Animal lovers close The GAP on animal management
Published on 24 October 2016
Rockhampton Regional Council and Rockhampton Zoo today welcomed 100 animal lovers to The GAP (Giving Animals Purpose) Australasian Animal Training and Conditioning Workshop; a three day workshop on best practice in the animal training and conditioning industry.
Council’s Planning and Regulatory Chair Councillor Ellen Smith said the Region was honoured to be hosting such an impressive line-up of international experts.
“The GAP is a biennial event held at different locations across Australia and New Zealand, so it’s a wonderful opportunity for our Region, our Zoo staff and participants to be involved and engaged with world renowned professionals offering great insight into animal behaviour and techniques,” Cr Smith said.
“Our line-up includes international guests Dr Jenifer Zeligs, a specialist in marine mammals and author of Animal Training 101 and renowned master horseman and liberty trainer David Lichman. We also have elite dog trainer Steve Austin, and film and television animal trainer Zelie Bullen – all sharing their valuable experience and knowledge within the animal training industry.
“We have welcomed attendees from all over the Region, state, country and even across the globe to this event, who over three days will no doubt gain a greater understanding in the areas of horse, dog and other animal training and conditioning topics,” she said.
The GAP workshop attracts professionals from animal-related industries and zoological settings including trainers from film and television, drug and explosive canine detection, guide dogs and circuses as well as horse trainers and free flight bird trainers.
The Australasian Animal Training and Conditioning Workshop invites professionals from a diverse range of animal training industries to discuss current and emerging trends as well as best practice in the animal training and conditioning industry. The Workshop is attended by local, national and international professionals, including America and New Zealand.