Last week I (along with another keeper) attended the Elephant Managers Association conference hosted by the Pittsburgh Zoo. We both had a great time. The conference was informative and the people were fun. The first half of the first day was spent listening to presentations. The second half of the day was a field trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
Not only did we check out the elephant area, we also chatted with one of the bear keepers (Spectacled and Black bears). We also observed a polar bear training session, as well as watched the polar bears from the underwater viewing, which is AWESOME!!!
one of the polar bears about to take the plunge
Polar Bear Viewing Tunnel @ Pittsburgh Zoo from Michelle Medina on Vimeo.
The next day was filled with informative presentations. There was a definite sense of community through out the conference, and the presentations ranged from docents and elephant enthusiasts to top researchers in the reproductive field.
The third day was spent at Pittsburgh Zoo's International Conservation Center (ICC).
Jackson eating leaves @ ICC from Michelle Medina on Vimeo.
Jackson eating leaves @ ICC, PA from Michelle Medina on Vimeo.