San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy Newsletter   October 2024   To the Rescue By Peggy Scott, Managing Editor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance The following article appeared in the May/June 2024 edition of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal. To read the article in its entirety, access it here. Three frightened young spider monkeys in a duffel bag at the U.S./Mexico border. A trio of orphaned mountain lion cubs in the San Pasqual Valley. Three baby cobras being smuggled in a Pringles can. The range of species is wide, and their circumstances are varied, but all these examples­—and many more like them—have one thing in common: they were wildlife desperately in need of help, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) experts came to the rescue. READ MORE Getting Better All the Time Education, Raising Consciousness, and Saving the World By James F. Gesualdi with Terran McGinnis We are always learning. Sometimes we gain information and insights intentionally. Other times we pick up things through experience, hardship, inspiration, and/or necessity. My reflections on education were enlivened through conversations with longtime, passionate environmental educator and education leader Terran McGinnis. From working as a young park ranger to three decades as a zoological educator, she has been able to tell the most fanciful, inspiring, and mesmerizing stories about the planet. Caring, thoughtful educators at zoos and aquariums can connect lots of people at different levels of consciousness with wildlife and species in need of their help. Working in concert with others outside the zoological community, even those with some differing perspectives, we can be the difference-makers the world needs—right now. READ MORE Getting Better All the Time USDA Names New Animal Care Leader By James F. Gesualdi On August 26, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator Dr. Michael Watson appointed Sarah J. Helming, an attorney and an experienced leader within APHIS, to serve as deputy administrator for animal care. Dr. Watson used the announcement of Helming’s appointment to note the Animal Welfare Act’s (AWA) important mission, the dedicated efforts of Animal Care staff, and the need to “continue to partner and collaborate with our many stakeholders who share our commitment to caring for animals.” Dr. Watson also extended the following invitation: “I hope that you will join me in welcoming Sarah in her new role and take this opportunity to reach out to her to share your perspectives, concerns, and opportunities to renew our collaboration.” READ MORE Requesting Your Feedback! Attention Academy members and newsletter readers! As we continue to grow and improve the Academy, we’d greatly appreciate your feedback about how best to do this. Please take two to three minutes to complete our survey and help us make the Academy an even better tool for learning, training, and professional development. TAKE SURVEY Academy News San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy Puts the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance in the Spotlight The North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance is part of the Academy’s collaborative learning environment. Visit their website > Safe Capture News The Academy’s Safe Capture program offers in-person, virtual, and e-learning training for the chemical immobilization and anesthesia of domestic and wildlife species. Learn more about Safe Capture Training. News from Recent Safe Capture Training Events Thank you to everyone who joined us for our August and September training events in California, Kansas, Texas and Oregon! These events drew enthusiastic participants from around the U.S., including veterinarians, wildlife biologists, students, and other domestic animal and wildlife management specialists. We are so glad you could join us! Upcoming Safe Capture In-Person Training Events Registration is now open for the following Academy Safe Capture in-person event: California (Escondido): January 22–23, 2025: This event is being hosted at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and is open to all participants. VIEW ALL EVENTS CE credits approved by the following organizations For more information, or to register for these events, please visit the Safe Capture Website. Academy Technical Support Have a question about your learning account? Our learning partner, CypherWorx, has a very robust support hub where you can search for help! Visit the CypherWorx Support Hub. If you need more specific help, you can also submit a help ticket through the support hub or call 888-685-4440 to speak with a CypherWorx customer support representative. Academy Information For more information about the Academy, please send us an email at SDZWAAcademySales@sdzwa.org or visit our website sdzwaacademy.org. Interested in Joining the Academy? Individual, group, and institution rates are available. Please contact SDZWAAcademySales@sdzwa.org. To view archived Academy Newsletters, visit our archive page. Follow along in our mission to save wildlife. Your Support Saves Wildlife San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international conservation nonprofit and a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID# 95-1648219. With more than 100 years of wildlife care expertise and partnerships around the globe, we are saving, protecting, and caring for species worldwide. We are building an alliance for wildlife, we just need you. 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