Mission Statement

Animal Education Foundation (AEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making a positive difference for companion parrots and other animals. Using the most recent, evidence-based information available, AEF's mission is to provide education and training resources to caregivers, with particular emphasis on behavior and enrichment solutions, and support to animal welfare, conservation, and research programs. We believe in the power of human commitment to enhance the lives of animals and humans alike, and to preserve diversity of life on the planet.

 

Board of Directors

 

 

Board of Advisors

The Board of Advisors is a group of highly respected professionals in their field that use their expertise to guide the organization. Their input based on years of research, study, and experience ensures that AEF provides services of the highest quality.

 

Founding Members

James J. Barry (bio), Wendy Kiska (bio), Joseph E. Pesce (bio), Rita M. Sambruna (bio), Kathryne Thorpe (bio), Richard K. Thorpe (bio)

 

Our Qualifications

All AEF instructors graduated from Prof. Susan G. Friedman's on-line behavior class Living and Learning with Parrots and all levels of Steve Martin's training workshops for companion parrots caregivers at his facility in Florida, Natural Encounters, Inc. In addition, some instructors attended at least the first of Bob Bailey's chicken camps (Discrimination) and graduated from Dr. Friedman's LLA telecourse for veterinarians and other animal professionals; others have experience with training raptors. All instructors have experience training companion parrots.

More importantly, since knowledge is acquired only through continuous guided study and practice, we are engaged in teaching and training activities under the direct supervision of our mentors. These activities include:

  • Serving as a Teacher Assistant for Dr. Friedman's Living and Learning with Parrots (LLP) on-line class;
  • Serving as a tutor and threadleader on Dr. Friedman's PBAS behavior list list - an online forum where individual behavior cases are analyzed and solutions are sought and applied;
  • Interning as a trainer with Steve Martin's Natural Encounters, Inc. "Birds of the World Show";
  • Attending domestic and international behavior conferences and training workshops;
  • Writing articles on parrot behavior and training.

We remain strongly committed to our continuous growth in the understanding of the principles of behavior science and how to teach those principles most effectively to others.  References available upon request.