Belize Zookeeper Workshops
BZNC collaborated with the Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ), the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) and the American Association of Zookeepers-Milwaukee Chapter to send US zookeeper/trainers and a veterinary technician to Belize to work with and train zookeepers at the Belize Zoo.
How were the zookeeper workshops created?
The workshops began in 2016 with a fact-finding mission. Two zookeepers from the Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ) met with Belize Zoo staff to determine how MCZ staff could be of assistance. They all agreed that the workshops would be of benefit so the first workshop was planned for 2017.
What happened at the zookeeper workshops?
2017: The first zookeeper workshop included:
lectures on the basic duties and knowledge of zookeeping
techniques in animal husbandry, medicine, diets, safety and animal training and enrichment
hands-on work with lab techniques
US trainers, including four zookeeper/trainers, one veterinary technician from the Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ), and one zookeeper/trainer from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ).
2018: The second zookeeper workshop focused on:
work with the Belize zookeepers to teach them to train the animals to participate in their own healthcare
additional training on animal husbandry and enrichment techniques
information sessions on laboratory diagnostic techniques
US trainers, including two zookeeper/trainers from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ) and a zookeeper/trainer and veterinary technician from Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ).
2019: The third zookeeper workshop included:
training in animal behavior, animal enrichment, nutrition and emergency response
research on wild tapirs at Runaway Creek Nature Reserve
the start of the zookeeper exchange program, where Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ) and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ) will host one Belizean zookeeper each for two weeks in August
US trainers, including three Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ) representatives and three Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ) representatives.
What has the response been to the zookeeper workshops?
The zookeeper workshops have been a huge success.
“Our eager zookeepers warmly welcomed a team of colleagues from Milwaukee County and Cheyenne Mountain Zoos. All agreed that the week training and knowledge exchange was a life-changing experience.” - The Belize Zoo
“The Belize zookeepers really ran with the training that was provided. We have been updated routinely with the progress that has been made with many of the animals.” - 2018 US trainers
How can I get support wildife conversation projects like these?
Your support helps wildlife conversation projects like these happen. Learn more about how you can support BZNC projects through donations and other ways to get involved here.
