Need to know
Where: Taronga Zoo Sydney
Who: Ages 16+
When: Sat 26th April, Sat 24th May, Fri 20th June
Time: 8:30am-4pm
Cost: $375 per person
Zoo Friends get 10% off - $337.50
Inclusions
- Online modules introducing basic concepts and terms
- Face-to-face day at Taronga Zoo with one of our expert trainers, where you can practice and hone your training skills
- 30 min follow-up online session with a trainer within 3 months of your course completion
- A certificate of participation
- Parking
- Behind-the-scenes experiences
- $15 lunch voucher
- Training clicker and pouch
How to prepare
- Participants must complete an online module prior to the workshop at Taronga Zoo.
- Each course will access the Zoo by foot therefore requires participants to have a moderate level of fitness and good mobility.
- Day courses are an all-weather experience so please come prepared for any inclement weather. Taronga reserves the right to cancel the course at any time due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or in the event of severe weather. In the unlikely chance that this situation should occur, Taronga will contact you prior to your participation date
Meet the trainers
Lindsay Wright, Senior Marine Mammal Keeper at Taronga Zoo
Lindsay has been with the zoo since 2002. She originally worked as a graphic designer but made a significant career change after volunteering at Taronga and discovering a passion for zoo keeping. Lindsay earned a Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation from Macquarie University, along with a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animals.
Throughout her time at Taronga, Lindsay has gained experience in various animal divisions. Her journey into animal training began with two domestic pigs during her first role at the zoo's Backyard to Bush exhibit. This sparked her love for training and conditioning animals, and when an opportunity arose in the Marine division, she eagerly embraced it. With over 18 years of experience, Lindsay has trained seals, penguins, and pelicans, while also spending her free time training her own cats and rescue galahs.
In 2022, Lindsay joined the Taronga Training Institute, where she instructs Certificate III students in animal care and frequently assesses Certificate II students on their animal husbandry skills. Her primary focus within the Marine division is the training and enrichment of animals to ensure they receive the best possible care. Lindsay is passionate about sharing her knowledge of animal training, believing it helps enhance the welfare of all animals under human care.
Emma Radcliff
Emma started her journey at Taronga Zoo at just 13, joining the youth volunteering program (YATZ). Since then, she has become a zookeeper and animal trainer in the presentation and Australian fauna precincts for the last seven years.
Throughout her time, Emma has worked with a diverse range of species, from penguins and seals to parrots and raptors, even reptiles! She has trained various husbandry behaviours and presentation behaviours, showcasing the incredible natural abilities of these animals to the public.
With a passion for conservation, Emma loves sharing her knowledge and experiences with everyone she meets. Her time at the zoo ignited a love for teaching, leading her to earn a master’s degree in education. She believes that animals and kids aren’t all that different; they both thrive on positive reinforcement and strong relationships.