In this presentation, Dr. Halloran describes the planning process and execution of a successful animal introduction. Drawing from his experience of over 250 introductions with chimpanzees and an array of introductions with other species, Dr. Halloran discusses the variables we can control and variables we cannot.

We can define “thriving” as the ability to pursue living life to the fullest. In managed care, we are tasked with providing the avenues to thrive for the animals in our care. Providing means of thriving means understanding the animals in our care at both the species level and the individual level. Only then can we truly find ways to meet their specific needs.

We define the “environment” as all external variables that an individual is faced with — in short, what is perceived by the senses. In managed care, this includes the terrain and habitat, the social environment with conspecifics, the water, the food, the acoustics, the presence of visitors, etc As care takers, it is our responsibility to manage an environment that is conducive to thriving and functional to manage.

All too often “compassion fatigue” is misunderstood. However, it is a condition that is very common among those who have the care of another individual in their hands. This seminar is aimed at identifying compassion fatigue, looking at operational ways to mitigate it, and understanding the resources that are available.

A good philosophy of care can serve as a constitution for your facility. A philosophy of care mandates the mission behind current and future practice and ensures that all standards are maintained. In this seminar, Dr. Halloran details what is necessary in a philosophy of care and discusses how it can aide your facility in all manner of operations while providing the best possible care for your animal residents.