Omgeving, gedrag & verrijking Workshop
Geef dieren op de kinderboerderij een leven vol welzijn, uitdaging en plezier.
Actieve en nieuwsgierige dieren zijn ook leuk voor alle bezoekers, van kinderen tot volwassen.
Ik schrijf mij in đźWaarom deze workshop?
Kinderboerderijdieren verdienen meer dan alleen goede basiszorg. Ze hebben een leefomgeving nodig waarin ze kunnen ontdekken, kiezen en natuurlijk gedrag laten zien. Deze workshop helpt jou om met praktische aanpassingen een groot verschil te maken - elke dag opnieuw.
Je leert hoe je:
- een omgeving creëert die welzijn ondersteunt
- gedrag beter interpreteert
- verrijking inzet voor fysieke en mentale uitdaging
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Voor wie is deze workshop?
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Deze workshop is voor:
- dierverzorgers
- beheerders
- educatief medewerkers
- vrijwilligers
- stagiairs
- iedereen die werkt met dieren op een kinderboerderij, zorgboerderij of kleinschalige dierlocatie
- studenten
Habitat management & environmental enrichment
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The 24/7 approach provides a holistic framework for understanding and supporting every aspect of an animalâs life - day and night, weekdays and weekends, across seasons.
By exploring each individualâs 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 humanâanimal.
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.Â
What you will explore
- Holistic approaches to animal wellbeing
- Supporting and increasing animal agency
- 24/7 across lifespan approach
- Complete the 24/7 workshop
- Confronting back-of-house traditions
- Habitat management & habitat review
- Environmental enrichment programs
- Enrichment as sprinkles on top
What you can expect
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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
About your facilitator
Hi, Iâm Sabrina, a psychologist specialised in the human-animal interaction and relationship, who loves the outdoors, laughter, journeys, and connecting with others, including other animals! How are you (but then really) & can you please tell me a story, are two of my favourite questions. Stories of call kinds can inspire, bring us joy, connection, and help us heal. Stories and ACTs can affect change. One of my favourite quotes is along the lines of âWhat you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you sayâ by Ralph Waldo Emerson. It connects deeply to my ideas around flourishing for all. For peoples, other animals, the greater community of life, and this beautiful planet we share. To listen, learn, share, and act from a culture of respect and care. I look forward to connecting with you.
Sabrina teaches at various universities and colleges and works with many zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and other facilities worldwide on animal wellbeing, behaviour, environmental enrichment, animal training, habitat design, and the human-animal relationship. She also focuses on human and planetary wellbeing, highlighting the interconnectedness of all: animals, people, and the planet. Sabrina is a frequent invited and keynote speaker at conferences and seminars and has organised over 500 events through AnimalConcepts worldwide since 2004. She serves on zoo expert groups, is an advisor to the AZA Animal Welfare Committee, and collaborates on various research projects on animal care, wellbeing, behaviour, and advocacy.
Sabrina is a reviewer in academic journals, contributes chapters to animal wellbeing books, and has extensively published popular and academic articles. She also works with governments, writing policies and guidelines. She is the author of a book on âOptimal Welfare of Ageing Wild Animals in Human Careâ by Springer Nature (Brando & Chapman, 2023), working on a forthcoming book on human wellbeing in animal care professionals and wildlife conservationists by Taylor & Francis, and together with the whole AnimalConcepts team working on an upcoming book by Routledge on Animal Behaviour, Training, and Ethics for Animal Wellbeing, Education, Research, and Conservation.
The animal care and welfare field is evolving to see animal caretakers in all their roles as professionals, especially worldwide, as we redefine who is âessentialâ. Building this professionalism through education, compassion, and advocacy is what AnimalConcepts does. Itâs critical! Their workshops, seminars, and online platform bring us together in ways most other organisations donât or canât. What AnimalConcepts does is so important!Â
Darren Minier, Director of Animal Welfare and Research, Oakland Zoo
Sabrina will inspire and help you find evidence-based approaches to create conditions that allow you and your animals to thrive.
Prof. Hannah M. Buchanan-SmithÂ
University of Stirling
Workshop details
- Dates:Â 9th & 10th of March 2026
- Format: In person
- Location: The workshop is hosted by and takes place at Zoomarine in the Algarve in Portugal.
- How to get there:Â
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:Â
- 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. Itâs 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 youâll take with you
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Practical strategies you can use daily
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Resources you can return to anytime you need support
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Connection with peers across roles and regions
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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
This workshop focussing on habitat management and environmental enrichment takes place over two 8 hour sessions. Each one blends learning, reflection, and practical application.
Hereâs a snapshot of what weâll explore together:
đŠ Foundations of habitat management, environmental enrichment, and the 24/7 approach
đ Create ideas and activities to take home to your animals and organisation
đ Reflection & renewal: space to expand your current animal care and wellbeing programs
đ Connection & sharing: opportunities to learn from and with peers around the globe
đ Integration & resources: take-home practices and guides to support short- and long-term wellbeing
You can also download the full program for more details below soon.
FAQ Section
Q: Do I need prior experience in habitat management and enrichment practices?
A: Not at all! Weâll guide you step by step, and you can adapt everything to your animals and organisation. Everyone will leave confident in applying what they learn.
Q: What if I canât attend both days?
A: We recommend attending both days to fully benefit from the hands-on exercises and discussions. If you must miss a session, we provide materials and resources to review afterward, though some experiential learning cannot be fully replaced.
Q:Â Will I get access to workshop materials?
A: Yes! All participants receive workshop handouts, templates, and materials to support continued learning and application in your organisation.
Q: Can I register as part of a team?
A: Absolutely! We encourage teams to attend together. Group registration helps foster collaboration and ensures that multiple staff members can implement changes effectively.
Q: Is there a certificate of attendance?
A: Yes, all participants will receive one.
Q: Can I pay in instalments?
A: Yes, just reach out via the contact form below and we can help you set that up.
Q: Can IÂ 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 elevate animal care in your organisation?
Join
Join fellow animal care and other professionals in this transformative workshop and take home practical tools to make a lasting difference.
Hands down, this conference was the best I have attended in my 25+ years working with animals. I have followed Sabrina Brando for almost as long, and she delivered as always. The depth of her knowledge is amazing. Her compassion for animals and the people who work with them is inspiring and thought-provoking. Few people can teach animal and human wellbeing like Sabrina Brando! Runar
Organisations we've worked with
Purpose and values
We are committed to helping all people care for animals and for themselves
One Care
We are committed to animal and human wellbeing, for individuals and organisations
Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity
We are dedicated to creating a more diverse, equal, and inclusive world for all
Connect with us
Do you have a question? A suggestion or idea you want to share? Use the contact form we will get back to you shortly! You can also email us on sbrando(@)animalconcepts.eu
Contact us