Nicky Plaskitt, Owner, Shaping Behavior, UK
In the 20 years I have spent working in UK zoos and aquaria, I have worked with a plethora of animals using positive reinforcement training to develop behaviors for husbandry, veterinary care and public presentation. I now specialize in teaching keepers the skills they need to work with their animals in the best way possible. From 2012 – 2021 I ran the Bird team at Paradise Wildlife Park (UK), revolutionizing the management of birds on section. I have worked for ZSL London and Whipsnade zoos and other prominent UK collections. I was lucky to work with NEI at the State Fair of Texas in 2011 and 2013, and have worked in Africa and the Middle East for short stints also. In June 2021 I set up my own business. Shaping Behaviour is a consultancy with the goal of improving animal welfare in all collections by teaching keepers the skills they need to use R+ with their animals and staff. This is done through zoo consults and workshops for keepers. My goal is to inspire keepers to make better future decisions and to empower them with the knowledge to do so.