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An Audience with
So who is Steve Martin?
One of the best-known trainers
in the world, Steve Martin has
pioneered the art of training a
variety of birds and animals through
positive reinforcement.
In 1976 he set up the first bird
show of its kind at the San Diego
Wild Animal Park. His use of nontraditional, free flight birds combined
with an inspiring conservation
message set this show apart from all
other animal shows. Four years later,
Steve left the Wild Animal Park to
establish “The World of Birds Show
Inc.” and present his programs at
zoos across the United States.
In 1984 he began using his positive
reinforcement training techniques
to train a wide variety of animals
to participate in shows and
keeper talk programs.
Seven years on In
1991, The World
Of Birds Show Inc.
was renamed Natural
Encounters Inc.
(NEI).
This
new
name
better
defined the
direction and goals
of the company, which
are to Engage, Inspire,
and Empower people at
their shows through the
30 www.parrotsociety.org.au
exhibition
of animals
demonstrating
natural behaviors,
carefully designed
dialogue, and
entertaining choreography.
These shows now entertain
and educate millions of people
each year
A master falconer for over 30
years and a parrot trainer for more
than 35, Steve has produced and
consulted on bird and animal
behavior at over 35 zoos and parks
on four continents. NEI’s animal
training expertise has grown far
beyond birds. Steve’s history of
training free-flight birds had a
profound effect on preparing
him for training other
species in zoos and aquariums.
Perhaps the most
important influence
on his training
ability was knowing
that the consequence of a
poor training decision could
result in the loss of his animal
... it could just fly away!
This unique liability forced
him to develop insights, skills
and scientifically sound training
strategies that might not have been
as important if he were training
animals confined in enclosures.
When some people think of animal
training they visualize a person
forcing an animal to comply
with their commands. This is the
antithesis of our training goals.
Steve works to create situations
where animals want to perform
behaviors. His training is based
on the most positive, least
intrusive methods available.
Steve empowers animals with
the ability to make good
decisions that earn them
positive reinforcement rather
than force them to perform out
of fear of punishment or the need to
escape aversive stimuli.
His training experience now includes
over 100 species of birds and over
25 species of mammals. Steve now
spends much of his time consulting
at zoos around the world setting
up educational shows and teaching
Operant Conditioning to zoo keepers.
He is a member of the California Condor
Recovery Team and behavior consultant
several zoos and the Hawaiian Hawk
and Hawaiian Crow projects.
Steve is also the founder, past
President, and President Elect of
IAATE (International Association of
Avian Trainers and Educators).
His free-flight bird shows have been
enjoyed by millions of people. Steve is
well-known for his educational program
philosophy which is to engage, inspire
and empower his audience.
Steve’s 6 day, hands-on workshops in
Florida cost US$1500 – making this
PSOA event a unique opportunity to
gain insight from a man who ‘walks
the talk’ in animal training.
Steve Martin
Dear Fellow Members,
November is an exciting month for all Australian parrot owners, as the Parrot Society of Australia
will be presenting an audience with one of the leaders in the world of avian and animal training
and behaviour, Mr. Steve Martin (USA).
For those of you who are unaware, Steve has helped zoos and sanctuaries not only
across America, but also globally, including Australia to establish free flight bird
shows and animal training programs with over a hundred species of birds and
many other animals.
His shows, including the one at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, are not only
entertaining, but are also based on public education about the natural abilities and beauty of birds,
including their conservation status in the wild. He strives to engage, inspire and empower audiences
through exhibiting animals performing their natural behaviours. As a direct result of this, Natural
Encounters Inc. raises many thousands of dollars each year for research and conservation projects.
At Steve’s ranch in Orlando, he runs training courses for companion
parrot owners and professional trainers alike. I was fortunate
enough to attend the ‘Bird Training and Show Production’ for
professionals in the industry just over two years ago. The course
was just amazing and very hands-on. As a participant, you get the
priviledge of working with a diverse range of bird species, from
Vultures and Cranes to Keas and Toucans. It was an unforgetable
experience to be surrounded by an avian smorgasboard at
one’s fingertips.
One of the impressions that hits you straight away upon
attending one of Steve’s courses is the professionalism
of his staff. They display a unique sense of dedication and
loyalty to Steve and his philosophies beyond being just
their employer. This working environment is a testament
to a man who is constantly teaching you about ‘positive reinforcement.’ He is one of
those rare people who actually ‘walks the talk’ and lives what he teaches, which is reflected in
the people who work with him.
I have attended many training courses and conferences pertaining to animal training
and behaviour around the world. I can honestly say that Steve and all the crew at Natural
Encounters Inc. taught me more about bird training and animal behaviour through positive
reinforcment than anybody else. Steve’s training methods are based in the science of learning
theory and proven methods of compassionate training without force.
The opportunity to see and listen to such an awesome and internationally respected
animal behaviourist live in Brisbane will be a unique and inspiring event. I encourage
everyone to attend his lecture and thank the Parrot Society of Australia for hosting
such a fantastic event.
See you there!
Gary Colvin
Animal Behaviourist
Auchenflower Veterinary Surgery
PARROT SOCIETY
TY OF AUSTRALIA NEWS 31