Exotic Feline Husbandry Course Being Taught During the FCF's Wild Cat Weekend
Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) December 15, 2013 -- Join cat enthusiasts from around the country for a Wildcat Weekend at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota, Florida, from Friday, January 10 through Sunday, January 12, 2014. The Sanctuary will host the Wild Feline Husbandry Course and the Wildlife Conservation Educator's Course. The Feline Conservation Federation (FCF) is partnering with Big Cat Habitat (BCH) to bring these continuing education opportunities Friday and Sunday, along with offering a special event on Saturday.
Certified husbandry course instructor and Conservators' Center co-founder, Mindy Stinner says, "The FCF Feline Husbandry course is a unique learning opportunity because it covers so many subjects that are important to anyone involved in exotic felines. In today's tightly regulated exotic animal industry, taking these courses should be mandatory for any committed owner."
On Friday, January 10th, the BCH will host the Wild/Exotic Feline Husbandry Course from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. This course is designed to aid cat caregivers at any level of experience in providing better quality of life for their felines while also making them aware of larger issues in the feline ownership world. The course includes an introduction to all the species of wild cats, and has sections covering nutrition, health care, habitat construction and enrichment, laws and regulatory agencies, contingency planning, and much more.
There will be a break at 2:00 pm from the textbook learning as BCH gives students a one hour live animal show. BCH founders, Kay Rosaire and her son Clayton are known worldwide for their gifted animal training ability, for their work within the entertainment and film industry, and as animal educators that use 'Positive Reinforcement Training'. The Rosaires are among the founders of this kinder, gentler style of animal training that uses kindness and compassion to build unique and remarkable relationships with animals. Course attendees will learn from these professionals as their felines are given a daily training class that uses positive reinforcement to shape desired natural behaviors.
On Saturday, January 11th, students can recharge by attending BCH's special guided tour of their facility where you will see tigers, ligers, lions, servals, bears, primates and much more! The tour will give students an exclusive look at the style of this facility's design and management protocols.
On Sunday, November 12, the BCH will host the Wildlife Conservation Educators Course from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. This "how to" educator's course is taught by Debi Willoughby, founder of Jungle Encounters, and gives people to tools needed to start, run and expand their very own wildlife education business. You can attend one class or both. Cost for each class is $160 ($125 for FCF members).
BCH is located at 7101 Palmer Blvd in Sarasota, Florida. There are several local hotels and motels available in the area, with the AmericInn being the closest. The closest airports are Sarasota (SRQ) and Tampa (TPA).
For more information, visit the Feline Conservation Federation website where you can register and pay for these courses and join the FCF.
The Feline Conservation Federation is a self-regulating society of exotic feline owners and handlers that includes professional members and inspected and accredited facilities. FCF members maintain important genetics and are a key source of ambassador animals used in conservation education.
Lynn Culver, Feline Conservation Federation, http://www.felineconservation.org, +1 (479) 394-5235, [email protected]
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