This advanced conservation training course, coordinated by the AZA Amphibian Taxonomic Advisory Group (ATAG) will utilize a series of lectures and wet labs as a platform for learning about Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in amphibian breeding. The goal of the workshop will be to focus on knowledge, traits and skills needed to become competent in using these technologies at your own institution, through competency-based training.  Hence, we will utilize a suite of animals held at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo to provide as much hands-on experience as possible.  Species you will gain experience working with during the course include American toads, dusky gopher frogs, Puerto-Rican crested toads, Wyoming toads, and tiger salamanders. In addition, offspring produced by the participants may likely be introduced to the wild as part of their respective conservation programs.

This course is designed for zookeepers, veterinarians, academics, and professional biologists who currently work with amphibians in an institutional or lab setting where captive breeding of amphibian species is a priority conservation or research activity. Priority will be given to individuals currently working with ATAG priority conservation species.

To register, download the attached ATAG ADVANCED WORKSHOP COURSE REGISTRATION FORM and return completed registration and ALL supporting materials via email to vpoole@fortworthzoo.org , or via post to Vicky Poole, Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76110. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come basis; applicants can expect to receive an acceptance, waitlisted, or declined email.

As course size is limited; you will be notified separately of acceptance status. Once contacted for course acceptance, FULL PAYMENT is due by the deadline stated in the acceptance email via outlined methods (check or credit card), or else space will be offered to a waitlisted student.

Final Registration deadline: Friday, April 8, 2016 (5 weeks prior to course start date)

$650.00 for AZA Individual Members

$750.00 for Non-members of AZA

The course registration fee above covers tuition and materials for the course, as well as lunches each day of the course, icebreaker on Monday evening, and complimentary dinner on Tuesday evening courtesy of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Other expenses include hotel (roughly $135.00/night plus tax), travel, and other meals.

Scholarship funding is not available at this time.

Students must be at least 21 years of age.  Priority will be given to AZA members, but others are welcome to apply.  International applicants and those not affiliated with an AZA accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please submit a copy of professional resume/CV and a letter from a supervisor or director describing your intended benefit from taking this course along with the registration form.

Eppley Airport (OMA) in Omaha, Nebraska is the closest airport.

Course participants will stay at the Embassy Suites Omaha – Downtown/Old Market in Omaha, Nebraska, a 5-minute drive away (2.1 miles) from the Omaha Zoo. Travel to and from hotel will be provided daily.  The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to/from the airport and complimentary breakfast and happy hours daily.

Hotel reservations must be made by April 15, 2016. Group room rates are $135/night and hotel accommodations must be made by the student directly, but please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations.  You will receive an email containing detailed information regarding booking accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.

Relevant topics include basics of amphibian reproduction, challenges to captive breeding, hormone preparation and induction for anurans and caudates, in ivtro fertilization (IVF) trials, hibernation techniques, ultrasound analysis for egg development, semen collection, early care of embryos and larvae, and sperm cryopreservation.

This course is taught by some of the country’s premier experts in amphibian ART, research, husbandry, and conservation:

·        Dr. Andy Kouba – Mississippi State University

·        Jessi Krebs – Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

·        Dr. Carrie Vance – Mississippi State University

·        Dr. Ruth Marcec – Mississippi State University

·        Katie Graham – New England Aquarium

·        Dr. Cecilia Langhorne – Mississippi State University

·        Vicky Poole – Fort Worth Zoo

In addition to the graciousness of our hosts, ATAG would like to extend a THANK YOU to the following sponsor for supporting this course: