Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA

This episode, through daily live recordings, features a recap of the 2024 ABMA annual conference (April 15-19 2024) hosted by the Nashville Zoo. 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 & The Animal Behavior Community (carnivores@jerusalemzoo.org)

Day 2: Dr. Cathy Mingee, North Carolina Zoo (cathy.mingee@nczoo.org)

Day 3: Cam Luna, Nashville Zoo (cluna@nashvillezoo.org)

Day 4: Chandelle Cotter, Bird Treatment and Learning Center (chandelle_cotter@birdtlc.org)

If you are an ABMA member be sure to log in to Animalprofessional.com to watch most of the presentations and panels from the 2024 conference. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

• 7:00 Recap of Monday with Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo & The Animal Behavior Community

• 18:45 Recap of Tuesday with Cathy Mingee, North Carolina Zoo 

• 35:45 Recap of Thursday with Cam Luna, Nashville Zoo 

• 45:05 Recap of Friday with Chandelle Cotter, Bird Treatment and Learning Center

This episode Tim Sullivan, Brookfield Zoo Chicago and one of the founders of The ABMA, discusses how to use behavioral goals to provide purposeful lives to animals. Tim starts by giving a little history to the founding of The ABMA and then jumps into discussing why behavior is an all encompassing word. If you were at the 2024 ABMA annual conference in Nashville or if you are an ABMA member and watch Tim's environmental enrichment workshop on animalprofessional.com, this podcast episode is a great companion to his presentation. Tim educates about shifting our mindset in order to provide purposeful lives to animals. Taking ourselves away from providers and into a facilitator role, allowing animals to do the jobs that they do best! Tim also speaks to what it means to teach animals to be good learners instead of teaching animals "good" lessons and how we can all successfully navigate this shift in thinking. Stay tuned in for Tim's "Training Tale" about how he started thinking about the correlation between guest applause and the behaviors of the animal. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Tim you can email tim.sullivan@czs.org Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

• 2:30 Introduction to Tim Sullivan 

• 9:15 History on the founding of The ABMA 

• 12:50 Why is behavior an all encompassing word for training, enrichment, etc.? 

• 16:20 What does it mean to “Provide Purposeful Lives” to animals? 

• 23:25 Teaching animals how to interact with an enrichment opportunity/do a novel behavior in their free time? 

• 28:05 Getting started with changing the mindset

• 33:50 Shift in enrichment from items to experiences/opportunities

• 37:20 Teaching animals to be good learners, not teaching good lessons 

• 48:05 “Training Tales”

This episode Kelli Meyers, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, discusses The 10 Modern Principles of Shaping as created by Karen Pryor and how they have evolved from "The 10 Laws of Shaping". Kelli breaks down each principle and gives advice on how to best implement and think about each of the principles. The 10 principles can be found below in the timestamps for this episode. Stay tuned in for Kelli's "Training Tale" about how she had to get really creative with her body positioning (hint: it included floating in the middle of the habitat) to help teach a sea lion a "clapping" behavior. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Kelli you can email kelligolota@gmail.com Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

• 1:40 Introduction to Kelli Meyers 

• 4:30 Introduction to the 10 modern principles of shaping 

• 6:50 Principle 1: Be prepared before you start 

• 10:35 Principle 2: Ensure success at each step 

• 12:25 Principle 3: Train one criterion at a time

• 14:10 Principle 4: Relax criteria when something changes

• 15:40 Principle 5: If one door close, find another 

• 18:55 Principle 6: Keep training sessions continuous 

• 20:20 Principle 7: Go back to “kindergarten” if necessary, take a step back and then move forward

• 21:45 Principle 8: Keep your attention on your learner 

• 25:50 Principle 9: Stay ahead of your learner 

• 26:45 Principle 10: Quit while you’re ahead 

• 33:20 “Training Tales”

This episode Esther Verhoeven discusses the human perception of animal intelligence (both from the point of view of an animal care professional and a guest) and how that effects behavior. The conversation starts with Esther discussing how behaviorists should view animal intelligence so that it doesn't create excuses or affect the way we manage the animals in our care. Esther finishes the discussion by commenting on educating guests about animal intelligence and the importance of the language that we use when talking to and about animals. Stay tuned in for Esther's "Training Tale" as she dives into discussing how dolphins perceived the idea of a behavior differently during scuba diving training sessions For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Esther you can find her on all major social medias (Estherv_n). Link to Esther's Ted Talk:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCqOCQ4J9qc Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

• 2:50 Introduction to Esther Verhoeven  

• 6:00 How behaviorists/trainers should be viewing animal intelligence? 

• 10:15 Responses to questions about animals being “more” or “less” intelligent than others 

• 13:15 All animals have the ability to learn and, thus, can be trained

• 15:35 Using labels or intelligence as an excuse for not training 

• 18:10 Animals are experts in human body language 

• 19:05 The dangers of thinking for animals in our care 

• 23:20 Educating the public about animal intelligence 

• 26:05 Why our “chosen language” in how we talk to and talk about animals is important 

• 28:45 “Training Tales” 

This episode Kyle Banton-Jones, Wild Enrichment, discusses the importance of focusing on the individual vs the group or species in regards to behavioral husbandry. This episode was recorded in collaboration with Kyle's podcast and is a compliment to episode 53 of the Wild Enrichment Podcast, so be sure to check out here: https://wildenrichment.podbean.com In continuation from that episode, Kyle talks about the evolution of enrichment and advancing behavioral husbandry of under-represented species. Additionally, Kyle discusses an article that he wrote, "Behavioral Husbandry for the Individual", and gives considerations for focusing on both the species/group while also ensuring that individual animal's needs are met. Stay tuned in for Kyle's "Training Tale" about how a macaw gave him a lightbulb moment about communicating with animals while training . For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Kyle email kyle@wildenrichment.com or contact any of Wild Enrichment's social channels. To learn more about Wild Enrichment, read the article that this episode discusses, and utilize their resources visit: https://wildenrichment.com Let's talk some training!

6:00 Introduction to Kyle Banton-Jones and Wild Enrichment 

10:50 How the word “enrichment” has evolved and changed 

13:45 Advancing behavioral husbandry in “under-represented” species

20:20 Behavioral Husbandry for the Individual 

23:45 Considerations from the viewpoint of the species

28:40 Considerations from the viewpoint of the individual  

31:45 Providing opportunities for the group while also providing opportunities for the individual 

34:15 Focusing on one individual’s enrichment goals within a group 

38:10 The importance of applicable data collection 

39:30 “Training Tales”

This episode Dani Larson, Southwick's Zoo, discusses prompts and how they provide additional information to animal learners. Dani gives great examples of prompts and discusses the difference between a prompt and a discriminative stimulus. Additionally, Dani educates about the importance of fading prompts, but also how to utilize prompts when a behavior breakdown. Stay tuned in for a wild "Training Tale" about how Dani used a soup spoon to teach her dog "Paw". For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Dani contact her on Instagram, @danipoirier, or email dani@southwickszoo.com Let's talk some training!

5:55 Introduction to Dani Larson 

11:25 Definition of a Prompt 

13:40 Examples of prompts 

18:35 The difference between a prompt and a discriminative stimulus (cue) 

21:30 Fading out prompts 

29:15 How to fade out a prompt 

38:40 How to utilize a prompt when a behavior breaks down

43:25 “Training Tales”

This episode Meghan Holst, one of the co-founders of MIAZS (Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Science), adds another addition to "The Behaviors of..." series by discussing the behaviors of allyship and giving insight in to MIAZS as an organization. Meghan educates about what allyship is and ways in which everyone can be involved in being an ally. Meghan also talks about how to professionally and effectively bring up social justice issues in a workplace and why human behavior is just as important as animal behavior. "The healthier and supported humans are, the healthier and supported the animals are." Stay tuned for Meghan's "Training Tale" about conditioning an electrical signal bridge for sharks. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Meghan email executivedirector@miasz.org. Also, check out all of the free, informational resources offered by MIAZS on their website. https://www.miazs.org Let's talk some training!

3:35 Introduction to Meghan Holst 

8:30 All about MIAZS (Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Sciences) 

17:30 How to get involved and support MIAZS 

19:35 What is Allyship? 

23:00 Behaviors of being an ally 

28:15 How to bring up social justice issues in the workplace 

33:20 Why is human behavior just as important as animal behavior 

38:40 “Training Tales”

This episode continues the learning of Behavior Month 2023 with special guests from The ABMA Board of Directors; Chris Jenkins, Marni Wood, and Justin Garner. The panel of guests discuss this week's theme for Behavior Month 2023: The Human-Animal Connection. The panel talks about the importance of having strong, trusting relationships with animals and tackles the questions: how do we evaluate our relationships with animals and what makes for a "good" or a "bad" relationship? The panel also offers advice on how to grow a relationship through changing our own actions. Stayed tuned for a "Training Tale" from podcast host, Shane, about how his relationship with a red river hog paid off during a unique situation. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach any of our panel of guests you can email directorchris@theabma.org, directormarni@theabma.org, and directorjustin@theabma.org Let's talk some training!

4:35 Introduction to Chris Jenkins, Justin Garner, and Marni Wood 

8:40 Human-Animal Relationships from an academic lens 

10:25 Building human-animal relationships in a modern setting 

16:25 What defines/how do you measure a “good” relationship 

20:15 What would cause you to define a relationship as “bad”

27:35 When and when not to take away from your trust account 

31:40 If the relationship needs improved, how do we strengthen it 

35:25 What can we, the human learner, change in our behavior

41:15 Reading animal body language 

43:50 Advice for building a stronger, better relationship 

51:00 The future role of human-animal relationships in welfare science 

52:50 “Training Tales” 

This episode continues the learning of Behavior Month 2023 with special guests Clarie Santiago and Hunter Peck from Natural Encounters, Inc. who discuss this week's theme for Behavior Month 2023: The Evolution of Enrichment. This is also an exciting episode for the fact that this was a live, in-person recording at the NEI Ranch because NEI graciously hosted The ABMA's 2023 midyear meeting! In this episode our guests discuss the evolution of enrichment, both on a holistic level and within a specific team or facility. Clarie and Hunter also contemplate the shift of enrichment towards behavior-based and how training, enrichment, and behavior are not mutually exclusive, but in fact all related. Stayed tuned for two "Training Tales" this episode! Clarie talks about a daring flight from a black kite and Hunter explains how a pigeon named Blade learned to fly. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Clarie and Hunter you can message them on Facebook.  Let's talk some training!

• 8:15 Introduction to Clarie Santiago and Hunter Peck 

• 14:15 The evolution of enrichment 

• 16:20 The evolution of enrichment on a team/in a facility 

• 21:50 Behavior, enrichment, and training - Not mutually exclusive topics 

• 29:10 Shifting the focus towards behavior and away from interactions 

• 31:25 Enrichment as a tool to decrease “undesirable” behaviors 

• 38:05 Can something that the animal “doesn’t like” still be considered successful enrichment? 

• 41:50 Focusing on enrichment for a species as a whole and at an individual level

• 45:30 Hunter and Clarie’s enrichment opportunities that they are excited to implement in the future 

• 47:15 “Training Tales”

This episode kicks off Behavior Month 2023 and we are joined once again by special guest, Wouter Stellaard from Behavior 360 and The Kuzo Group, to discuss this week's theme for Behavior Month 2023: Cooperative Care. Wouter discusses what it means for animals to participate in cooperative care and the element of empowering animals to participate and giving them the voice to say yes or no. Wouter also offers advice on times where behavior is needed in a timely manner. To wrap up the conversation, Wouter talks about the importance of cooperative care in a modern zoo and showing that in action to guests. Behavior bird brainiacs (that will make sense after you listen to this episode) will be excited for Wouter's "Training Tales" about a short-billed corella and a beautiful, boisterous black-breasted buzzard! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Wouter contact him on his website behavior360.com  Let's talk some training!

• 2:15 Information about Behavior Month 2023

• 3:50 Introduction to Wouter Stellaard

• 11:05 What does Cooperative Care look like in practice? 

• 13:55 Giving animals the ability to say yes or no

• 18:55 How can we tell if a behavior is truly voluntary? Is there anything that is truly voluntary?

• 24:55 What is the difference between an operant learning strategy and “distracted” feeding in terms of cooperative care? 

•  31:20 When medical diagnostics/information are needed in a timely manner 

• 36:50 The shift in moving away from the word “husbandry” and to “cooperative care” 

• 40:00 Effectively communicating to the public about the role cooperative care plays in a modern zoo 

• 44:40 How cooperative care can improve welfare 

• 49:10 “Training Tales” 

The panel of guests from the previous episode returns to finish to answer some of the questions that our listeners have submitted concerning the previous 29 episodes. Tricia Dees, Sarah Dugger, and Justin Garner all join the podcast again to answer and discuss a wide range of questions including: the difference between capturing and molding, what it means for the criteria of a behavior to have a "range", how to professionally discuss animals living in human care, and how to educate about labels and constructs. Stayed tuned in for Justin's "Training Tale" about how a cheetah discovered a unique way to generalize a behavior. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org Let's talk some training!

• 1:05 Introduction to Behavior Month 2023

• 5:35 Introduction to Tricia Dees, Sarah Dugger, and Justin Garner 

• 9:15 If you manipulate an animal and then they do a behavior, is that capturing or molding?

• 21:30 Can you explain more in depth what you mean by the criteria of a behavior having a “range”? 

• 35:25 What are professional ways to educate someone who approaches you who is against having animals in human care (especially marine mammals)?

• 1:05:00 How do you politely guide others towards refraining from labeling animals (both as a professional and with guests)?

• 1:22:05 “Training Tales”

As this is the 30th episode of the podcast we have assembled a panel of guests to answer some of the questions that our listeners have submitted concerning the previous 29 episodes. Tricia Dees, Sarah Dugger, and Justin Garner all join the podcast again to answer and discuss a wide range of questions including: differences between classical and operant conditioning, variable schedules, reinforcement placement, negative reinforcement, and the start of building relationships with an animal. This podcast recording was 3 hours long, so this panel will be back again next episode to finish answering questions. In addition, we ran out of time for a "Training Tale" from the guests so host, Shane, shares a "Training Tale" in honor of the life of Bodega the sea lion that involves a forklift malfunction. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org Let's talk some training!

6:30 Introduction to Tricia Dees, Sarah Dugger, & Justin Garner 

This episode kicks off a brand new, reoccurring series on the podcast called "The Behaviors of..." which will dive into the human side of the animal care field. Starting this series off is Dave O'Connell and Kyle Alexander, Bearizona, discussing the behaviors of a unified, supportive team. Dave and Kyle talk about what team behaviors have helped to create a healthy, positive work culture at Bearizona and the importance of focusing not just on the animals, but also the people. Dave and Kyle also discuss the benefits of celebrating everyone's uniqueness, changing a culture from competitive to collaborative, creating a "circle of reinforcement" in a team, and building up trust accounts amongst coworkers and leadership. Stay tuned in for Kyle's "Training Tale" about a jaguar and, in the spirit of the episode, he also talks about some the awesome training of others at Bearizona. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Dave contact dave@bearizona.com and to reach Kyle contact keepers@bearizona.com  Let's talk some training!

4:50 Intro to Dave O’Connell and Kyle Alexander 

7:20 Behaviors of a Unified, Supportive Team 

10:30 Celebrating everyone’s uniqueness 

14:30 How to ask if you can try something new

16:50 Creating a culture of healthy accountability 

22:25 Cultivating a “circle of reinforcement” where everyone gives credit and celebrates their coworkers successes 

 25:55 Changing the culture from competitive to collaborative 

32:35 We are here for the animals and for the people 

36:05 Information about Behavior Month 2023

39:40 Building up trust accounts with coworkers and leadership

48:35 Everyone on a team can be a leader  

1:02:50 “Training Tale”

This episode Becky Wolf, San Diego Zoo, discusses criteria as it pertains to defining behaviors while training. Becky gives examples and a breakdown of the four aspects of a behavior that can be reinforced: topography, duration, frequency, and intensity. The episode ends with a discussion on why it is so important to both the animals, the individual trainer, and a team that a behavior has clear, defined criteria. Stay tuned in for a special treat as Becky shares three "Training Tales" including a unique ostrich recall, a jumping lion, and a cheetah that made special connections with guests. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Becky contact bwolf@sdzwa.org  Let's talk some training!

• 3:25: Intro to Becky Wolf 

• 6:00 Definition of Criteria 

• 6:30 Example of a behavior’s criteria in practice 

• 8:45 Topography 

• 12:30 Duration

• 16:00 Frequency 

• 17:25 Intensity 

• 18:45 Can a behavior’s criteria have multiple aspects? 

• 20:20 Can a behavior have a lower and upper range of criteria? 

• 22:20 Latency 

• 24:55 When a behavior’s criteria isn’t met 

• 29:00 Why is it important to the animal that we have clear, defined criteria? 

• 31:00 Why is it important to a trainer/team that we have clear, defined criteria?

• 35:05 “Training Tales”

This episode Grace Sullivan, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo , discusses another one of the most fundamental yet powerful training tools: Targets. There are so many applications for target training and Grace breaks down some of the practical applications of targets and how this "simple" behavior can enhance dialogue and give animals' control in their management. This episode is full of tons of practical examples to help get started with target training and then transition that behavior to more complex ones. Stay tuned in for Grace's "Training Tale" about a collaborative win that lead to a really unique target behavior for some ring-tailed lemurs! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Grace contact gsullivan@cmzoo.org  Let's talk some training!

• 3:00 Intro to Grace Sullivan
• 7:25 Definition and practical application of targets
• 10:40 Training a target behavior
• 18:40 Why target training is a great, early fundamental behavior for novel learners
• 23:00 Why is target training important?
• 28:35 Replacing a baiting strategy with target training
• 30:40 Training duration of a target behavior
• 39:15 Using target training to train more complex behaviors
• 42:55 Training targets to other body parts
• 46:10 Distal targets
• 51:50 "Training Tales"

This episode Daisy Barrett, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium in Australia, discusses the science and application behind the Discriminative Stimulus (Sd)/Cues. Daisy walks through the many different types of Sds, when and how to introduce a cue, and how to adapt Sds as an animal ages. Stay tuned to hear about Daisy and Shane's favorite cues and for Daisy's "Training Tale" with little blue penguins! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org. To reach Daisy, you can message her on her social media channels and check out her new podcast, "Trainer Talks and Tails" focusing on all things animal training and conservation!  Let's talk some training!

• 5:35 Introduction to Daisy Barrett
• 10:00 Definition of Sd (Discriminative Stimulus)/Cues
• 11:25 Why is it called a Discriminative Stimulus?
• 12:00 Types of Sds/Cues
• 19:45 What needs to be true for something to be a Sd/cue?
• 22:10 How and when to introduce the Sd/cue?
• 24:10 Can a behavior have multiple Sd/cues?
• 27:20 How to tell if an Sd/cue is actually conditioned?
• 29:35 Adapting Sd/cues for aging animals
• 36:05 Training Tales
• 37:55 Information about “Trainer Talks and Tails” Podcast

This episode is the second of our two part dive into enrichment. Elly Neumann, Jerusalem Zoo and President Elect of The ABMA, joins the podcast again to talk about the connection between behavior, enrichment, and training. Elly discusses training as enrichment, how training can help an enrichment program, and creating enriched environments and lives for animals. Stay tuned for Elly's "Training Tale" with tapirs. The only hint is: "From six months to six seconds." For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@gmail.com and to reach Elly with questions contact presidentelect@theabma.org. Let's talk some training!

• 2:45 Intro to Elly
• 4:00 Is training enrichment?
• 7:25 Situations when training may not be enriching?
• 11:00 How can training help an enrichment program?
• 16:40 Training animals to interact with enrichment opportunities
• 25:45 Enriched environments and lives
• 28:40 “Training Tale”
  

This episode is the first of a two part discussion about enrichment with Elly Neumann, Jerusalem Zoo and President Elect of The ABMA. The focus of this episode is Goal-Based Enrichment and the evolution of how we view and implement enrichment opportunities. Elly discusses what goal-based enrichment looks like, how to plan it, how to record it, and how to get a team to buy into it. And make sure you tune in for Elly's "Training (or Enrichment) Tale" about an "enrichment miracle" with a squirrel monkey. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Elly with questions about the episode or Behavior Month contact presidentelect@theabma.org  Let's talk some training!

• 4:30 Intro to Elly 
• 7:25 Info on Behavior Month and Engage 
• 11:40 What is Enrichment? 
• 14:00 What is an EED and why are we moving away from that term? 
• 18:50 What is Goal-Based Enrichment? 
• 24:50 Starting a Goal-Based Enrichment program
• 32:30 Planning and recording
• 37:50 What is enrichment and what is good husbandry and care? 
• 40:00 Team involvement and buy-in 
• 46:35 “Training Tale”  

This episode Jake Belair, Nashville Zoo and the First VP of The ABMA, discusses another strategy for training behaviors: Baiting. Jake breaks down the challenges of baiting and why it shouldn't be the first option when training a behavior, however, it is still a tool in the training toolkit that has some practical applications. This episode is full of many real life behavior examples with a multitude of species including hornbills, caracals, sea lions, skunks, and clouded leopards. But make sure you tune in for Jake's "Training Tale" about how the trainers at the Nashville Zoo use their heads (literally) during Kookaburra free-flight training. Jake also gives a tease for the 2024 ABMA Annual Conference hosted by the Nashville Zoo! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Jake contact firstvp@theabma.org  Let's talk some training!

This episode features the first (of many) interviews with a guest currently not living in the United States. Zooming in from Singapore, Rodrico Michel (CPAT) with the Mandai Wildlife Group, joins the podcast to discuss capturing/scanning. Rodrico breaks down what this technique looks like in practice and the advantages, but also challenges of capturing/scanning. Tune in for some really interesting and fun training stories involving innovation behaviors, double back flips, ring-tailed lemur stink fights, and Rodrico's "Training Tale" about how changing an animal's routine from predictable to dynamic can completely change an animal's life and relationships! The podcast has currently reached listeners in 50 countries so thank you to everyone who has tuned in and formed this community! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Rodrico either email the podcast or reach out on his social media channels. Let's talk some training!

This episode Shane Gorbett, the host of "Animal Behavior Conversations", is joined by four other incredible hosts of three other like-minded, zoological and behavior-based podcasts. Joining Shane in this episode is Chris Jenkins and Ari Bailey, the hosts of The TEC Talk Podcast, Dr. Grey Stafford, the host of Zoo Logic, and Ryan Cartlidge, the host of Animal Training Academy Podcast Show. These five podcast hosts nerd out about all things podcasting and behavior while also pulling back the curtain to give insight in to the podcasting process. The hosts also comment on the future of the zoological field and the importance of sharing information. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and make sure to check out and tune in to Zoo Logic, Animal Training Academy Podcast Show, and The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.  Let's talk some training (and podcasting)!

This episode Tricia Dees, ABMA Sponsorship Chair, breaks down shaping and you can't talk about shaping without also talking about successive approximations. Tricia discusses how successive approximations can be utilized when training novel behaviors and their role when behaviors break down or regress. Tricia also offers ideas on what to do and think about if an animal is not reaching the criteria for the next successive approximation in the shaping plan. Tune in for one of the most unique "Training Tales" we've heard on the podcast involving sea lions and a waterpark! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Tricia reach out on her social media channels or contact ttutricia@yahoo.com . Let's talk some training!

This episode Marni Wood, Zoo Miami and ABMA Board of Directors, talks all things bridging stimulus. Marni breaks down the many types of things used as bridges and how a bridge is trained using respondent conditioning. She also talks through something we will have all done in our career and that is what to do when you bridge at the wrong moment. Tune in for Marni's "Training Tale" about the first behavior she trained with a sea lion! The conversation talks a turn when Marni discusses how the sea lion's rear end was stimulated. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Marni contact directormarni@theabma.org or marni.wood@miamidade.gov . Let's talk some training!

This episode Katie Stevens, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, breaks down what it means to "label" an animal and the risks associated with using labels while training. She discusses how labels can lead to poor communication and potentially set up an animal or a training session to fail before it even begins. Katie provides strategies and alternatives to labels that allow us to discuss training through behavior and observation. Tune in for Katie's double dose of "Training Tales" about a miniature donkey who overcame his labels and an alligator who learned to crate with his own personal "gator elevator". For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Katie contact katie.stevens@columbuszoo.org . Let's talk some training!

This episode we take a break from discussing a specific training topic and instead talk about a challenge that most of us in the animal care field have faced: finding the time to train. The core of this episode stems from a quote by Ken Rameriz which is "Don't look at training as a luxury or fringe benefit: it is an essential part of an animal's life." This episode's guest, Stephanie Tien from the North Carolina Zoo, offers some tips in order to ensure that we all are finding the time to train and advice on ways to communicate with others in order to make training a priority. Tune in for Stephanie's "Training Tale" about a gorilla who she describes as "the gorilla version of Winnie the Pooh." For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Stephanie contact stephanie.tien@nczo.org. Let's talk some training!

May is National Pet Month so this episode Sarah Dugger from Good Dog and Company discusses that, while the environments may be different, the principles and applications of the science of behavior change is the same between training in a zoo and training pets.  Since Sarah started her career in a zoological setting, she is able to provide a unique perspective on the future of animal training in the home. Sarah also does some functional assessments of some common behaviors in the pet training world and how her experiences in a zoological setting helped to inform the best, most ethical interventions. Tune in for not one, but two, Training Tales from Sarah as she talks about walking her dog off lease down a mountain and the resiliency of a young, injured mountain lion cub. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Sarah contact sarah@gooddogandcompany.com Let's talk some training!

This episode Justin Garner of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, returns to break down both Positive and Negative Punishment. We discuss practical applications of using Punishment and the "side effects" of its usage. Punishment focuses on what the animal shouldn't do, as opposed to providing the information of what they should do. Tune in for Justin's fun "Training Tale" about a dog that helped to teach a cheetahs ]how to shift. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Justin email The ABMA or contact directorjustin@theabma.org.  Let's talk some training!

This episode current President of The ABMA, Anaka Nazareth of the National Aquarium, continues our discussion about reinforcement from Episode 9 by breaking down Negative Reinforcement.  We discuss practical applications of using Negative Reinforcement including using this method as a way to give animals control and a voice in their training. However, the episode ends with an explanation of why we want to focus on positive, not negative reinforcement during behavioral interventions and training. Tune in for Anaka's fun "Training Tale" about an African pied crow who recycles vegetables (talk about a spirit animal!) and to learn more about The ABMA's Glossary of Terms. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Anaka email The ABMA or contact asnazareth@gmail.com.  Let's talk some training!

This episode Wouter Stellaard, Behavior 360 and The Kuzo Group, continues the discussion about Tokitae, the killer whale, and touches on the importance of using data to make informed welfare decisions. Additionally, Wouter discusses the importance of putting the animals' successes first and how we talk and think about training. Tune in for some amazing training stories from Wouter including providing more control opportunities for bears.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Wouter contact email wstellaard@behavior360.com.  Let's talk some training!

This episode Mark Simmons, author of “Killing Keiko: The True Story of Free Willy’s Return to the Wild”, dissects the recent news about the plans to release Tokitae, the killer whale, and two Pacific white-sided dolphins, Li-i and Loke, into the waters of the Pacific Northwest.  Mark also discusses his talk at the 2023 conference, "Past is Prologue", which focused on the role of trainers in the preservation of species. Tune in for an amazing "Training Tale" from Mark where he recounts a time that Keiko seemly did the impossible only for trainers to learn that Keiko was just working smarter, not harder.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast, the news about the plans to release the three animals, or for Mark; email abc@theabma.org Let's talk some training!

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 abc@theabma.org and to reach Andie contact andie.haugen@cincinnatizoo.org 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 (carnivores@jerusalemzoo.org)

Day 2: Justin Garner, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (justingarner80@gmail.com)

Day 3: Jen Dew, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (jennifer.dew@columbuszoo.org)

Day 4: Sherona Dhunraj, Ski Dubai (aries048@gmail.com)

Day 5: Maggie Santangelo, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (maggie.santangelo@pdza.org)

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 abc@theabma.org. 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 abc@theabma.org. 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 abc@theabma.org and to reach Chris contact c.jenkins@naturalencounters.com.  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 abc@theabma.org and to reach Nicki contact nboyd@sdzwa.org.  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 abc@theabma.org and to reach Steve contact s.martin@naturalencounters.com.  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 abc@theabma.org and to reach Justin contact directorjustin@theabma.org or justingarner80@gmail.com.  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 abc@theabma.org and Kelly can be reached at kelkins@sdzwa.org. 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 abc@theabma.org. Let's talk some training!