Featured Certified Professional Bird Trainer Spotlight
 Our featured CPBT-KA (Certified Professional Bird Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) is Beth Richmond. Beth is currently Lead Keeper of Interactive Animals Program at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
We asked Beth what her favorite bird species to work with was and she replied "I am a fan of all birds of prey, but my favorite would be a popular local, the Great Horned owl."
Beth was inspired to get certified while attending her first IAATE conference in 2013. "Hearing people's stories and seeing the work they do with their birds, how they problem-solve and make their animals' lives better, while inspiring guests and visitors to contribute to conservation efforts made me want to kick my professional game up a notch. Listening to the experts in this field talk about the highly regarded certification made me want to join and be part of a reputable community."
How has being certified impacted Beth's career? "This certification is still very new in the zoo field, but when I explain what it means to coworkers and colleagues, they take a moment to understand that I mean business when it comes to the behavioral management of my animals and that I am in this for the long haul."
If you are thinking about getting certified, Beth has the following advice "I studied with a friend/coworker of a different department. We would set aside a few hours each week to review the list of study topics and test each other with different scenarios and training situations. If you have the same opportunity, study with a buddy. Being able to discuss and think out loud helps with problem solving."
If you would like to find out more about becoming certified contact the IATCB board by visiting the website!
Featured bird
 Solitary, nocturnal and very good at “freezing” on the spot, most people wouldn’t assume I was talking about a parrot. But believe it or not, the Kākāpō displays these and other behaviors that make them so unique! Living in New Zealand, Kākāpō’s evolved with no natural mammalian predators (that is until humans arrived), and as such are flightless and do display a “freeze” defense mechanism in which they stay still in order to hide from aerial predators. They are the heaviest parrot in the world, and the only parrot to exhibit a ‘lek’ breeding system, where the females choose Mr. Right from a number of displaying males. Sadly, the options for breeding are limited, as only 125 individuals remain in the world. But you can help! Fortunately, steps are being made to protect this amazing and fascinating species! Wonderful work is being conducted by Kākāpō recovery! Check out their website to learn more about the unique aspects of Kākāpō’s.
**They also offer volunteer opportunities! http://kakaporecovery.org.nz
Important Dates:
Deadline for the fall testing cycle: 9/1/2016
Fall Testing Cycle dates: 10/29/2016-11/12/2016
Important information is found in the CPBT-KA Handbook! You can view the handbook on the website by clicking on Get Certified. Then click on the PTC Website link. From their you can navigate to the Handbook, find deadlines and testing dates and tons more information!
Raising the bar! - IATCB
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