Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Hosts Safe Capture Training Course on April 19 and 20

Twenty Participants Will Practice Chemical Immobilization of Domestic and Wildlife Species at Zoo’s Hanson Building
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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – April 13, 2023–Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will host the San Diego Global Safe Capture chemical immobilization course on April 19 and 20 at the Hanson Building. The session runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. At times during the course, class participants will be outside the building training with delivery apparatus that look similar to handguns and rifles. Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been notified of the training, as has the Bridgeport Police Department.
 
Developed by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy, the training course provides the most complete, up-to-date instruction available on the chemical immobilization of animals. Taught by veterinarians and biologists who specialize in remotely delivered anesthetic agents, the program is considered to be the standard in chemical immobilization training and promotes humane capture and handling of animals. The objective is to handle an animal not acclimated to human contact in a manner that inflicts the least amount of stress and adds a safety factor for both the animal and human. The training will include zoo staff from a number of zoos in the region.

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“Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is one of only five in-person training sessions offered by San Diego Global Safe Capture throughout the nation,” said Animal Curator Rob Tomas. “We work closely with other Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos on topics from safety to animal health and welfare. This is a critical skill for animal care staff, and we’re proud to host our peers for this instruction.”
 
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Get your ticket to adventure! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 101st year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves.  Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove.  As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. ​