Come to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo this October to learn Assisted Reproductive Technologies for Amphibian Conservation, from experts in the field. This course is designed to help train individuals across any discipline from zoological staff, conservation managers, and veterinary staff to academic researchers. 

The course will cover many subjects, including:

• Ultrasonography
• Hormone administration 
• In-vitro fertilization
• Gamete expression and collection
• Sperm analysis
• Sperm Cryopreservation

Lab sessions will allow students to participate in learning these techniques through hands-on opportunities. This will include working with a variety of amphibian species with differing reproductive biology and strategies.

During the course, students will assist with IVF of multiple endangered species, including producing Puerto Rican Crested Toad offspring for release! 

Below is a synopsis of the agenda, as we finalize the complete course schedule.

• 10.5.2025-Arrival & Registration
• 10.6.2025 – Hormone reconstitution & handling, Injection safety
• 10.7.2025 – Sperm collection, analysis, and ultrasound training
• 10.8.2025 – In-vitro fertilization (IVF) 
• 10.9.2025 – Sperm Cryopreservation and produced offspring care
• 10.10.2025 – Travel day

Dates:

Students should plan to arrive in Omaha the afternoon of Sunday, 05 October and depart Friday, 10 October. 

Instructors:

• Allison Julien, PhD. Fort Worth Zoo
• Derek Benson, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
• Shaina Lampert, North Carolina Zoo
• Carrie Vance, PhD. Mississippi State University
• Andy Kouba, PhD. Mississippi State University
• Jessi Krebs, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
• Diane Barber, Fort Worth Zoo

Lodging:

A discounted rate will be provided to students at the Embassy Suites Omaha Downtown at $134/night. This code as well as a list of students interested in room-sharing, will be shared upon registration.  

Transportation:

Transportation from the hotel to the Zoo, and return trips, will be provided daily. Students are responsible for any additional transportation needs, including airport transportation. 

Meals:

Registration costs cover dinner and drinks during the icebreaker, snacks and lunch each day of the course, as well as two dinners. All other meal-related costs are at the expense of the student. 

Registration:

Registration opens on Monday, March 3, 2025 and will be available through Friday, August 8, 2025. You may register for the course without payment, however, payment is required within 30 days or you will be placed on the pending/wait list. Registration and payment information can be found HERE. 

AZA Member Registration – $850

Non-AZA Member Registration – $1000