identifying oil palm plantations as hotspots for negative interactions. This presentation will conclude with recommendations and strategies for zoos to consider when supporting tiger conservation work in Sumatra.

At Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Penn State University’s nature center and teaching zoo, the Wildlife Program works to enhance animal welfare while connecting visitors to Pennsylvania’s native species and landscapes. In 2025, the team installed an outdoor enclosure for a resident Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) named Gadsden to achieve three main goals: improve the animal’s quality of life through access to a large naturalistic outdoor space, strengthen the connection between the Herpetarium and Aviary exhibits, and deepen visitors’ understanding of species and ecosystems. Reptile houses are traditionally designed as separate, indoor experiences, and venomous reptiles are rarely housed outdoors. This project challenged that norm by expanding the focus beyond highlighting the individual species and instead created an ecosystem-focused “ridgetop enclosure”; a space emphasizing local plant life and landscape features to reflect the shared habitat of raptors and reptiles along Pennsylvania’s forested ridgelines. This enclosure fills an educational gap by offering a window into a remote local habitat, giving visitors who may not be able to explore wild areas a realistic view of a ridgetop ecosystem. Staff monitored the enclosure durability, animal behavior, and visitor response. Since installation, the exhibit has remained secure and weather-resistant; vegetation has established successfully, and Gadsden has shown increased exploratory and basking behaviors. Visitor feedback has been positive, demonstrating how naturalistic exhibit design can enhance welfare, interpretation, and connections between care, conservation, and education.

In zoological settings, offering enrichment is important and necessary to benefit animals’ wellbeing. Often, animal care staff can get caught up in “checking a box” when it comes to enrichment. Stale ideas, limited resources and incomplete species-specific knowledge can result in repetitive and item-focused enrichment. To better equip care staff, San Antonio Zoo started a series of programs to encourage output-focused enrichment by prioritizing Enriched Events. These events prompted keepers to tell a narrative with enrichment, creating the opportunity for animals to emit natural behaviors and learn from their environment. The Enriched Events have evolved to a quarterly department-wide competition to increase a more comprehensive species knowledge, department collaboration, and output-focused enrichment. While the Enriched Event program is still developing, positive trends are already being observed with greater animal care staff involvement, increased “Enriched Husbandry” being recorded, and larger diversity of species being enriched that were traditionally seen as “less enrichable.”

Animal care often requires creative, practical solutions beyond standard keeper training. Over the course of my work as a hospital keeper, I have found that skills developed through personal hobbies and crafts can be adapted to meet a wide range of clinical and operational needs. These projects have included sewing repairs for soft crates, reinforcing handles on dart cases, and creating modified ear plugs for hoofstock anesthetic procedures. The purpose of this paper is to share several of the custom solutions I have developed to support animal care in the hospital setting and beyond. Among the most impactful of these are specialized warming socks designed for use during medical procedures across a variety of species. These socks are tailored to accommodate different foot shapes while maintaining access for monitoring and treatment, eliminating the need for removal during procedures. By helping preserve body temperature during anesthesia, they provide a simple but effective tool for improving patient support and procedural efficiency. I hope this paper encourages other animal care professionals to draw on their unique skills and develop creative solutions that enhance the world they love.

Enrichment for invertebrates remains understudied and underutilized, despite these animals representing 97% of species on Earth and comprising countless individuals affected by captive management practices. In managed care settings, invertebrate husbandry, particularly for taxa such as phasmids (stick insects), often remains minimal. Despite growing evidence that such interventions can improve welfare, environmental complexity and enrichment remain limited. Previous work in animal welfare science and zoology has demonstrated that enrichment enhances behavioral diversity and fitness in vertebrates, yet comparable research on invertebrates is sparse, and husbandry practices remain largely unstandardized. A critical gap persists in understanding how species-appropriate environmental conditions and enrichment influence welfare in less charismatic invertebrates. In this study, we compared traditional “basic” husbandry conditions with experimentally enhanced environments. We quantified behavioral changes using ethograms and assessed reproductive output by examining egg production across control and experimental groups. The results demonstrate that enriched, species-appropriate environments significantly increased observed behavioral diversity and reproductive output. These findings suggest that even simple improvements to enclosure design and environmental regulation can substantially enhance welfare outcomes for phasmids. This study provides empirical support to integrate enrichment and environmental optimization into invertebrate husbandry, challenging the assumption that such measures are unnecessary for these taxa. Future research should expand these findings by examining offspring viability and developing standardized welfare assessment frameworks tailored specifically to invertebrates.

Pancake tortoises (malacochersus tornieri) are highly specialized reptiles adapted for crevice dwelling, climbing, and use of vertical rock structures -- behaviors often limited in traditional captive habitats. This case study follows "Maple" a pancake tortoise whose original enclosure was designed over 25 years ago "for reptiles" and offered few opportunities for species-typical activity, resulting in low behavioral diversity and reduced engagement. Motivated by these observations, a comprehensive habitat redesign was undertaken to better reflect the species' natural history and promote positive welfare. Design decisions emphasized choice, control and the ability to express a wider range of natural behaviors. Following implementation, Maple's behavioral profile shifted markedly. She began engaging in climbing and exploration, self regulating her temperature and basking choices, and displaying more predictable feeding responses. Activity levels increased, and her use of the habitat became more varied and dynamic. The modular design also allows for continued adaptation and enrichment, supporting long-term welfare. Maple's transition from a flat, static enclosure to a complex, responsive habitat illustrates how thoughtful, evidence-based design can transform welfare outcomes. This project underscores the importance of aligning captive environments with species-specific ecology to support both physical and psychological well-being.

After repeated egg and chick abandonment from a pair of Luzon bleeding-heart doves (Gallicolumba luzonica), the avian hand-rearing team at the Phoenix Zoo intervened emergently to artificially incubate and hand-rear the species. A review of available information, including consultation with the Species Survival Plan and institutions that house related taxa, revealed the absence of a formalized hand-rearing protocol for this species. Using available husbandry knowledge and prior success with the closely related Mindanao bleeding-heart dove (Gallicolumba crinigera) a novel hand-rearing protocol was developed and implemented, resulting in the successful growth and fledging of a chick. Throughout the rearing process, detailed daily records were maintained to document developmental milestones, behavioral responses, and protocol adjustments. Our adaptive management approach allowed for real-time refinement of techniques based on the individual needs of the chick. This case study highlights the importance of flexible, evidence-informed husbandry practices when established protocols are lacking or nonexistent. Resulting documentation provided a foundational framework for future hand-rearing efforts and improved management strategies for Luzon bleeding-heart doves in human care.

A common theme among keepers and trainers is their days are too full to incorporate training with every individual animal. Training is important for animal welfare and crucial for mental and physical enrichment. Dolphin Research Center has maintained our philosophy of allowing dolphins to live in natural social groups, keeping their best welfare in mind since 1984. Oftentimes, large “SuperPods” of 10-17 dolphins live together. Our unique training style is not commonly seen in the marine mammal world: working multiple dolphins of all dominance levels together with a solo trainer. Groups of 4-6 individuals may share one trainer during sessions. How we work through both challenges and successes increases our knowledge as behaviorists and trainers, building greater trust and respect with our animals. Clear communication with the animals is crucial in maintaining positive training environments. Within months of birth, each dolphin learns their “nametag”, a symbol communicating the location of their session, and with whom they will be with. Trainers can adjust to the individual's needs in a variety of ways if they choose to say “no” to their session mates, working through social challenges based on the animals’ choices, strengthening the trainer- dolphin trust and relationship. Symbols are just one way we set the animals up for success in group sessions. Competition for trainers' attention often leads to quicker progression of behaviors in training, but how? This presentation will discuss many types of foundation training and how to overcome potential social challenges accomplishing positive cooperative group sessions.

After years as a solo ambassador red river hog, Iggy, can now be found living with his two female companions while continuing to participate in training and presentations. Iggy was born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2014 and was hand reared with his sister and eventually became an ambassador for his species. Protective contact introductions occurred between Iggy and the two female habitat red river hogs, Zolo and Tink, off and on starting in 2021. In April of 2025, the first free contact introductions occurred between the three pigs with daytime meetings continuing until July when Iggy spent his first night at the habitat with the girls. Iggy now lives full time at the habitat, while still participating daily in presentations, walks, and training sessions. Iggy has transitioned from his behind-the-scenes habitat to this public facing habitat while maintaining his ambassador role and relationships with his Wildlife Care Specialists. Managing the social needs of Iggy while maintaining his ambassador role presented new challenges for the Wildlife Care Specialists and for the red river hogs including adding new trainers for all three hogs and working through communication between two teams. Training sessions can now be viewed by the public from start to finish allowing for a deeper insight into how we work with our ambassadors. Iggy’s case highlights opportunities we can utilize to enhance animal welfare in our ambassadors while maintaining their roles in educating the public.

The Kids’ Farm exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo houses various domestic animals. The Farm has two heifers: a 0.1 Holstein, “Maggie,” and a 0.1 Hereford, “Willow.” Since their arrival, both have participated in a training program for entering a chute for medical exams and other behaviors. The chute garnered great success with medical exams for current and previous heifers – allowing us to obtain blood, examine hooves, and administer vaccines. In 2023, the existing chute was replaced with a new model, which proved to be undersized. During initial use, Maggie became briefly stuck, leading to a hiatus of chute training, which did not resume until a larger chute was acquired in 2024. The new chute has required substantial modifications to accommodate Maggie’s height. An average Holstein is 58 inches at the shoulder. Maggie is 73 inches at the shoulder, while Willow is 52 inches at the shoulder. These differences necessitated a flexible and adaptive approach to chute design. Staff collaborated with facilities teams to implement several modifications to improve safety, functionality, and welfare. This paper will focus on the modifications that staff have made to the chute for training both cattle, while ensuring safe entry, positioning, and exit during medical procedures. It will also discuss the importance of flexibility in our training program, emphasizing how individualized approaches with animals can maintain progress, encourage success, and rebuild trust following setbacks. Despite previous challenges, this approach can allow both animals to have continued success with chute training and other essential medical behaviors.

In April of 2022, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s Lied Jungle received three Tetradon Pustulatus, or Redline Pufferfish, an endangered freshwater fish endemic to the Cross River system in south-western Nigeria. While two of the three individuals arrived healthy, one arrived emaciated with an abnormal swim pattern which presented as an inability to maintain buoyancy in the water column. It was initially theorized this animal suffered a swim bladder rupture before donation or during transport and was aptly named “Pop” by its caretaker. Through the incredible diagnostic efforts and teamwork of OHDZA’s veterinary staff, the aquarist of the Lied Jungle, and the Nebraska Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals, it was discovered via CT scan that “Pop” had an underdeveloped swim bladder. After much trial and error with feeding efforts, “Pop” returned to an appropriate body condition and would voluntarily participate in training to aid in his medical care, like targeting and voluntary “shifting”. “Pop” currently resides in OHDZA’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion where he still participates in regular training with his new caretakers.

A maturing male Black Bear, an aging male Arctic Fox, a young and timid female Arctic fox, and an abandoned malnourished male Black Bear cub...what could go wrong? After losing our matriarch Black Bear in 2024, our bear exhibit experienced a huge upheaval. Our male Black Bear, Taglu, was a lone bear for the first time since losing his Mom in 2021, and was starting to develop anxiety driven behaviors. Apollo, our 7 year old Arctic Fox, once wrestled with Taglu as a cub was now left to act as his only companion. With so much heartbreak, staff was very concerned about the potential stereotypic, anxiety, and health issues for Taglu and Apollo. In 2025, we successfully introduced a new young fox, Luna, into the exhibit, navigating both fox-fox introductions and bear-fox introductions. In 2026, we finally received an opportunity to acquire a new bear cub. At this point, Taglu had been without a conspecific for a year, and was approaching sexual maturity. Our Arctic Foxes and Taglu had also solidified their social dynamics. Ochsner Park Zoo was up for the challenge. Its two full time Zoo Keepers prepared their introduction plan that contained layers of backup plans and positioned resources to solve the impromptu issues that arose to ensure the dynamics of the multi-species exhibit was a success.

Based on recent research sponsored by the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, the heavy weight of grief, guilt, and burnout felt by animal caretakers is a common occurrence. The publication of this paper was a catalyst for animal keepers at Woodland Park Zoo to build tangible and meaningful resources for animal care staff. With the support of Woodland Park Zoo leadership and the Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion team, a small group of animal care staff created ZooCOPE. This group provides a variety of resources to build community and support around times of animal loss, organizational change, and other factors that create a need for support. ZooCOPE has participated in the creation of the zoo’s first Animal Ofrenda, open to both staff, volunteers, and the community. It also hosted a well-attended grief panel where staff members from various departments shared their professional and personal experiences with grief. ZooCOPE has become a successful employee led group that has provided the much-needed support, resources, and community building for animal care staff. Attendance and participation of events hosted by ZooCOPE has provided qualitative evidence of the importance of programs like this for those in the animal care field.

The concept of work-life balance centers on fostering a healthy lifestyle while establishing boundaries to prevent overworking. However, what happens when the workplace becomes a source of happiness, yet personal life circumstances threaten to undermine that fulfillment? Despite these challenges, the zookeeper strives to maintain focus and dedication at work. Drawing on empathy-driven perspectives from Dr. Ann Wilson, Psy.D., this paper offers a professional examination of the mental health challenges faced by zookeepers. Routine concerns—such as double-checking locks, ensuring animals have appropriate access to exhibits or holding areas, and confirming water bowls are filled—are ever-present, even on the best days. By sharing these experiences, this paper aims to reassure other animal care professionals that they are not alone and to provide guidance on coping with the fear of potentially leaving a beloved career due to life’s unpredictable demands.