IPS Training Programme & Satellite Workshops

Historically the IPS Training Programme has focused on primate conservation. At IPS 2008 the Training Programme will be captive care and entitled:

“Improving captive primates welfare through good behavioural husbandry”

This event will take advantage of the convergence of primatology experts for the Congress many of who contribute to the programme, providing a unique educational opportunity for a small group of scholars recruited on a competitive basis, primarily from habitat countries. For more details see below, or CLICK HERE.

FANCY A HOLIDAY IN AUGUST 2008?

Well, now is the time to start reconsidering. We are keen to encourage the organising and hosting of satellite events around the Congress. With so many primatologists converging on the UK next August you have an ideal opportunity to organise specialist workshops at your institution, wherever it may be in the UK, before or after the Congress. The IPS Training Programme (on captive care) will run in the week immediately before the Congress and delegates may want to stay in Edinburgh for a while after the Congress to experience the Edinburgh Festival. While IPS 2008 is not able to assist you with organisation or funding, we would be delighted to publicise your workshop through this website as an IPS 2008 Satellite Workshop. We would be able to post a basic description of the workshop on our site together with a web link and or contact information for those who may be interested. Please contact us (info@ips2008.co.uk) if you require further information and keep us informed of your plans and progress.

IPS Bulletin overview (extract from: IPS Bulletin, March 2007 Vol. 33, No. 1.)

IPS 2008 Training Programme

‘Improving captive primate welfare through good behavioural husbandry’, will be the topic of the training workshop preceding IPS 2008 hosted in Edinburgh.  This five day workshop will bring together an international group of professionals who are dedicated to the study and practical improvement of primate welfare in zoos.  Together we will present a synthesis of the major advances in the theoretical and practical provision of behavioural husbandry (BH) accomplished in zoos in recent years.  A variety of methods, including games, interactive and peer-led sessions, and group discussions, are hoped to inspire and encourage motivation to implement BH.   

Despite the fact that much of this information is available at conferences (IPS, ICEE, ABMA etc.) and in peer-reviewed and professional journals, financial, and other, support allowing professionals from habitat country zoos and/or sanctuaries is limited.  This impedes the transfer of knowledge to professionals from these institutions.  Round table discussions will be used to further explore other practical limitations which exist to implementing BH and with trouble-shooting sessions, we will aim to provide the appropriate advice and support necessary to ensure delegates can develop BH regimes in their home institutions.  Furthermore, it is anticipated that armed with the information and support gained from the workshop, delegates will proactively promote primate welfare through the implementation of behavioural husbandry in their region. 

It is exciting to consider how this workshop should make a significant contribution to the improvement of captive primate welfare, whilst being an enjoyable and a learning experience for all involved.  At its simplest, social and professional networks built between all those attending the workshop will facilitate improved welfare.  At best, a commitment from the workshop team and the institutions sending delegates will enable them to put in to practise the knowledge, skills and equipment provided in the workshop on their return home.

For more information visit http://www.reec.info/IPS2008.htm or contact Vicky Melfi (vicky.melfi@paigntonzoo.org.uk).

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