Staff from the Emperor Valley Zoo in Trinidad along with a contingent from the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ZSTT), have travelled to Orlando, Florida to undergo special training with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as part of a strategic objective for continuous learning by staff members at the zoo.

Led by ZSTT vice president Benjamin De La Rosa and also including curator Nirmal Biptah, zoological officer Sharleen Khan, biologist Ashana Gibran, education officers Solange De La Silva and Jenner Juman and international director John Seyjagat, the training sessions form part of a wider scheme aimed to bring together the zoo community from the western hemisphere to share and discover new skills and knowledge in the field of animals and animal care.

The team from Trinidad and Tobago – which is being hosted by Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Seas and SeaWorld Orlando – will focus on training in technical competency to complement a redevelopment of the Emperor Valley Zoo, which is undergoing an infrastructure upgrade with new animal acquisitions.

“We are mindful of the need to provide the best care for our animals and enhance the visitor’s experience at the same time - exposing staff to training at such a forum where these perspectives are shared can only prove beneficial,” said ZSTT president Gupte Lutchemedial. “Our thrust is a holistic approach to meet all the requirements needed to bring the Zoo up to international standards.”