Why we struggle with supporting animals being agents of their life

Some of the challenges can be:

• Underestimating animal agency: Animals may be treated as passive recipients rather than active participants in their care.

• Perceived “luxury” vs necessity: Enrichment may be viewed as optional rather than essential for wellbeing.

• Fear of change: Staff may worry about making mistakes when introducing new enrichment or habitat modifications.
• Established routines may resist change; staff may be used to doing things “the way we’ve always done them.”

Luckily there are all kinds of solutions, opportunities, and pathways forward to improve animal wellbeing!

Habitat management

The 24/7 approach provides a holistic framework for understanding and supporting every aspect of an animal’s life - day and night, weekdays and weekends, across seasons.

By exploring each individual’s needs and their sensory and cognitive world (Umwelt), we can interpret behaviour and mental states, and actively promote positive wellbeing.

This workshop blends science with practice, encourages an auto-critical mindset, and focuses on actionable solutions, from habitat management and enrichment programs to nutrition and human–animal.

In particular this workshop will focus how we can and should manage environments - all habitats, to reduce dependency on us, and increase opportunities and affordances so that animals can organise their own lives as much as possible. 

What you will explore

• Holistic approaches to animal wellbeing
• 24/7 across lifespan approach
• Complete the 24/7 workshop
• Supporting and increasing animal agency
• Confronting back-of-house traditions
• Habitat management & habitat review
• Environmental enrichment programs
• Enrichment as sprinkles on top

What you can expect

 
Your workshop experience

During this two-day workshop, you will:

• Participate in scientific and practical presentations combined with hands-on 24/7 exercises
• Reflect on how to develop and action a habitat management mindset
• Review habitats and back-of-house areas, applying knowledge to the animals in your care
• Identify what is working well and what may hinder future goals
• Learn the foundations of environmental enrichment and how to apply it strategically
• Leave feeling empowered and confident to make positive changes that enhance animal wellbeing

🗓 Workshop details

• Format: In person
• Dates: 9th & 10th of March 2026
• Location: The workshop is hosted by and takes place at Zoomarine in the Algarve in Portugal.
• How to get there: 

  You can get to Zoomarine by car, or taxi, or plane. More information can be found here.

  We encourage car and public transport. The closest airport is Faro Airport (FAO).

• Included: 
  • 60-minute webinar prior to the event
  • 90-minute follow-up webinar to check in & help with next steps/questions

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is designed for animal care professionals, zookeepers, sanctuary staff, veterinarians, and anyone involved in animal wellbeing. It’s suitable for both early-career staff and experienced professionals looking to deepen their practice.

This workshop is open to all individuals in animal wellbeing and conservation, across every job role. From animal caregivers, veterinarians, and educators, to managers, people & culture teams, and CEO - everyone is welcome!

If you are a student, teacher, lecturer, or researcher, anyone in academia is welcome too!

What you’ll take with you

• Practical strategies you can use daily

• Resources you can return to anytime you need support

• Connection with peers across roles and regions

• A certificate of attendance

One of Sabrina's best qualities as a speaker/teacher, is the way she helps you understand. It's in such a humane way, she really cares about everyone and you can feel it. The atmosphere is relaxed and uplifiting. You'll find both small and bigger changes in thinking and problem solving, that helps you either as a pro and/or as a pet owner. Well, in general. I just loved Sabrina's lectures! She made a huge impact on my thinking... ~ Sissa

📖 The Workshop Program

Wild about Self-care takes place over two 4.5-hour sessions. Each one blends learning, reflection, and practical application.

Here’s a snapshot of what we’ll explore together:

🌱 Foundations of self-care: understanding empathy, compassion, energy, resilience, and why self-care matters

🎒 Building your self-care bundle: practical tools and personal strategies you can adapt to your life

💚 Reflection & renewal: space to celebrate your life & work

🌍 Connection & sharing: opportunities to learn from and with peers around the globe

📖 Integration & resources: take-home practices and guides to support long-term wellbeing

You can also download the full program for more details below soon.

FAQ Section

Q: Do I need prior experience in self-care practices?
A: Not at all! We’ll guide you step by step, and you can adapt everything to your lifestyle.

Q: Will the sessions be recorded?
A: Not for this workshop. It is a live event to connect, learn, and share together. 

Q: Do I need to attend both days?
A: Yes, the workshop is split across two sessions (a total of 8 hours).

Q: What if I can’t make my time zone’s session?
A: You’re welcome to attend whichever option works best for you.

Q: Is there a certificate of attendance?
A: Yes, all participants will receive one.

Q: Can I pay in installments?
A: Yes, just reach out via the contact form below and we can help you set that up.

Q: Can I learn more about Sabrina's credentials and background?
A: Absolutely, just reach out via the contact form below and she can send you her CV and publication list (soon also available directly on this website).

Ready to put yourself back on your care list?

Join us for the Wild about Self-Care workshop and take home tools to sustain your wellbeing and your important work with animals.

Why are there two price options?

We know that many people working in animal wellbeing and conservation do so out of passion, not for high salaries. At the same time, offering high-quality, interactive training takes resources to create and sustain.

That’s why we offer two price points:

€97 – Supported Rate: This helps keep the workshop accessible for those with limited financial means.

€127 – Contribution Rate: If you are able, this option not only covers your seat but also supports our Acts of Kindness program, which pays forward training opportunities for others in the community who may not otherwise be able to join, including this event.

For example, for every 3 people joining and contributing, we can donate a space, or partly support those who apply to the program. We actively let people know on this page how many spaces have been donated. If you can, please help others. 

This way, we take care of one another, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent people from accessing self-care, while also sustaining the work needed to offer these programs.

Need more support? Just reach out to Sabrina for other available options via the contact form below.

"During her presentations, Sabrina Brando does not just give us the definition of the word “compassion”. She shows us through concrete examples and fascinating research how to improve our wellbeing, that of our learners, our colleagues, our interlocutors. A seminar of public utility for any professional working with animals, human or non-human." ~ Lisa

Organisations we've worked with