Episode - 38  September, 2023

Host: Barbara Heidenreich

Guest: Amy Phelps, Assistant Zoological Manager, Oakland Zoo

How Giraffe Training Has Evolved

Giraffe training has changed considerably over the years, and Amy Phelps has been there for much of that evolution. In this episode, she shares the history of training giraffes and what it was like to train behaviors for the first time that have since become standard in the industry, including voluntary hoof care. You'll also hear the origin story of the firehose barrier so commonly used today, along with its advantages and limitations.

Amy Phelps is truly a pioneer in giraffe training. In this episode she shares the inspiring history of training giraffes. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who was there from the beginning, training behaviors for the very first time that have now become standard in the industry, such as training voluntary hoof care. You will get to hear the origin story of the firehose barrier so commonly used today, and its pros and cons. What is also significant is that Amy’s journey has progressed and continues to evolve. She shares exciting advances that have allowed her teams to expand far beyond a handful of behaviors. Amy also shares tactics to move past “doing things to giraffes while they stand there and tolerate it” and why this is so important to supporting assent-based training programs. This interview is packed with useful information for trainers of all species, not just giraffes. I am confident you will enjoy learning from Amy as much as I did.

Looking for More Giraffe Training Resources?

If you're developing or expanding a giraffe training program, explore our Setting Up a Giraffe Training Program resource. It includes practical guidance for getting started, recommended learning resources, and downloadable materials for giraffe trainers.

Recommended Citation:

Heidenreich, B. (Producer/Writer). (2023, September 3). The History of Giraffe Training with Amy Phelps. [Audio Podcast] Animal Training Fundamentals with Barbara Heidenreich. https://animaltrainingfundamentals.com/podcasts/the-history-of-giraffe-training-with-amy-phelps/

Additional Resources Mentioned in the Podcast  - Click Links and Images to Access

The Ann Innis Dagg Foundation

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes  -  Documentary about Ann Innis Dagg

Last of the Longnecks  - Documentary

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Guest Bio: Amy Phelps

Amy Phelps has worked in the zoo field for 24 years, starting as an entry level zookeeper and holding the positions of curator and Vice President of Animals.  Over the years, and across several zoological facilities, she and her colleagues have developed animal training programs that pioneered the Constructional Approach in zoos, and giving human and animal learners assent in the zoological environment which allows them to be active participants in their own care. Over the arc of her career, she has applied the Constructional Approach to build behavior for 20 species, 40 individual animals, and has mentored the careers of over 30 trainers.  She is considered a progressive pioneer in the zoological advancement of animal welfare and training. Amy is particularly known for expertise in giraffe and her work as a pioneer of giraffe training. 

Host Bio:

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