Summary of Continuing Education at the Felid TAG Conference:
The author, Jen A, attended the Felid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) Conference for those working with wild cat species. The conference included continuing education courses and meetings to discuss the Species Survival Plan. Jen attended the Advanced Safety Course to learn about best practices for ensuring safety when working with wild cats. Attending conferences and continuing education courses is valuable for gaining knowledge and networking with others in the field. The author also shares exciting news about the Sumatran tigers at Zoo Atlanta, a critically endangered species. Overall, Jen found attending the conference a rewarding experience and looks forward to learning more about the animals she cares for in the future.
Summary:
– The Felid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) Conference is an annual event for professionals working with wild cat species.
– The conference includes continuing education courses, Spe, cities Survival Plan (SSP), and TAG meetings.
– Safety is a crucial aspect of working with wild cats, and the conference offers advanced safety courses to address this.
– Attending conferences like Felid TAG provides valuable knowledge and networking opportunities.
– The conference also helps to keep professionals updated on the latest information in the field.
Last month, my colleague, the Zoo’s Lead Keeper of Carnivores, and I had the exciting opportunity to attend the prestigious Felid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) Conference hosted by the renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The Felid TAG Conference is an annual gathering that brings together professionals worldwide who specialize in working with wild cat species. With its unique blend of continuing education courses and Species Survival Plan (SSP) and TAG meetings, this conference provides a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and discussions on best practices within the field.
One of the conference’s highlights is the offering of continuing education courses. Two courses were available this year: the Husbandry Course and an Advanced Safety Course. Having attended the Husbandry Course in previous years, my colleague and I enrolled in the Advanced Safety Course. You might be wondering why a safety course was offered at a cat conference. Well, safety is of paramount importance when working in a zoo setting. Although we have close relationships with our cats and animals at Zoo Atlanta, it’s crucial to remember that they are still wild creatures. Ensuring the safety of ourselves, our animals, and our visitors is paramount.
The Advanced Safety Course covered various topics, including day-to-day safety protocols, training sessions, veterinary procedures, and emergencies. Representatives from various types of facilities, including large and small and public and private zoos, shared their experiences and best practices, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange. These discussions aimed to help participants adapt and implement safety measures based on the specific needs of their respective facilities.
Aside from the wealth of knowledge gained from attending continuing education courses, conferences like Felid TAG also provide fantastic social and professional opportunities. The event allows professionals to reconnect with old friends, make new connections within the field, and stay updated on animals that have moved from Zoo Atlanta to other facilities. For instance, long-time followers of Zoo Atlanta may recall Chelsea, our beloved Sumatran tiger, who had cubs in 2011. I am delighted to share that Sohni and Sanjiv, Chelsea’s cubs, have grown into magnificent adult tigers and had their litters of tiger cubs. Now, the next generation is old enough to start finding mates and continue the cycle of life, which is particularly significant for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger population.
One aspect that I appreciate about attending the Felid TAG Conference is the sense of empowerment it brings. In a short period, I absorbed an immense amount of knowledge. The field of zoology and zookeeping is constantly evolving, with discoveries, advancements, and best practices always emerging. The conference allows professionals to stay updated with the latest information in our field and bring that knowledge back to our respective institutions.
Overall, the experiences and knowledge gained at conferences like Felid TAG are invaluable. As professionals dedicated to the care and well-being of these awe-inspiring animals, continuous learning plays a vital role in improving our practices and ensuring the long-term survival of wild cat species. Attending conferences not only expands our knowledge but also fosters a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration among professionals in the field. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to the next opportunity to delve deeper into the fascinating world of the animals I have the privilege of caring for daily.
Jen A.
Carnivore Team.
