Virtual Conservation Lecture 1/19

EUREKA, CA – The Sequoia Park Zoo Conservation Lecture Series is VIRTUAL for 2021/22 and the third virtual lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 6:45 PM. Ken Ramirez will be joining us from Karen Pryor Clicker Training (KPCT) to discuss Conservation Connection: Training to Save Wildlife. Zoo updates and information will begin at 6:45 PM with the lecture starting at 7:00 PM promptly. Attendees can ask questions to the speaker at the end of the presentation via the chat box on Zoom. Logging in through a free, registered Zoom account is required. The Zoom link will be available on our website at www.SequoiaParkZoo.net and on our social media. This lecture will not be recorded or available on Facebook, so we encourage attendees to watch live on Zoom. Special thanks to Papa & Barkley for sponsoring the Conservation Lecture Series!

The use of applied behavior analysis is an exciting and expanding direction for enhancing success in wildlife conservation. Key applications include the expanded use of husbandry training for conservation research, remote training projects, introduction of species to the wild, and other uses of behavior knowledge to aid in managing and studying animals to contribute to conservation.  These applications have been used in assisting with conservation efforts with condors, wolves, sea otters, dolphins, sea lions, polar bears, sea turtles, chimpanzees, elephants and many others. Join Ken for a peek into some unique and inspiring conservation projects.

Ken Ramirez is the Executive Vice-President and Chief Training Officer of Karen Pryor Clicker Training where he oversees the vision, development, and implementation of training education programs for the organization. He also runs the KPCT National Training Center where he teaches courses and seminars year-round. Previously, Ken served as EVP of animal care and animal training at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, where he developed and supervised animal care and animal health programs, staff training and development as well as public presentation programs for more than 32,000 animals. He worked at Shedd Aquarium for over 25 years.

A 40+ year veteran of animal care and training, Ramirez is a biologist and animal behaviorist who has overseen or consulted on training projects for many zoological organizations worldwide.  He began his training career working with guide dogs for the visually impaired and has maintained a close affiliation to pet training throughout his career.  He hosted two successful seasons of the television series Talk to the Animals that compared pet training to the important work done with training and caring for animals in zoological facilities.  He has also worked closely with several search and rescue dog organizations, service dog groups, as well as with bomb and narcotic dogs. 

Ramirez has been active in several professional organizations, including the International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association (IMATA), of which he is a past president.  Ken has been actively involved in the creation of a certification process for animal trainers in zoological settings and has written numerous scientific publications and authored countless popular articles. He authored the book ANIMAL TRAINING: Successful Animal Management through Positive Reinforcement (1999) and Better Together: The Collected Wisdom of Modern Dog Trainers (2017). For 20 years he taught a graduate course on animal training at Western Illinois University. 

If you would like help with the Zoom app, please email  by January 17 for troubleshooting assistance.

What:         FREE Virtual Conservation Lecture on ZoomConservation Connection: Training to Save Wildlife

When:        Wednesday, January 19, 2022

                    Zoo Information begins at 6:45 PM

                    Lecture 7:00 PM

Where:        Online via Zoom.us

Cost:            FREE

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 862 2562 1519

Passcode: 582545

Join Zoom Meeting by Phone:

+16699006833,,86225621519#,,,,*582545# US (San Jose)

Sequoia Park Zoo inspires conservation of the natural world by instilling wonder, respect and passion for wildlife.