Moody Gardens is hosting 200 animal trainers from across the globe this week as part of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance’s 25th anniversary convention, focused on improving animal welfare through training and enrichment.
In a remarkable gathering, approximately 200 animal trainers from across the globe have convened at Moody Gardens this week. The occasion marks the 25th anniversary of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance’s annual convention, which showcases a diverse array of species, including lions, giraffes, and dolphins.
A nonprofit alliance has been formed, uniting animal care professionals committed to enhancing animal welfare through specialized training and enrichment programs. This coalition brings together experts working with diverse species, including dogs, horses, lions, giraffes, and fish.
Heather Samper, who is set to assume the presidency of the alliance and serves as a senior biologist at Moody Gardens’ rainforest, was instrumental in organizing the event. After dedicating 25 years to Moody Gardens, Samper has devoted the past two years to meticulous preparations for the upcoming convention.
“A diverse group of individuals has gathered here to improve the lives of animals, seeking knowledge on how to achieve that,” Samper stated.
Moody Gardens, which boasts a diverse array of several hundred species within its aquarium and rainforest, was an ideal location for the event. On Tuesday, a session showcased dogs from the Galveston Island Humane Society, providing attendees with a hands-on training demonstration.
“Today’s session will center around a training 101 class,” stated Samper. “The initiative aims to incorporate shelter dogs into the training process, providing practical, hands-on learning opportunities related to the discussed concepts.”
Samper, a dog training business co-owner, proposed the innovative concept of incorporating shelter animals into the session.
Trainers specializing in dolphin interactions have identified significant crossover benefits. Sandy Jabas, the first vice president of the alliance, reflected on a previous conference where she observed a cadaver dog trainer. Inspired by this experience, she later implemented scent-based enrichment techniques to enhance dolphins' echolocation abilities innovatively.
“The focus is on exchanging concepts that can be understood across different species,” Jabas stated.
This week, the convention is set to continue at Moody Gardens.
