See you at the AAZK conference in Akron, Ohio - USA?

The Akron Zoo Chapter of AAZK invites you to the 48th Annual AAZK National Conference which is taking place from 17-21 September 2023 in Akron, Ohio, USA. The conference also includes a trip to the Akron Zoo, where you'll come nose-to-nose with more than 1,000 animals from around the world, such as tigers, snow leopards, red pandas, penguins, Komodo dragons and so many more!

"The Akron Zoo Chapter of AAZK is thrilled to have Sabrina Brando join the AAZK National Conference in September of this year. The theme of this conference is focused toward 'the heart' of animal care, which lines up perfectly with AnimalConcept's purpose. With Sabrina's work in human well-being and geriatric animal care, her experiences will be an invaluable contribution to the program." says Kristen Scaglione, Conference Co-Chair.

There are also other trips possible to explore for example Cleveland Metroparks Zoo or go on safari in The Wilds. The program is fully booked with papers and posters, as well as fun and social activities and a silent auction, combing working hard with play and networking.

"I am delighted to join the AAZK Conference! I worked as an animal caregiver for many years before starting AnimalConcepts and miss caring for and being in the daily presence of other animals, what a wonderful job it is! Luckily we work a lot with different animal care facilities around the world as well as hearing and seeing the stories all around from the people, so I am living the job vicariously through friends and colleagues. I am honoured to come to speak at this conference and share some of the work we do in the animal and human wellbeing space, and learn from others. You, I, we are the heart, and at the heart of it all, and I can't wait to connect with everyone in Akron in September!" says Sabrina Brando, Director of AnimalConcepts.

This invaluable conference allows professionals in the zoological field to expand their knowledge on current animal husbandry practices, animal training, and behavioural enrichment, while also providing the opportunity to attend professional certificate courses and workshops such as caring for geriatric animals and caring for yourself as you care for animals and more!

Check out their exciting and full program, and find more information on hotel, trips, and registration HERE

Platforms overview

AnimalConcepts welcomes July with new exciting topics in all platforms!

Animal wellbeing

This month on the animal wellbeing platform is all about animal welfare assessments. Animal welfare assessments examine all aspects of animal care, including behaviour, physiology, housing and environment, and animal training, among others. We will focus on the many ways of assessing animal welfare, and the even wider range of indicators that can be used as measurements – and the importance of incorporating such assessments into our routines.

Human wellbeing

Our focus for July in the space of human wellbeing is "Body work". Our body is always working, it is in a constant state of movement, even when we are not actively engaged in physical activities. It is important then to take care of it and explore the benefits of sef-awareness. We will focus on techniques for looking after our mind, body, and spirit involving movement and breathing.

Planetary wellbeing

We, humans, have many beautiful ways of telling each other stories; through song, drawings, poetry, and other forms of art and metaphors. This month on the planetary platform we will be focusing on the many ways we share with each other.

DogPAWS

DogPAWS is dedicated to offer a variety of resources on dog wellbeing science, including theory, applied science, practice and training, ethics and other topics, to individuals, institutions and organisations.

In July and August, this platform explores the topic of "Dog breed diversification and its relations to training" through theoretical resources and interactive sessions. Want to learn more? Learn more about DogPAWS and register for membership HERE

INTERBEING
INTERBEING is 4 interconnected platforms & an online community, which continues to grow with new content every week! Another Science into Practice is available on the animal wellbeing platform, as well as new foundations, human, and planetary wellbeing content. Want to learn more? Sign up HERE to access, share, and learn anytime, anywhere.