MARINE MAMMALS
We offer a wide variety of services for zoos, oceanariums, sanctuaries and conservation centers designed to improve the lives of the dedicated care-takers and trainers who have chosen this noble profession and the animals with whom they are entrusted. For facilities wishing to have a dramatic impact on the quality of life of their animals, there isn't a better choice than informed, skilled positive behavior management. It is the most overlooked key to improved animal welfare in the zoological industry.
With over 40 years of marine mammal experience, Thad Lacinak is one of the pioneers of modern animal training. Throughout his career, he has improved the welfare of countless animals and trainers. See what we can do for you.
All of Precision Behavior's services are tailored to the needs of each client. Below is a partial list of our offerings. Please contact us to see how we may benefit your facility.
Long-term Behavior Programs Support
At Precision Behavior, we strive to build long-term relationships with our clients. We work with a number of facilities as their on-staff consulting team, working with them multiple times per year. These consultations vary from one week per consultation to over a month per consultation, dependent on the clients needs. We can re-structure, improve, expand or build from the ground-up a world-class behavior management program at your facility.
Award-Winning Shows & Educational Presentation Development
Shows and educational presentations are a fantastic opportunity to showcase an animal's natural abilities and adaptations while inspiring continued learning. But education doesn't have to be boring! To educate, we first have to engage. See what we can do to help develop or re-vamp shows and presentations from stadiums that hold thousands to small intimate encounters.
Thad Lacinak was the Vice President at Busch Entertainment Corporation responsible for all animal training when SeaWorld’s Believe Show won the prestigious THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Live Show!
In 2010, Precision Behavior partnered with sky’s the limit international to produce the dolphin show “De Droom Wens” at the Netherlands’ Dolfinarium, which was nominated for the IAAPA Brass Ring Award.
Effective Enrichment Application
Enrichment provides opportunities for mental stimulation and play in captive animals. Most facilities would agree it is an essential component of animal management. Unfortunately, a haphazzard approach to enrichment application can result in very little actual motivation for the animals. We can help facilties make the most of the enrichment they have and help trainers understand the most crucial element of enrichment - timing!
Interactive Programs
Interactive programs allow guests to have an intimate encounter with animals that otherwise would not be possible. Whether with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, or any other animal, this is an unparalleled opportunity to create a more educated, conservation-oriented public. We can help ensure that these important experiences for guests are both impactful and safe.
Continuing Education Seminars & Workshops
We offer a wide variety of thourough science-based workshops and seminars for both novice and experienced animal trainers. All courses are taiored to each specific client's needs. Education is a continuous process that should be revisited often. Below is a sampling of our modules.
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Animal Training Essentials
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Advanced Bridging
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Aggression: Causes and Reduction
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Understanding Consequences
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Building Better Relationships
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Effective Enrichment
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Reinforcement Strategies
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Showmanship
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Animal Training in the Real World (a how-to seminar series that covers specific behavioral goals)
Teambuilding & Leadership Training
Precision Behavior has decades of experience in executive management. In addition to our management experience in zoos and aquariums, we have taught teambuilding and leadership seminars to corporate clients and the Homeland Security branch of the U.S. government based on Thad's New York Times best-seller, Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships. Behavior modification is the same process, regardless of the species. Humans just happen to be the most difficult animal!
Additional Services
To learn more about any service, simply click the photo to expand.
Thad was on the original concept and design team for the phenomenally successful Discovery Cove dolphin interactive park developed by SeaWorld.
Generating untapped revenue streams often leads to expanded housing, acquisition of needed supplies or equipment, new enrichment items and so much more. We can help identify potential sources of additional revenue for any facility.
Relationship building / play sessions are among the most important for the animals and trainers for maintaining all other needed behaviors. Yet, they are often the least conducted. Learn what these critical sessions can do for successful training programs.
As the behavioral consultants for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Precision Behavior consulted on the set of Dolphin Tale, the hit movie about Winter, the dolphin who lost her tail. Have a special project that needs assistance? We can help.
Every facility benefits from successful daily husbandry and medical training. Obtaining weights, blood collection, full body inspections, ultrasounds, or gating and separations... you name it, we can help train it.
As animals age, they need special care. That doesn't mean less interaction. Senior animals, like this blind sea lion, can still participate in sessions to keep them mentally stimulated and can maintain close bonds with their trainers.
“We worked very intensively with Precision Behavior. We hired them to install a new dolphin show in the Dolfinarium. This was a unique project which has not been done for many years.
The goal was to really move from an educational presentation/show to a 100% theatrical show. In a support to change the way to act with the animals and the change from animal trainer to actor, we hired Precision Behavior.
Their flexibility and professionalism are just the first two words which come up with us. In a very short, but highly intensive period of 2 months, we succeeded in making the change. They succeeded in getting a real link with the trainers as well as the animals. Their experience and knowledge really brought us to the next level.
The way they motivated our staff was really unique and made this tremendous change possible. In fact, they are still in the hearts of our trainers.
Without any doubt, we can recommend them for any work with animals and teams or individual groups of staff.”
“Sky’s the limit international, llc is proud to be associated with Precision Behavior, a uniquely remarkable company owned and operated by Thad Lacinak and Angi Millwood, two of the preeminent animal trainer and behavior specialists in the world today. This is a remarkable team and a world-class company.”
Dr. Alan Stein, Proprietor | Sky’s the Limit International
Marten Foppen, MBA, General Manager & Serena Van Kammen, Manager Entertainment
Dolfinarium, Harderwijk, Netherlands