[IATCB] News and updates for November 2023

Hello Visitor,

The International Avian Trainers Certification Board and the International Animal Trainers Certification Board, IATCB, offers you a way to gain professional credibility, increase your earnings potential, and advance your career. We live in a competitive world, and animal trainers are no different than anyone else looking for advanced knowledge and skill in their profession.  IATCB endorses voluntary certification by examination for all professionals involved with animals, including trainers, educators, handlers, veterinarians, and all others involved in the care and handling of animals.

INTRODUCING the brand new IATCB Certification Grant Program

IATCB is pleased to introduce their new Grant Program. The purpose of the IATCB Certification Exam Grant is to remove financial barriers to certification for applicants volunteering or working in the field of animal/bird training who are interested in pursuing or furthering a training-related career.

IATCB will offer one bird trainer (CPBT-KA) and one animal trainer (CPAT-KA) grant per testing cycle. Please download the application form for more details. The form, when completed should be emailed to grant@iatcb.org.

This information is also on the web site, International Avian Trainers Certification Board - News (iatcb.org)

https://www.iatcb.org/newhome

GET CERTIFIED:

• Deadline to sign up for the spring test is March 13, 2024
• Testing window is open from April 19 – April 27, 2024.

*Applications will not be accepted after 11:59pm Eastern on this date

https://ptcny.com/test-sponsors/iatcb/

To find the list of recommended reading material go to International Avian Trainers Certification Board - Home (iatcb.org) and go to “Get Certified”

Exam Fee for 2024 is US $410.  Professional Members of an IATCB partner, ABMA, AAZK, and IAATE qualify for the discounted fee of US $350. No additional fees for International Candidates.

Interactive Bird Migration Web Site

Audubon has published an interactive web site displaying migration routes for many species of birds. From the site:

The heroic annual journeys made by over 450 bird species, and the challenges they face along the way.

Learn more about a species, the migratory birds at a specific location, or a conservation challenge birds face.the heroic annual journeys made by over 450 bird species, and the challenges they face along the way.

Learn more about a species, the migratory birds at a specific location, or a conservation challenge birds face.

Visit the site an explore for yourself.

Remember Self Care during the upcoming Holiday Season and throughout the year. 

Article by John Scott.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a tremendous shift in the workplace.  Employees resigned in droves during the “Great Resignation” while others went on strike this past summer and many other zoo and aquarium professionals have experienced many a short-staffed day, month or year.  Zookeepers, trainers, and vet techs are among some of the most passionate, dedicated and hardworking people out there.  However, what toll does that dedication take on the zoo and aquarium professionals that do decide to stay?

The unfortunate consequence of the last few years is an increase in burnout and compassion fatigue among animal care professionals.  Simply put, the feeling of being drained and spent at work over time is the killer of good animal care professionals.  This compassion fatigue and burnout can manifest as apathy towards the work and the animals we once derived joy from.  Never-ending fatigue no matter how much sleep you get, anger and frustration at both human and non-human co-workers, and loved ones (Newcomer 2021). This can lead to good trainers and keepers quitting the field and leaving jobs and animals they once cared for. 

But, it doesn’t have to be this way. Combatting compassion fatigue and burnout has to happen in all levels of a zoo and aquarium.  Managers and supervisors need to evaluate employee workload, growth opportunities and pay.  As experts in the field of animal care and training, they are perfectly positioned to use their skills at positive reinforcement training on their team in a meaningful way (pizza parties will simply not cut it anymore). And team members on the lower rungs of the pyramid need to exercise the same passion and strategy with themselves as they do with the animals they care for.  Setting boundaries and making sure that you are rested and your cup is full, will only help you in the long run.  Just like you wouldn’t fly a bird in back-to-back shows and exhaust them, you need to realize that your own rest and mental health comes first.

Combatting burnout and compassion fatigue is no easy task, it will take all of us and it will take time. But I have faith in our profession that has evolved from tethered birds to free-flying directly from their mews will take to this issue with just as much creativity and gusto.  Together we can change our field, keep good employees employed and work together on a more positive future free from burnout and compassion fatigue.

Works cited:

Newcomer, Sarah. Compassion Fatigue and Burnout Presentation at NYC AAZK, September 2021. Virtual. 

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