April 2002
How do SeaWorld and Busch Garden team members take care of so many different animals? What are the “secrets” to show training? In April’s LAND, SEA & AIR MAIL, the topic is Husbandry and Training and we’ve got a lot of animals to look at, from newly hatched ducklings to thousand-pound killer whales.
This month’s newsletter contains activities for K-3, 4-8 and 9-12 students. Younger students try their hand at training others by playing the game “Hot & Cold.” Middle students design a reward system for their classroom and research one of our society’s strongest reinforcers-money! High school students conduct training experiments using symbols and targets.
Visit our “Animal Training at SeaWorld” information book online for more information
Enhance your in-classroom studies with a ShamuTV program. This month’s program “Saving a Species: The Rhino Story” airs April 19 at 10:45 Eastern Time. Find satellite coordinates, along with other upcoming programs, on the ShamuTV Web page.
Dell Pamplin from Chattahoochee High School in Alpharetta, Georgia, was chosen as this year's “Outstanding Environmental Educator” at the annual National Science Teacher’s Association conference held in San Diego. NSTA Committee Chair Jack Padalino commended the project's “long-term engagement and involvement of the teacher using the environment as a context for instruction and learning.” Check out his achievements.
Teaching about the environment is not always easy. Do you know a teacher who’s figured out a unique way to inspire students, communicate concepts, or encourage exploration? What about a school that has dedicated itself to a project? We want to hear about them. Use our easy entry form to nominate your favorite school or teacher.
Julie's Journal
This month Julie talks about the importance of training and its role in providing top-notch animal care. Get these tips from an expert!Conservation Partners: National Science Teacher’s Association
NSTA seeks to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. Check out their Awards, Grants, and Competitions Web pages. Read about NSTA's recent Fiftieth National Conference in San Diego.
Get the latest news on marine animal training from IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers Association). The organization’s quarterly magazine “Soundings” is posted on-line.
Need some training tips for your household pets? Learn from the experts at the American Dog Trainers Network.
April is ASPCA’s “Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month” and also check out “Be Kind to Animal’s Week” May 5-11.
The American Pet Association estimated there are 43 million dog owners in the United States, who own a total of 61.5 million dogs, and there are about 75 million cats for a total of more than 136 million pets in 1999. Taking care of all these animals can be overwhelming. Irresponsible pet owners often contribute to the growing problems of pet overpopulation, damage caused by stray dogs and cats, and the spread of disease.
Here are some simple tips for owning healthy and happy pets:
- Choose a pet that matches your personality and home.
- Consider adopting a pet from local animal shelters or rescue organizations before going to commercial pet stores that may recruit animals from “puppy” mills.
- Give your pet regular health check-ups at the vet.
- Unless you’re a serious breeder, always neuter your dog or cat.
- Exercise and interact with your pet. They thrive on attention.
For more information on responsible pet ownership, go to the American Veterinary Medical Association's page on “Care for Pets” or visit your local Humane Society’s Web site.
|
COMING
NEXT MONTH
|
|
SeaWorld/Busch
Gardens Animal Information Database
http://www.seaworld.org/
/ http://www.buschgardens.org/
©2003 Busch Entertainment Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.