The Ellen Trout Zoo Crocodilian Conservation Award, managed by Zoo Conservation Outreach Group (ZCOG) and sponsored by the Ellen Trout Zoo of Lufkin, Texas, provides a qualified recipient with a full scholarship to attend the Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s (AZA) Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management course.  The award promotes professional training in crocodilian biology and captive management for zoo and aquarium colleagues from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin, and encourages cooperative crocodilian conservation efforts among and between zoological institutions throughout the Americas.   Employees or associates of zoological institutions in Latin America or the Caribbean may apply.  Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate involvement in cooperative crocodilian captive breeding programs and/or field conservation efforts with AZA member institutions or other regional partners.

Crocodilians are considered the top predators of tropical and subtropical wetland ecosystems.  Latin America possesses one of the highest levels of crocodilian diversity on earth and is home to the Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) and the Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer), both of which are critically endangered species.

For additional details please contact ZCOG at dhilliard@auduboninstitute.org