Welcome to ASZK

 

Welcome to the website of the ASZK – a society based on improving the welfare of wild animals in captivity by allowing members to communicate achievements and advances in the areas of primarily animal husbandry.

 

If you have any queries regarding ASZK please email eo@aszk.org.au

 

 

Upcoming ASZK events

 

 

 

Due to the International Congress on Zookeeping being held Singapore in September 2012 it was decided not to hold an annual conference this year. As an alternative ASZK has developed a series of four half day keeper workshops to be held the 12-13 May 2012 that we hope will attract  keepers to interact and learn.

 

Location: The workshops will be held at the Penrith Panthers –123 Mulgoa Road,  Penrith NSW.

 

Program: The workshops on offer include:

 

Saturday 12 May – 9am – 12pm – Bird training and conditioning by Ravi Wasan of Feathered Friends. Ravi is a highly experienced bird trainer and will be discussing basic techniques of bird training, techniques for enhancing shows and keeper talks as well as training for rehabilitation.

 

Saturday 12 May 1pm – 4pm “Welfare – Keepers Making a Difference” facilitated by Graeme Phipps. This session will look at how keepers can make a difference to animal welfare including in scenarios such as when parks are no longer viable, fires or when care is generally compromised. The topic of  euthanasia, and when it appropriate, will also be discussed including the use of euthanasia as a management tool.

 

Saturday 12 May 4pm – 5pm  ASZK Annual General Meeting - all members welcome

 

Sunday 13 May 9.30 am- 12pm – Going with the flow: exploring the concepts of ‘flow’ and ‘challenge’ facilitated by  Margaret Hawkins and Vicky Melfi, Taronga Conservation Society of Australia. Increasingly we are looking for positive ‘indicators’ of wellbeing in zoo animals, rather than focussing on a lack of ‘indicators’ associated with negative welfare state.  Borrowing a concept from the field of human psychology, the concept of ‘flow’ encompasses a very positive feeling of satisfaction and achievement that results when the challenge faced closely matches the skills of the individual.  Applying these methods to animals requires that we consider an animal’s skill set, so that we can provide appropriate challenges for them; so they might attain flow. 
This workshop will further explore these concepts.  In small groups, you will be asked to match the skill set of different zoo animals or groups with a variety of challenges, you will devise, to achieve the positive state of flow.  You will also be charged with considering how you would recognise an animal in flow (a positive welfare state)

 

Sunday 13 May  1pm -4pm – Reptile Management and Handling, including venomous species.   Topics also include first aid, emergency procedures and  milking venomous species and will be facilitated by The  Australian Reptile Park staff . This session will also touch on the use and management of invertebrates.

 

Full workshop (2 full days) $220 for ASZK members  $285 for non members (includes ASZK membership)
Single full day $140 for ASZK members  $215 for non members (includes  ASZK membership)
Half day (single workshop) $100 for ASZK members $145 for non members (includes  ASZK membership)
This includes the late fee of $20 is payable for registrations received after 14 April 2012. Registrations must be received by 4th May 2012.

 

All half and full day registrations include lunch and morning/afternoon tea.

 

Accommodation
The Chifley Hotel Penrith located on the Penrith Panthers site is offering room rates of $135. You need to book directly with the hotel but mention the ASZK conference to receive this rate. Hotel details are
Chifley Hotel Penrith Cnr Mulgoa and Jamison Roads, Penrith NSW 2750

Ph: 1300 182 706  F: +61 2 4732 2928 http://chifleyhotels1-px.rtrk.com.au/penrith/chifley-hotel-penrith/

 

Getting to Penrith
Interstate participants can fly into Sydney then get a train to Central station then change to get a train to Penrith. It is then approximately a 10 minute walk from Penrith station to Penrith Panthers.

Enquiries can be directed to Liz Romer at eo@aszk.org.au or phone 0419791254 .

 

To register click here to download registration brochure

 

ICZ Conference 9-13 September 2012 - Many Voices, One Calling - Singapore - Call for papers now open - click here for information. For further information contact congress@iczoo.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Bowling for Numbats in 2012 and Bowling for Painted Dogs in 2013.

 

The Numbat is under threat from habitat loss and introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats. With an estimated population of less than 1000 individuals, we need your help to protect the future of this unique marsupial.

Project Numbat Incorporated promotes and assists Numbat Recovery Program objectives including:

§  habitat management

§  population monitoring

§  feral predator control

§  education and awareness programs

§  fundraising for numbat conservation.

Project Numbat Inc values its partnerships with the Numbat Recovery Team, Perth Zoo, Department of Environment and Conservation, WWF Threatened Species Network and the Malleefowl Preservation Group. Further information can be found at Project Numbat.

Primarily, any money raised will go towards the DNA analysis of predator scats, saliva and hair remnants found on radio-collars and/or carcass remains. Predator control is a high priority, and gathering DNA data will be pivotal in creating the most effective control regimes for management of numbat habitat, which they share with other threatened marsupials.

Additional funds could be used to aid community awareness projects, including, but not limited to, school education packs and presentations, signage, merchandise and other promotional material.

 

 

 If you would like to be involved please contact our Bowling Coordinator Jocelyn Hockely at jochoc@bigpond.com.au

 

Keeper Funding Opportunities - Grants and scholarships

Announcing the ASZK Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research 

 

 

Named in honour of the late Des Spittall, a life member of ASZK, the ASZK committee has launched the Des Spittall Scholarship for keeper research. This is open to people who have been a financial member of ASZK for 12 months or more. This is an annual scholarship up to the value of $2,000. Applications now open for 2012. Click here for details

Congratulations to Wendy Gleen from Taronga Zoo for her winning submission for 2009 on “A study of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in wildlife reintroductions: bush rats and urban bushland remnants”

            

  

 

 

 

4th International Congress on Zookeeping 9-13 September 2012, Singapore! Information  visit www.iczoo.org for more information.

 

 

 

 

ISS Institution

http://www.issinstitute.org.au/os/index.html - provides funding that may be suitable for keepers looking to work overseas.