Orangutan SSP Husbandry Course 2026
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Hosted by the Phoenix Zoo
August 24-27, 2026
Find everything you need to know before you go at the course website here!
Monday, August 24th - Management Group Meeting (Closed); Ice Breaker in evening
Tuesday, August 25th - Course Day
Wednesday, August 26th - Course Day
Thursday, August 27th - Course Day/Hands-on Activities & Zoo Day with conclusion dinner, certificate and celebration for completing the course!
Hotel Information
Tempe Mission Palms
Find booking link here!
Conference room block available: 8/23-8/27
Room rate: $169/night (includes resort fee)
Group Code: G-PZOO
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.
We hope to see you in Phoenix!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Hosted by the Phoenix Zoo
August 24-27, 2026
Find everything you need to know before you go at the course website here!
Monday, August 24th - Management Group Meeting (Closed); Ice Breaker in evening
Tuesday, August 25th - Course Day
Wednesday, August 26th - Course Day
Thursday, August 27th - Course Day/Hands-on Activities & Zoo Day with conclusion dinner, certificate and celebration for completing the course!
Hotel Information
Tempe Mission Palms
Find booking link here!
Conference room block available: 8/23-8/27
Room rate: $169/night (includes resort fee)
Group Code: G-PZOO
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.
We hope to see you in Phoenix!