In loving memory of:
Gojo
2015-2025
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Gojo
2015-2025
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Orangutan SSP Husbandry Course 2026
Hosted by the Phoenix Zoo
August 24-27, 2026
What is the Husbandry course?
The purpose of the Orangutan SSP husbandry course is to bring together animal care professionals to effectively
manage orangutans in accredited zoos throughout the world, support continued development, training, and
give access to resources that enhance animal care, well-being, and management.
This support helps both animals and care staff by strengthening skills, deepening knowledge, improving welfare,
and building long-term expertise concerning these species by addressing physiological, biological, and social
needs of the animals under our care. Coursework will have a strong focus on orangutan natural history and how
it directly plays into every aspect of managed care from nutrition, veterinary care and habitat enhancements.
The time spent during the course allows zoo professionals from around the world to collaborate and transfer
knowledge about orangutan husbandry, science, well-being and conservation. Classes will be taught by experts
with orangutans in managed care with over 130 years of combined experience and will include hands-on
activities, tabletop drills, and discussions to include current cultures in the industry.
Registration Grant Opportunity
The Orangutan SSP is proud to announce the availability of TWO grants for
individual registration (value $300.00 each) to attend the Orangutan Husbandry
Course hosted by the Phoenix Zoo!
The purpose of this grant is to support continued development, training, and access
to resources that enhance animal care, well-being, and management. This support
helps both animals and care staff by strengthening skills, deepening knowledge,
improving welfare, and building long-term expertise.
Anyone interested in applying should use the link below starting January 1st, 2026
GRANT APPLICATION
**All applicants must be employed at an AZA accredited facility, and only one application per
facility will be accepted. You must submit a manager’s letter of support with the application.
Applications will be accepted from January 1st – January 31st, 2026. All grant applicants will be
notified of their status by February 28th, 2026.
Please reach out to:
[email protected] for any questions
Registration Cost - $300 includes:
lunches, coffee, snacks each day, and a conclusion dinner.
Hosted by the Phoenix Zoo
August 24-27, 2026
What is the Husbandry course?
The purpose of the Orangutan SSP husbandry course is to bring together animal care professionals to effectively
manage orangutans in accredited zoos throughout the world, support continued development, training, and
give access to resources that enhance animal care, well-being, and management.
This support helps both animals and care staff by strengthening skills, deepening knowledge, improving welfare,
and building long-term expertise concerning these species by addressing physiological, biological, and social
needs of the animals under our care. Coursework will have a strong focus on orangutan natural history and how
it directly plays into every aspect of managed care from nutrition, veterinary care and habitat enhancements.
The time spent during the course allows zoo professionals from around the world to collaborate and transfer
knowledge about orangutan husbandry, science, well-being and conservation. Classes will be taught by experts
with orangutans in managed care with over 130 years of combined experience and will include hands-on
activities, tabletop drills, and discussions to include current cultures in the industry.
Registration Grant Opportunity
The Orangutan SSP is proud to announce the availability of TWO grants for
individual registration (value $300.00 each) to attend the Orangutan Husbandry
Course hosted by the Phoenix Zoo!
The purpose of this grant is to support continued development, training, and access
to resources that enhance animal care, well-being, and management. This support
helps both animals and care staff by strengthening skills, deepening knowledge,
improving welfare, and building long-term expertise.
Anyone interested in applying should use the link below starting January 1st, 2026
GRANT APPLICATION
**All applicants must be employed at an AZA accredited facility, and only one application per
facility will be accepted. You must submit a manager’s letter of support with the application.
Applications will be accepted from January 1st – January 31st, 2026. All grant applicants will be
notified of their status by February 28th, 2026.
Please reach out to:
[email protected] for any questions
Registration Cost - $300 includes:
lunches, coffee, snacks each day, and a conclusion dinner.
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The Orangutan Species Survival Plan®
Formed in the 1980's, the Orangutan SSP is a group of dedicated professionals with five primary goals:
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Welfare of individuals, social groups and populations
Together with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Orangutan SSP serves the accredited zoos that house orangutans in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. Working closely with respected professionals in the field, the SSP provides help and guidance to zoos housing orangutans. Together, zoos and the SSP seek to provide the best possible environment for these amazing apes. 
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AZA members are committed to #orangutan conservation. Between 2019 and 2021, over $1.4 million was spent on orangutan #conservation focused on habitat restoration, rescue and rehabilitation, and education and outreach. #WeAreAZA #AZASAFE #SavingSpecies
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Orangutans in Zoos
Orangutans live in 50+ accredited zoos all across the United States, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. Find out where they are and more about their exhibits here. 
Photo by Max Block
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Resources
This website serves as a central forum for important information for members of the SSP. Click here to enter the Member’s section and find out the latest happenings for and about the Orangutan Species Survival Plan. 
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