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Last week, the Birmingham Zoo hosted staff from ot

Last week, the Birmingham Zoo hosted staff from other zoos and aquariums from across the nation for the Growing Your Animal Wellbeing Program Workshop.
Led by Hollie Colahan, Birmingham Zoo’s Deputy Director, and long-time Zoo executive and consultant Sharon Joseph, this interactive workshop brought 26 participants from 15 different institutions together for three full days of instruction around scientific concepts and practical tools for providing animals in zoos and aquariums with optimal wellbeing.
With a focus on Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation Standards, building interdisciplinary animal wellbeing programs, developing assessment tools, and strengthening the interpersonal skills necessary for program success, the workshop included lectures, group discussions, and interactive activities out in the Zoo.
The workshop provided a focus on how important caretaker wellbeing is to the well-being of the animals we care for and how culture and values can contribute to animal wellbeing advocacy throughout an organization, beyond animal care staff. Hollie and Sharon have conducted similar workshops in Denver, Atlanta, and Albuquerque for professional colleagues.

Hollie Colahan has 25 years of experience in AZA-accredited zoos with a focus on wellbeing, safety, population management, and leadership. She serves as an instructor for several AZA Professional Development Courses and is a current participant in the AZA Executive Leadership Development Program.

Sharon Joseph has had a long professional zoo career, holding management and senior leadership positions at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Houston Zoo, Denver Zoo, here at the Birmingham Zoo, and is currently the chair of AZA’s Animal Welfare Committee. She provides professional consulting services to a variety of zoos and nature centers around animal wellbeing, staff training, emergency response procedures, meeting safety and regulatory standards, project management, and other topics. She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Colorado Technical University.

Lots of lorikeets flying by to wish you a fun-fill

Lots of lorikeets flying by to wish you a fun-filled Friday!
"Fly" by the #BirminghamZoo this weekend and come feed our colorful, feathery friends!
⏰ Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | *Hours subject to change for events or inclement weather.
#BhamZoo #BirminghamAL #MagicCity #ThisisBham #BhamLife

🦓Happy Thursday, remember, life isn't always bl

🦓Happy Thursday, remember, life isn't always black and white...unless you're a Zebra! Our #zebras, Sam and Kabibe are enjoying a morning snack before starting their day at your #BirminghamZoo!

👉Did you know? During the dry season, families will gather together creating herds of several hundred individuals; however, the family units are maintained. Family members are recognized primarily by sight, but voice and smell are also identifying factors.

📹Ashley W., Animal Care Professional, Trails of Africa

📍Come visit Sam and Kabibe at the #BirminghamZoo!
⏰ Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | *Hours subject to change for events or inclement weather.
#BhamZoo #BirminghamAL #MagicCity #ThisisBham #BhamLife

🍻OKTOBERFEST IS THIS SATURDAY!!! Enjoy a night

🍻OKTOBERFEST IS THIS SATURDAY!!!
Enjoy a night of seasonal autumn brews, live music, and German food favorites! Wear your lederhosen or dirndl and enjoy the fun including authentic lawn games like the stein hoist, LIVE polka music, and the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest 2022! We can't wait to see you for a one-of-a-kind evening for 21+ at your Zoo!

‼️Please note: We will be closing at 4:00 PM on Saturday!
Adults-only, all guests MUST be 21+, no exceptions.
No children will be allowed into the event, including infants.
ID’s required, no admittance without ID, and no refunds for no ID.

🎟️Link in bio!!!
#BirminghamZoo #BhamZoo #BhamEvents #Bhamlife

🐑It's a #wildWednesday and we are so excited to

🐑It's a #wildWednesday and we are so excited to introduce the newest members of your #BirminghamZoo! Amber (dark wool) and Sandy (apricot wool) are both 5 month old Gulf Coast sheep and can be found living in the Children's Zoo Barn with Rosie and Grace. As 3 year residents, Rosie and Grace will help our newcomers learn the ropes to living at the Birmingham Zoo; Amber and Sandy are both adjusting well to their Animal Care Professionals, and can't wait to greet you on your next visit to the Birmingham Zoo!
📷Vaughn M., & Amy M., Animal Care Professional, Alabama Wilds

⏰ Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | *Hours subject to change for events or inclement weather.
#BhamZoo #BirminghamAL #MagicCity #ThisisBham #BhamLife #gulfcoastsheep

🎉Happy 5th Birthday to Milkshake our #milksnake

🎉Happy 5th Birthday to Milkshake our #milksnake!
Milkshake got her name because a phone autocorrected “milksnake” to “milkshake” in an email and it just stuck!
Unlike the name suggests however, milk snakes don’t actually drink milk; they are commonly found by farmers in barns helping maintain the local mice population that usually lives there.
Milkshake is a Pueblan milk snake; they can be found throughout central Mexico. Milk snakes are non venomous and they are known for their bright banding that mimics the coral snake, a venomous snake; but remember "red on black, venom lack"! This color pattern can protect them from predators because typically in nature, bright colors are a sign of “poison” or “venom” and animals know to stay away.

📍Come visit us at the #BirminghamZoo and say "hello" to Milkshake next time you "slither" by!
⏰ Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | *Hours subject to change for events or inclement weather.
#BhamZoo #BirminghamAL #MagicCity #ThisisBham #BhamLife

Start those registrations! Our first Fall event fo

Start those registrations! Our first Fall event for teachers, Teacher Night, is scheduled for October 11, 2022 from 5:15-7:00 pm.

Enjoy a night out at the Birmingham Zoo designed just for educators! This one of a kind evening will feature examples of new and improved program opportunities, door prizes, teacher resources, animal demonstrations, and more! CEU credits available.

🔗https://www.birminghamzoo.com/.../teachers-night-at-the-zoo/

Your Birmingham Zoo is proud to partner with @TheR

Your Birmingham Zoo is proud to partner with @TheRoverchaseFoundation, a local organization that trains service dogs. Today, several dogs visited with their trainers and recipients to walk around the zoo! This visit was part of a 2-week “Match Camp” when recipients meet their fully trained service dog and spend time learning to work with them. We are excited to be able to help with this important milestone.

The Birmingham Zoo welcomes fully trained service dogs. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

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