Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management

May, 15-22, 2009 in St. Augustine, FL.
$725 for AZA Individual Members and $825 for Non-members [join AZA]

Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management is hosted by the
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

Registration

Until Friday, January 10, 2009, preference for admission will be given to applicants who are AZA individual members. After that date, applications will be processed in the order received.
Students must be at least 21 years of age.

If applicant does not work at an accredited AZA institution please attach a separate letter describing your intended benefit from taking this course.

Download the Registration Form (in PDF). Please note that you can use Adobe Acrobat Reader to type your responses directly into this form, print, and return by mail or fax. You may also print the form, write in your information and return by mail or fax. Each course has a registration form specific for that course.

Please Note:

Checks sent for course payment will be cashed immediately upon receipt as per standard business practices. Cashing your check does not indicate that you have been accepted into a course. You will receive an acceptance letter or wait list letter once acceptance decisions are made. If you have any questions about your acceptance status, please email us at .

Travel and Accommodations

Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive a confirmation letter containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted. When making your travel arrangements, make sure to schedule your travel to allow time for the kickoff ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 15, and a full research methods field day on Friday, May 22.

Curious about the costs associated with this course?

The Cost and Logistics page (in PDF) will help you estimate the total cost of attending, including registration, hotel and ground transportation.

Interested in a Scholarship to attend this course?

The following scholarship opportunities are currently available to aquarium and zoo professionals for the Crocodilian Biology and captive Management course.

Robert O. Wagner Professional Development Award

merit based award

Board of Regents Diversity Advancement Award
for under represented individuals
Zoo Conservation Outreach Group Conservation Training Award
for colleagues from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin
International Conservation Training Award
for all foreign zoological colleagues
The Ellen Trout Zoo Crocodile Conservation Award
for colleagues from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin

An Additional Scholarship opportunity is provided by the The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, for The John Behler Scholarship.

Course Credit

Not available at this time.

Objective

This seven-day training program concentrates on the captive maintenance techniques, husbandry, breeding, and special requirements for the care of crocodiles, caiman, gharials, and alligators in zoos and aquariums. Class size is limited to 24 participants.

Target Audience

This course is open to professional biologists who either work full time with crocodilians or who may work with them in the near future. Priority will be given to individual members working at AZA accredited institutions. International applicants and those not affiliated with an AZA accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Course Topics

The school is a balanced program of classroom lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on wet labs. Relevant topics on basic crocodilian biology including taxonomy, reproductive biology, behavior, anatomy, physiology, and conservation will be included as the foundation for captive management practices. Management subjects will include enclosure design, social groups, introductions, breeding, nesting, egg incubation, training, sexing, capture techniques, chemical immobilization, diet, medical care, and population management.

Course Schedule (subject to change)

Download the course schedule (in PDF).

Course Instructors (subject to change)

Kent A. Vliet, Ph.D.
University of Florida

John Brueggen
St. Augustine Alligator Farm

John Groves
North Carolina Zoo

Greg Lepera
Jacksonville Zoo

Scott Pfaff
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Peter Brazaitis
Wildlife Conservation Society (retired)

Darryl Heard, DVM
University of Florida

Kevin Torregrosa
St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Marty MacPhee
Disney's Animal Kingdom

Lori Watkins
North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island

Bruce Schwedick
Crocodile Conservation Services

Michelle Skurski
Disney's Animal Kingdom

Bill Zeigler
Zeigler and Zeigler

What your colleagues have been saying

“The instructors were great! What an amazing resource and networking opportunity!!”

“Overall it was an excellent experience, the instructors were extremely helpful and available to answer questions. I would come back again next year if I could."

Questions?