ABTWG Transition from Tethering

Moving away from tethering workshop agenda

20^th of October 2025 ZSL London Zoo 9am-4pm

The primary objective of this workshop is to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of moving away tethering, reducing the amount of weight management, and a focus on free lofting. Attendees will explore the applications of behavioural science in this context, review various case studies demonstrating the implementation and success of these methods, and understand the reasoning behind the broader shift away from tethering practices in animal care.

Key components:

Introduce the concept of free lofting and its significance in modern animal husbandry.

Explain how behavioural science applies to weight management and animal welfare

Provide insights of various case studies to illustrate successful applications of these techniques

Discuss the motivations behind the BIAZA’s shift, emphasising the importance of enhanced animal welfare

Create a platform fo collections that have already transitioned away from tethering to share their experiences and the benefits they have observed

Foster discussions around common challenges and solutions

Define specific learning outcomes aligned with Professional Development (CPD) education.

Establish clear learning objectives tailored to particpants’ needs.

The content will be delivered through a combination of engaging classroom sessions and hands-on practical workshops. This structure will allow participants not only to gain theoretical knowledge but also to acquire practical tools they can implement within their own collections.

This workshop aims to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to improve animal welfare through innovative management and behavioural strategies. By fostering collaboration and sharing insights we hope to inspire a paradigm shift towards newer practices in animal care.

Lectures: 9:00-12:30 Focused lectures to build foundational knowledge

12:30-14:00 Lunch and walk, training demonstrations

14:00-15:00 case studies

15:00 – 16:00 Discussion and closing workshop

Jim Mackie – ZSL London zoo Behaviour science (Dani?)

Eva Konczol – ZSL London zoo case studies, body scoring without tethering, ideal weight all year around, instead of flying weight-fat weight circle

Other speakers to be confirmed, example demonstrations (Tom Clark, Zoe Cropper, Nicky Plaskett, Gary Benton )

Practical element: Training demonstrations

Tour on the bird of prey section: free lofting, tethering free behaviour management

Discussion section at the end, to offer an open conversation about the subject.