This episode Andie Haugen, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, discusses the the big one: Positive Reinforcement! Positive Reinforcement is an amazing tool to empower animals and allows for each animal to learn in their own way. Tune in for a two for one "Training Tales" from Andie where she recounts how she captured an animal to mimic the legendary Indiana Jones theme song and describes the fun challenges of switching the cheetah's blood draws from Free Contact to Protected Contact.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Andie contact [email protected] or reach out at Andie_panda. Let's talk some training!

This episode, through daily live recordings, features a recap of the 2023 ABMA/IMATA joint conference (March 5-10 2023) hosted by Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium. Each day of the conference, one of the presenters for the day discusses their presentation and other learning that impacted them.

Day 1: Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo ([email protected])

Day 2: Justin Garner, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ([email protected])

Day 3: Jen Dew, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium ([email protected])

Day 4: Sherona Dhunraj, Ski Dubai ([email protected])

Day 5: Maggie Santangelo, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium ([email protected])

If you are an ABMA member be sure to log in to Animalprofessional.com to watch any of the presentations and panels from the 2023 conference. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected]. Let's talk some training!

This episode Pablo Joury, Curator of Pinnipeds at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, discusses Consequences and finishes our breakdown of the ABCs of Behavior! We start with a quick run down of reinforcement and punishment and then continue on exploring the many different ways consequences can be applied while training. Tune in for our first in-person podcast and for Pablo's "Training Tale" of training the first ever eye ultrasound on a sea lion! Additionally, stick around until the end of the episode for a one-time new segment; "Fun with French" as Pablo sort-of teaches us how to say "seal" in French. Let's just say that it is seal-ing hilarious. For questions or suggestions about the podcast or to ask Pablo any questions email [email protected]. Let's talk some training!

This episode Chris Jenkins of Natural Encounters, Inc. continues our discussion about the ABCs of Behavior with the start of it all: Antecedents!   We discuss how antecedents set the stage for successful behaviors and how our business cards should read "Professional Antecedent Rearrangers" since that is such a powerful tool while shaping behavior.   Tune in for Chris's fun "Training Tale" about training a Harris hawk with a very unusual reinforcer.  Also, learn more about "The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.", a like-minded podcast hosted by Chris! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Chris contact [email protected].  Let's talk some training!

This episode Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, discusses the namesake of the podcast: The ABCs of Behavior!  Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence and how we can utilize the ABCs of Behavior to help us maintain and train new behaviors. Tune in for some amazing training stories from Nicki about emergency recall training with bears, tigers, polar bears, and gorillas.  You can also read more and see videos of the emergency recall training in the Winter 2023 publication of "Engage" on the ABMA's website! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Nicki contact [email protected].  Let's talk some training!

This episode Steve Martin, President and CEO of Natural Encounters, Inc. and a leader in the field of behavior management, starts our deep dive into the science of behavior change with the crux of it all: Operant Conditioning!  We discuss the importance of having the mindset of reinforcing for tomorrow and how the artful application of training includes a dialogue, with two-way communication, between the teacher and the learner. Tune in for some incredible animal training stories from Steve, ranging from "free-flight" orangutans all the way to some quick thinking with a volunteer and a Marabou stork .  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Steve contact [email protected].  Let's talk some training!

This episode Justin Garner, The ABMA Board Member and trainer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, was asked to describe training in one word and his response was: Relationships!  We dig deep into the many levels of that answer including the importance of animal-trainer relationships fostered by positive reinforcement training techniques using the most positive, least intrusive effective intervention.  Stay tuned for Justin's "Training Tale" where he talks about forming a relationship with a stellar Steller's sea lion.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Justin contact [email protected] or [email protected].  Let's talk some training! 

This episode we dive into the history, goals, resources, and community of The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (The ABMA) with the current president of The ABMA, Kelly Elkins! Also, learn more about what behavior management is in practice and why that phrase was chosen for the organization's name.  Stay tuned for Kelly's "Training Tale" about her close encounter with manta rays and the importance of connecting with animals and wildlife.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and Kelly can be reached at [email protected]. Let's talk some training! 

Welcome to the brand new podcast from The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (The ABMA): "Animal Behavior Conversations"! Our first episode introduces you to your host, Shane Gorbett, who is currently on the Board of Directors for The ABMA, pinniped trainer at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and self-proclaimed behavior nerd.  This episode we will also give an introduction to the podcast.  Each week Shane will be joined by another professional in the field of animal training and care as they break down a topic concerning animal training and the science of behavior change. Stay tuned for the end of the episode as each guest will tell a fun "Training Tale".  This episode Shane talks about how Rai, the radiated tortoise, went from hiding in his shell around humans to literally sliding towards his caregivers and guests. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected]. Let's talk some training!