South African captive animal welfare received a major boost this month, following a four-day interactive workshop hosted by the Johannesburg Zoo (JCPZ). Guided by international animal welfare charities, Wild Welfare and Wild Welfare US, this landmark occasion gathered over 60 animal care professionals from across the region, for the country’s first ever holistic training event on animal behavioural management.
Dave Morgan presenting “Exploring the role of empathy in animal welfare” at Joburg Zoo Workshop
Proceedings began with a key address from Wild Welfare Co-Founder and Field Director Dave Morgan entitled “Exploring the Role of Empathy in Animal Welfare” which introduced the guiding principle that all good welfare practices are fundamentally underpinned by empathy. Dave challenged participants to view their own animal care practices through the lens of compassionate decision-making.
Throughout the four-day workshop, delegates were introduced to the concept of behavioural management and explored proactive, science-based approaches to enhance the care and welfare of captive animals. Participants were guided through engaging sessions covering various topics, including Operant Conditioning, Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) techniques, behavioural problem solving, Environmental Enrichment Planning and safety. Each illustrated how to provide animals with responsive environments that facilitate greater choice and control, and enhances their psychological and physical wellbeing.
Knot and rope splicing class in action. ©JCPZ
Delegates honed their practical skills during a rope splicing and knot tying masterclass. These skills are essential for the safe and secure construction of enrichment structures, which directly benefit the animals under their care. In addition to the hands-on sessions, groups were tasked with discussing and sensitive theoretical scenarios. One particularly emotive discussion raised a lively debate around the topics of intervention, euthanasia, and long-term animal behavioural health. “Such discussions in an open forum are vital for creating a progressive culture of ethical reflection and transparency within the animal care community”, Executive Director of Wild Welfare US, Margaret Whittaker, expressed.
Attendees practice target training techniques with help from the zoo’s pigs. ©JCPZ
During “The Training Game”, participants partnered up to demonstrate and simulate PRT in action. While one person plays the “trainer”, the other embodies the role of the “animal,” who must learn the desired behaviour without verbal instruction, guided only by a clicker. This game teaches the importance of timing the reinforcement – a critical skill any trainer must learn; and when playing the part of the animal, future trainers will gain empathy for what the animal experiences during the PRT process – all of which reveals how timing, clarity, and patience are crucial traits of good trainers and essential to shape behaviour. Trainers then had the opportunity to practice their learning on live animals at the zoo including pigs and sheep. Margaret explained how the exercise helped participants “feel what it’s like to be the animal and understand why timing is so critical for good behavioral outcomes when training.”
The diverse event brought together professionals from leading institutions across South Africa including the National Zoo (Pretoria), uShaka Marine World (Durban), Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town), Cango Wildlife Ranch, and Lory Park Zoo. Johannesburg Zoo staff also shared their own welfare initiatives, from training and enrichment for Southern Ground Hornbills to improving water quality for Pickersgill Reed Frog tadpoles and developing sustainable browse-collection partnerships.
WWUS Margaret Whittaker presenting “The Power of Behavioural Management” at Joburg Zoo workshop. ©JCPZ
Louise Gordon, Executive Manager of JHB Zoo said, “This workshop showcased the vast knowledge and passion of both Margaret and Dave. It inspired every person who attended, reaffirming Joburg Zoo’s goal of becoming a centre of excellence for staff development and animal welfare”. Candice Gray, JHB Zoo behavioural enrichment officer added, “It was an absolute privilege to stand up next to the experts from Wild Welfare and Wild Welfare US and co-host this event. Thank you to the keepers who presented the fantastic work happening at their facilities. I’m excited to see what 2026 will bring.”
The South African Animal Keepers Association (SAAKA) also praised the initiative, with their Vice President, Robynn Ingle-Moller commenting, “The Wild Welfare Workshop at Joburg Zoo was rock awesome! It helped us to refine and refresh our understanding of welfare and wellbeing. The message that stood out most, was to be loud, don’t let apathy win, and keep learning and sharing.”
Dave and Margaret proudly presenting their Certificates of participation from Joburg Zoo.
Wild Welfare’s Dave Morgan reflected on the event by concluding that, “No other organisation has ever delivered such a holistic approach to Behaviour Management in South Africa. Seeing the passion and commitment from frontline animal care staff confirmed the urgent need for this training. We’re proud to have supported this step toward a more compassionate future for the continent’s captive wildlife and we’re thrilled that Johannesburg Zoo is keen to build on this success with further workshops next year.”
ENDS
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Notes to Editors
For more information or interview requests please contact Wild Welfare on communications@wildwelfare.org
Wild Welfare is a global organisation committed to improving animal welfare for captive wild animals. By uniting the world’s leading zoos, zoo associations and animal welfare organisations, we build trusting partnerships that help provide long-term solutions to critical wild animal welfare issues.
Our vision is to end the suffering of captive wild animals around the world and ensure full and sustainable protection is given to all animals in human care. Find out more at wildwelfare.org. Registered charity in England (no.1165941).
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