International Gorilla workshop - 2010

International Gorilla workshop - 2010

Photo By: http://www.flickr.com/people/mdu2boy/


Oklahoma City Zoo is excited to host the 2010 International Gorilla workshop. We hope you’ll join us for these informative sessions. We will have registration forms and fliers ready to be sent out shortly but we wanted to start getting you the information you’ll need to get out here and joins next May.

Our keynote speakers who are confirmed are Dave Morgan and Charlene Jendry. We are in final confirmation stage to get Dr. Ilana Kutinsky here as our third keynote.

The Gorilla Workshop was created to promote and improve husbandry, management and conservation of gorillas. It is necessary to collaborate with colleagues to better provide for and understand gorillas in our care. The 2010 Gorilla Workshop will include a number of topics with an emphasis on multi-male and bachelor groups, as well as innovative and best practices in gorilla husbandry. The deadline for abstracts is 10 February 2010. Abstracts must contain the following:

• Author’s name, affiliation, address, e-mail address and phone number
• Title of paper
• Concise description of paper not to exceed 500 words (single space)
• On a separate page please provide a concise bio of the author/presenter

Please send via e-mail or CD (in Word format) to:
Laura Bottaro OR Donna Mobbs
OKC Zoo OKC Zoo
2101 NE 50th ST 2101 NE 50th ST
Okla. City, OK 73111 Okla. City , OK 73111
LBottaro@okczoo.com DMobbs@okczoo.com

Suggested Topics (1 full day will be devoted to each main topic):
Innovations and best practices in gorilla husbandry:
Retro-fitting existing cages
Innovations in exhibit and holding design to facilitate husbandry
Philosophy driven husbandry programs - What’s yours and why does it work for your facility?
How to promote mother-rearing
Surrogate programs
Behavioral husbandry – What is working to promote innovations in gorilla management?
Multi-male and bachelor groups:
Best practices – What’s working at your facility? What’s not and how can we learn from it?
Research Updates
Complexities such as holding/exhibit design
Research updates
Introduction strategies
Management strategies
Field Work and Conservation:
Ape Sanctuaries
Updates from the Field
Fundraisers to support in situ work
In or Ex-situ conservation education programs

Registration Fee:
Registration fees of $195 are due by 10 February 2010. A late fee of $30 will be assessed after 10 February. $10 from each registration will be combined to benefit one or more in situ conservation project(s).

Airport Information:
Your airport will be Will Rogers World Airport (code OKC).

Vendors:
Space will be available for select vendors to sell items benefiting their organization. Please contact Laura Bottaro at LBottaro@okczoo.com or 405-425-0209 for information and reservations.

Airport Shuttle Service:
Airport Express can provide shuttle service for $20 each way for an individual, $10 each way for 2 people, or $7 each way for 3 or more people. Reservations can be made at 1-877-688-3311.

Hotel Information:
The Sheraton OKC is located in the center of downtown and just blocks from Bricktown, an area teeming with restaurants, stores and other entertainment venues. The hotel offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, exercise facility, a full service restaurant and lounge, and a business center. Parking is $10.00 per day for hotel guests.

Hotel rates will be $99 (not including taxes) up to double occupancy (triple and quad rates are available at a higher rate). These rates will only be available to conference attendees until 17 April 2010. Normal room rates will apply after this date. When making reservations, let them know you are with the Gorilla Workshop to get these special rates.

Hotel Contact Information:
Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel
1 North Broadway Ave
Oklahoma City , OK 73102
1-800-325-3535 / 405-235-2780 / 405-232-8752 (Fax)
E-Mail: info.sheraton@sheratonokc.com
Website: http://www.sheratonokc.com/


Roommates:
We will be assisting people in finding roommates. Please contact Donna Mobbs at 405-425-0231 or DMobbs@okczoo.com

Auction Items:
We will be holding an auction to raise money for in situ gorilla conservation programs. Please bring an item from your institution to donate, or if you are an artist and would like to donate a piece that depicts gorillas, all would be greatly appreciated. For auction items, please contact:

Jennifer Davis
2101 NE 50th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
405-425-0259
JDavis@OKCZoo.com

Tentative Schedule: (SCHEDULE CHANGED - PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANISORS)
Tuesday, 12 May: 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. Icebreaker
Wednesday, 12 May: 8:00a.m – 6:00p.m. Innovations/Best Practices in
Husbandry
Thursday, 13 May: 8:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. Conservation/Field Work
Friday, 14 May: 8:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. Multi-male/bachelor groups
Saturday, 15 May: 8:00a.m. -11:30a.m. General Sessions
12:00p.m.- 9:00p.m. Zoo Day/Banquet

Post Conference Trip:
Sedgwick County Zoo has invited us to visit their recently completed Gorilla Forest Exhibit, which was designed specifically for bachelor groups, on Sunday, 16 May. Buses will be provided, leaving at 8 a.m. and returning to the hotel at ~5:00 p.m. An additional fee for this trip of $40 per person will be applied.

Things to do while in OKC:
Oklahoma City’s hip, spirited environment blends with its deep western heritage, creating an exciting destination steeped in culture and adventure. With renowned festivals, national sporting events, treasure-filled museums, and a variety of districts highlighting arts and entertainment, the possibilities of Oklahoma City are endless!

Near the Zoo, Oklahoma City ’s Adventure District is your place to play! From incredible adventures on the wild side at the state’s number one attraction, the Oklahoma City Zoo to world-class Western art, the Adventure District is home to six outstanding attractions. The Zoo, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum , Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum, National Softball Hall of Fame, CineMark Tinseltown USA Theater and Remington Park Racing Casino are awaiting your arrival!

Near the host hotel in downtown OKC enjoy the sights and sounds of historical Bricktown (food, drink, shopping and more), experience the Oklahoma City National Memorial, enjoy the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, ride a water taxi, explore the Myriad Botanical Gardens, catch a game at the Bricktown Ballpark or just discover on your own and enjoy the friendly hospitality of our down-to-earth and welcoming citizens! Have fun and welcome to Oklahoma City !


If you have other general question about the workshop, OKC, etc, please contact Brian Aucone, BrianA@okczoo.com, 405-425-0283.