Orangutan SSP Husbandry Course 2026
Hosted by the Phoenix Zoo
August 24-27, 2026
Monday, 24th - Management Group Meeting (Closed); Ice Breaker in evening
Tuesday, 25th - Course Day
Wednesday 26th - Course Day
Thursday, 27th - Course Day/Hands-on Activities & Zoo Day with conclusion dinner, certificate and celebration for completing the course!
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.
Hotel Information
Tempe Mission Palms
Conference room block available: 8/23-8/26
Room rate: $169/night (includes resort fee)
Links to book will be available starting March 1st, 2026!
Keep checking back for more details!
Hosted by the Phoenix Zoo
August 24-27, 2026
Monday, 24th - Management Group Meeting (Closed); Ice Breaker in evening
Tuesday, 25th - Course Day
Wednesday 26th - Course Day
Thursday, 27th - Course Day/Hands-on Activities & Zoo Day with conclusion dinner, certificate and celebration for completing the course!
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.
Hotel Information
Tempe Mission Palms
Conference room block available: 8/23-8/26
Room rate: $169/night (includes resort fee)
Links to book will be available starting March 1st, 2026!
Keep checking back for more details!