Pedagogical objective

The training programmes implemented in zoos aim to improve animal welfare and facilitate the daily management of animals by zookeepers. This course presents the theoretical, methodological and practical foundations of positive reinforcement training for professionals who wish to establish - or who already have - a programme tailored for one or more species and adapted to the working environment, in order to achieve specific goals (animal management, medical training).

Skills acquired at the end of the course

• Understand the scientific foundations and methodology related to the conditioning and training of animals
• Recognise the necessity of knowing the specific characteristics and behavioural repertoire of species before implementing a training programme
• Be capable of creating and applying a training programme based on the positive reinforcement method - taking into account the characteristics of the animals present, the facilities and the available resources - and setting realistic and achievable goals
• Be able to troubleshoot problems during the learning process with animals
• Consider the safety of both animals and trainers

Course content

Module 1: What is training - purpose and application

• The relationship between animal training and animal welfare
• Applications of training

Module 2: Scientific foundations of training

• Definition, explanation and application of key concepts: habituation, sensitisation, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, positive reinforcement
• Species biology: understanding behavioural repertoire and individual history
• Experience of the present team

Module 3: Implementing conditioning - the role of communication

• Motivating animals
• Ensuring the animal understands you: verbal and non-verbal communication
• Types of reward used
• Safety of the animal and the trainer
• Reinforcement strategies
• Shaping behaviours

Workshops and practical exercises:

• Intra-team role-playing: in pairs, participants take turns being the animal and the trainer
• Observation and analysis of training sessions (at the park and from external resources)

Module 4: Understanding and implementing a training programme

• Determination of the roles and responsibilities of each team member (zookeepers, animal managers, vets)
• Definition of the species-specific objectives based on goals and available resources (equipment, environment, team and animal experience, time)
• Creation of a training plan: definition of the objectives, training frequency, chosen method, involved personnel, evaluation of results
• Monitoring records and training progress
• Evaluating the alignment of the training plan with the intended objectives

Workshops and practical exercises:

• Review of existing programmes at the park
• Defining training objectives for the target species to establish an appropriate programme (discussed beforehand with the managers)
• Creation of a training progress booklet
• Training session + evaluation of the session (ideally, for this exercise, work with an already accustomed/conditioned animal in order to focus on the trainer's behaviour)

Module 5: Potential challenges

• Learning to resolve unwanted behaviours
• Learning to manage incorrect responses
• Understanding and correcting common mistakes made by trainers
• Minimising the risk of aggression

Workshops and practical exercises:

• Observation and analysis of training sessions (at the park or using external resources depending on available data)

Pedagogical, technical and supervisory resources

The course includes theoretical contributions, workshops and practical exercises, discussions and feedback. In the training room, the course is led using visual aid (PowerPoint and audiovisual material), while the workshops and practical exercises are carried out within the zoo.

Prior to the training, a preparatory meeting (either via phone or face-to-face) will be held with the supervisors to define the expected applications and to discuss the conducted exercises, facilities arrangements and available equipment.

Monitoring and assessment

An attendance sheet is signed by each participant and the instructors for each half-day of course. The acquisition of skills is assessed during the course (training games, role-playing, etc.).

The course is assessed based on its quality and the effectiveness of the instructors, using a questionnaire that each participant fills anonymously. A certificate of completion is issued to each participant at the end of the course.