This webinar was originally presented January 30, 2025
Effective safety controls are vital for the protection of keepers and animals in zoological settings. This webinar will introduce participants to the Hierarchy of Controls and provide an overview of how it can be used to mitigate risks zookeepers may encounter while carrying out their normal duties. Speakers will provide practical examples of how specific controls have been implemented at their facilities and share actionable strategies attendees can use to enhance safety in their own workplace. Specific presentations include:
- Safety Controls with Dangerous Animals – Katy Juliano, Great Cats and Bears Animal Keeper, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park
- Primate Safety: Utilizing Lockouts and Signage to Create a Safe Working Environment for Primates and Staff – Sara Bjerklie, Assistant Zoological Manager, Dallas Zoo
- Administrative and PPE Controls in the Ectotherms Department – Theresa Plass, Swing Keeper in Ectotherms, Fort Worth Zoo
- Advocating for Safety: Advice for Grassroots Implementation of Safety Measures When Working with Dangerous Carnivores – Kate Neal and Maggie Raglin, Carnivore Keeper II, Little Rock Zoo
This session is presented by the Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards Partnership (ZAHP) in collaboration with the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Safety Committees as part of the ongoing Topics in Zoo Safety webinar series. ZAHP is a program of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV).
Additional Resources
- AZA Safety Committee Resource Center – sample guidelines and example documents curated by the AZA Safety Committee
- 2 Key 2 Lock System and Other Administrative Control Resources – resource document prepared and managed by Dave Ruhl, Erin McNally, and Ashley Arimborgo
- 2K2L Making a Safe Zoo Safer Recording – full presentation recorded 5/31/2022 for The Living Desert