Plan It, Build It, Use It: Behaviour Based Enrichment Course​​​​​​​

11-14 January 2027📍 Berlin Zoo, Berlin Germany

This workshop will provide attendees with an understanding of enrichment concepts and their effect on modern animal welfare. Attendees will learn how goal- and behaviour-based enrichment can be used as a behavioural management approach to support the care of animals in human care and promote positive welfare outcomes. Participants will develop both a theoretical and practical understanding of the design, implementation, and evaluation of goal-based enrichment programmes.

The workshop will include a combination of learning sessions, group discussions, practical activities, team tasks, and demonstrations of enrichment approaches used at the host institution.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Assess animal behaviour to identify behavioural needs and enrichment opportunities.

• Design, implement, and evaluate goal-based enrichment programmes using species-specific behavioural and welfare objectives.

• Observe, record, analyse, and interpret animal behaviour to measure enrichment effectiveness and inform adaptive management.

• Integrate enrichment into daily husbandry practices through sustainable, long-term behavioural management strategies.

• Apply enrichment principles across a range of animal taxa using evidence-based decision making.

Practical Skills

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Develop a species-specific enrichment strategy and enrichment calendar.

• Plan, implement, monitor, and review a goal-based enrichment programme using defined behavioural objectives.

• Collect, record, and analyse behavioural data using behavioural observation techniques and the ZooMonitor app.

• Construct, modify, install, and maintain safe and effective enrichment devices.

• Prepare and work with rope and firehose, including cutting, splicing, knot tying, and the safe use of hand tools and equipment.

COURSE TUTORS

COURSE ORGANISATION AND DURATION

The course will commence at 9:00 am on Monday (11 January) and consists of four full days of in-person learning at Berlin Zoo. The first day of the course will also include an icebreaker event inside of Zoo Berlin's Aquarium.

The first three days (11-13 January) will focus on interactive presentations, group discussions, practical activities, and hands-on enrichment construction. On Day 4 (14 January), participants will continue with practical and final theory sessions in the morning, followed by a guided tour of the zoo in the afternoon. In addition, on Friday, January 15, there is an optional zoo tour of Tierenpark.

For more information on the course programme, visit the programme part of the website, located on the top bar of the page.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

This workshop is suitable for animal care staff, zookeepers, aquarists, supervisors, veterinarians, educators, and welfare professionals working in zoos and aquaria.

There are no formal prerequisites for attending. Participants should have a basic understanding of animal care and husbandry, and a willingness to actively participate in practical activities, group discussions, and hands-on enrichment building sessions. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear are recommended for the practical workshops.

We have an agreement with Motel-One in Berlin to provide hotel rooms on a discounted rate for our group. For more information on how to secure your room with a discount, please view the 'Where to Stay' tab on the top portion of the course site.

The course fee includes all course materials, lunches and refreshments and a certificate of completion. Additionally, all course participants are invited to the icebreaker event which will occur on the first day (11 January).

EAZA Academy Cancellation Policy:

- If you cancel more than 4 weeks before the course starts no fees apply. 

- If you cancel less than 4 weeks before the course starts you will be charged 25% of the fees.  

- If you cancel less than 2 weeks before the course starts you will be charged 50% of the fees. 

- If you cancel less than 1 week before the course starts you will be charged 100% of the fees.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that the EAZA Academy confirms the cancellation for their course registration.

Course Location

Berlin Zoo

Hardenbergpl. 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany