Lectures at the
Executive Elephant Management & Facility Design Course

Sezai Candan (GB Hagenbeck)

Sezai I. Candan studied architecture in Hamburg and graduated in 2000.

He has worked for Geising+Boeker since 1995, where he has planned and build Aqua Parks, saunas and bathing pools. Sezai, having started his career in the design of spa leisure facilities went to specialise in zoo architecture.

Projects such as the Tropical Aquarium or the Elephant Hall in Hagenbeck Zoo were all designed and build by him.

Designing, planning and building for zoos is such a specialist skill, it not only requires the architect to have a comprehensive understanding of his field but also intense foresight and talent.

Sezais skills can be measured by the success of the zoo projects that he has been involved in. GB Hagenbeck, Hamburg continue to offer overall expertise and new challenging projects.

Gerd Geising (Geising & B&ker Architekten)

Gerhard J. Geising was born in 1953 and he studied architecture at the Fachhochschule in Hildesheim-Holzminden. On his 25th Birthday, while still a student, he started his own practise which would grow to become the success it is today.

To begin with private houses were the focus of his interest. Even at this early stage Gerhard Geising proved to be creative and imaginative paying close attention to detail.

In 1988 Gerhard Geising met Carl-Otto Wenzel, a leisure facilities consultant. They travelled the length and breath of the United States, discovering for themselves the most dynamic American leisure facilities. This proved to be an eye opening experience.

In 1989 Gerhard Geising met up with Rolf Boeker, who he knew from his time in Holzminden. Together they formed the office as it is known today: Geising + Boeker.

During the last 20 years, Geising+Boeker have designed and built many recreational centres. Today the company with offices in Hamburg and Vechta, employs 60 architects and construction supervisors, making them one of the most requested architectural bureaus in their field.

The reference projects "Mediterana" (Bergisch Gladbach) or "Badegärten-Eibenstock" (Saxony), benefit from an ongoing relationship with Geising + Boeker. The company offers a continual advisory service to all clients.

Recently Gerd Geising and his team have worked closely with diverse partners; such as Centerparcs, equestrian facilities (FAMOS and Vorwerk) and the Zoo Hagenbeck, Hamburg.

His motto still being:"There is no second try!" meaning "Get it right first time!"

Geising + Boeker are always aware of change they pride themselves on their ability to anticipate future trends. Gerhard Geising brought his vast experience and practical knowledge to form the company GB Hagenbeck in co-operation with the Hagenbeck family who own and run the largest and most famous zoo in Hamburg.

Dr.Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck (Tierpark Hagenbeck)

Dr Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck is both Director of Tierpark Hagenbeck in Hamburg, a 20-hectare privately owned zoo in the City of Hamburg, Germany, and of GB Hagenbeck, a consultancy practise he has set up to advise on all aspects of the development, facility design and architecture as well as operation of zoos and aquariums. He is also a leading author and has been published extensively on specialist biology-related subjects.

Growing up as a child in South Africa he has held a life-long interest in biology and zoology and following completion of his German National Service in 1989 spent 11 years in theoretical and practical research in Germany, South Africa and Paris. He has gained a long list of related degree and higher degree qualifications concluding with his Doctorate from the Humboldt University of Berlin in 2000.

As an example of the diversity of his research he spent 3 years at the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Medical University of Southern Africa in collaboration with: Molopo Nature reserve (Kalahari), Blyderiver Canyon Game Reserve, Klaserie Private Game Reserve, Timbavati Private Game Reserve and Hoedspruit Air force Base Nature Reserve.

Dr Hering-Hagenbeck has worked at Tierpark Hagenbeck since 1998 becoming the zoo's director and general manager in 2004. Other posts held during this time include Lecturer at the University of Hamburg, Founder of the first European Elephant Management School, acting as the European Endangered Species Programme Coordinator for the Persian Wild Ass and being elected to the Board of the German Zoo Directors Association as Treasurer in 2007. Under the responsibility of Dr. Hering-Hagenbeck,Tierpark Hagenbeck has done the first planned herd births within a elephant herd in 2003. Since then six elephants delivered their offspring in this natural way.

As well as being responsible for the day-to-day management of Tierpark Hamburg Dr Hering-Hagenbeck has overseen and led the development of a wide range of enhancements and expansion of the zoo offer. As the responsible building owner he was responsible for the design and innovative concept of the following animal exhibits that were planned and build since 2003 in Tierpark Hagenbeck:

The Orang Utan Dome, enlargement and reconstruction of the historical bear as well as zebra exhibit, redevelopment of the famous and historic "Africa Panorama", reconstruction and redesign of the elephant pool, a new free ranging elephant hall and the 2.3 million liters Tropical Aquarium combined with a unique Tropical Hall. Currently a new over 8000 m2 Polar Exhibit is built which will open in early 2012. All these buildings combine a unique animal display with an innovative and natural design, which is to the benefit of the animal and visitor. A low impact on the environment is an additional important goal. This resulted in a German Environmental Award (B.A.U.M. Umweltpreis) in 2009.

Tierpark Hagenbeck and its Tropen-Aquarium attract over 1.6 million visits p.a. In 2007 Tierpark Hagenbeck started up it's own event company "Hagenbeck Events". In 2009 Tierpark Hagenbeck opened a 158 room themed hotel adjacent to the zoo that won a 2009 Hotel Property Award. For more details of the extensive collection and innovative animal displays on offer at Tierpark Hagenbeck please visit the Websites of Tierpark Hagenbeck and GB Hagenbeck.

David Lazenby (Lazenby Design Associates)

This presentation will explore the various approaches to the landscaping and "theming" of outdoor environments and in-door exhibits, with an emphasis on reproducing highly realistic features in order to maximise animal enrichment, visitor experience and interpretive value. The importance of careful planning,research, visualisation and design teamwork will be discussed at length.

The Design presentation will be given by David Lazenby, Principal and Creative Director of Lazenby Design Associates of the United Kingdom. Lazenby Design Associates design wildlife exhibits that function as exciting innovative, imaginative public destinations and as engaging, meaningful educational venues that encourage positive interaction and learning. They endeavour to ensure that their exhibits succeed not only visually but also facilitate practical animal care, maintain technical integrity and serviceability. Animal welfare is one of their main concerns and they work with their clients to design realistic features that stimulate natural behaviours and provide enrichment solutions. The company has a portfolio of international projects in 12 countries worldwide.

David Lazenby himself has 24 years experience in the design industry, beginning with film, television & museum exhibit design, subsequently moving to specialise solely in zoological projects in 1995. As well as a wealth of experience and specialist expertise in the actual construction of exhibits, Lazenby also has the advantage of being a well-published, professional wildlife and nature photographer with credits including National Geographic, GEO, Illustrated Science, and Discovery Channel publications. Having led expeditions to many of the world's wildest places David has a unique understanding of natural landscapes and animal habitats.

It is this experience and concise knowledge that Lazenby Design Associates uses as its basis for creating highly naturalistic, meaningful, multi-sensory environments and habitats. Lazenby was honoured in the 2009 International Design Excellence Awards for his part in the design for the California Academy of Sciences/Steinhart Aquarium. Currently, Lazenby Design Associates are working on the design of the Tierpark Hagenbeck "Eismeer(Polar)" environments.

Steve Martin (Natural Encounters, Inc.)

Steve Martin is one of the best-known animal trainers in the world. In 1976 he set up the first bird show of its kind at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. His use of non-traditional, 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 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 exhibition of animals demonstrating natural behaviors, carefully designed dialogue, and entertaining choreography. These shows now entertain and educate millions of people each year.

Natural Encounters, Inc. quickly grew from a bird show provider to a company specializing in animal behavior and visitor experience. Over 25 years ago Steve helped the elephant trainers at the Singapore Zoo transition their training program from negative reinforcement to positive reinforcement while at the same time maintaining full contact with the animals and establishing many new behaviors that formed a highly successful show. While at the zoo he also helped set up a primate show, sea lion show, reptile show, and a nocturnal animal show a the new Night Safari, all through the use of positive reinforcement.

Steve and his staff at NEI have now trained hundreds of species from marmosets to elephants and even reptiles and fish. Plus, they have taught their animal training techniques to thousands of people in over 20 countries.

With experience at over 80 zoos and aquariums, Steve has participated in the design of many new facilities, including: the facility design of the Georgia Aquarium, Night Safari in Singapore, Europe Wild Project in The Netherlands, Elephant Exhibit / Show area at Singapore Zoo, Asian Tropics Elephant exhibit at Denver Zoo, Giants of the Savanna Elephant exhibit at Dallas Zoo, plus many demonstration and show areas at zoos around the world. Steve’s contributions to exhibit design are generally aimed at 1) creating environments where animals have the opportunity and motivation to use their senses and adaptations to earn a living and 2) Creating experiences that are respectful to the animals and inspire caring and conservation action in the guests.

Natural Encounters, Inc., now employees over 40 professional animal trainers and has on-going projects at San Diego Zoo, Dallas Zoo and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Steve spends well over 300 days a year on the road consulting at zoological facilities.

Alan Roocroft (Elephant Business)

1991-Present Elephant Business, Owner/Operator of a small consultancy company. The business offers a wide range of elephant management techniques and husbandry practices. Primary assisting zoological institutions, circuses and government agencies responsible for the care of captive elephants.

1996-2002 Elephant Care Specialist, Zoological Society San Diego, Advisor to the behavioural staff on elephant health issues.

1989-1996 Manager of Elephant Programs, Zoological Society of San Diego. Developed and implemented a comprehensive free contact training program for the San Diego Zoo. Position also involved fund-raising, publicity, liaison between ZSSD and fellow elephant-holders, (zoos, circuses, private exhibiters.) Advisor to the behavioural staff on the development of a protected contact elephant program.

1983-1989 Animal Training Supervisor, Zoological Society of San Diego. Responsible for the daily management of 23 Asian and African elephants and the training and supervision of 11 elephant handlers. Also performed elephant rides, shows, off grounds presentations, education programs for schools, TV commercials and talk show appearances, with elephants. Initiated Asian elephant breeding program. Supervised a Camel and Llama ride, oversaw Wildlife Workshop an educational program with mixed animals.

1982 Elephant Trainer, Miami Metro Zoo. Responsible for the training of the elephants and staff.

1973-1983 Elephant Handler, Hagenbeck`s Tierpark, West Germany.

1967-1973 Elephant Department Supervisor, North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo. Responsible for elephant care and staff supervision.

Conducted field studies in Sri Lanka (three expeditions) and Thailand (two expeditions) to study working elephants.

Conducted field studies in Tanzania and Kenya (twice each) to study elephant conditions in the wild and in game preserves.

Thoroughbred Horse Ranch, Ramona, CA. Stallion management through breeding season, and mare and foal care during birth.

Developed working knowledge of training and management techniques involving dromedary camels, snakes and other animals.

Published photographer of horses, elephants and other animals.

Speaks fluent German, and maintains important and valuable relationships with zoological peers throughout Europe, Asia and the United States.

Dr. N.V.K. Ashraf (Wildlife Trust of India)

Dr. N.V.K. Ashraf completed his Bachelors degree in Veterinary Science (BVSc) from Chennai in 1985. As a veterinary student, he says, his interest in comparative anatomy attracted him to wildlife. "Veterinary schools generally use examples of cattle, goats or horses etc while teaching students. However, I had a professor who used examples of wild animals; this developed my interest in comparative anatomy that eventually drew me towards wildlife conservation."

After working for a couple of years as Assistant Veterinary Surgeon with the State government of Tamil Nadu, he joined the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 1989 to do his Masters in Wildlife Science, which he asserts has been one of his most memorable moments.

For another two years at WII, he was associated with several projects, the principal among them being the short term survey he carried out on the status of the Malabar and brown palm civets.

In 1992, Ashraf joined the upcoming Coimbatore Zoological Park (CZP) and worked as Veterinary Officer and later as the Assistant Director. During his nine years at CZP, he was mainly associated with Zoo Horticulture and Zoo exhibit designing. He was instrumental in re-creating four vegetation types of Western Ghats in the zoo campus, including the tropical rain forest. His interest in exhibit designing earned him a place in the two-member team sent on a study tour of American zoos in 1993.

He joined WTI in 2001 as the Coordinator of the Wild Rescue programme and became the programme's Director in 2005. Representing WTI, he visited the Environment Public Authority (EPA) of the State of Kuwait in 2003 to help prepare a schematic design plan for a wildlife rescue centre.

His interest in zoological park management and exhibit designing once again earned him a place in IFAW's leading five-member team commissioned for renovating the Baghdad Zoo in 2003. Here, he was primarily responsible for the re-designing of the avian and mammalian exhibits. He braved the vagaries of a war zone to help animals and believes that "no matter what one's political ideologies are, animals caught in the midst of a conflict are innocent victims who should not be made to suffer".

"During my tenure at Baghdad Zoo, I found a huge tortoise in one corner of the zoo, just before we were about to wind up from there. Saving that animal has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my life," says Ashraf.

Ashraf was instrumental in the creation of IFAW-WTI's wildlife rehabilitation centres, the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation & Conservation (CWRC) and Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC), and the three rehabilitation stations (rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as all the rehabilitation projects associated with them. Currently he holds the charge of several species surveys as well.

Under his leadership and supervision, for the first time in India, hand-raised rhino calves were relocated to Manas National Park from CWRC as part of IFAW-WTI's rhino reintroduction programme. He also oversees rehabilitation of other temporarily as well as permanently displaced animals. These include rescue and rehabilitation of Asiatic black bears in Pakke TR as well as in Manas NP, Hoolock gibbon in Panbari Reserve Forest, re-integration of hand-raised elephants in Manas among others.

Of all his numerous achievements, Ashraf considers "leading a large contingent of wildlife veterinarians, here in WTI; and through them, reaching out to animals in distress in different parts of India," as the one that he cherishes the most.

A non-believer of superficiality, Ashraf confesses to be, by nature, a person who seeks an in-depth understanding of all things that interest him. His ability to see humour in things that would normally elude others, also makes him popular among his colleagues.

Apart from his passion for various aspects of wildlife management Ashraf is also interested and well-versed in comparative religion, linguistics and ancient literary history. In wildlife management, his interests lie in wildlife rehabilitation, zoo exhibit designing, endangered species surveys, ecology and behaviour of small mammals and wildlife medicine. Author to a large number of scientific publications, Ashraf is a member of the Captive Breeding Specialist Group as well as the Veterinary Specialists Group of the IUCN/SSC.

Dr. Dave Fagan (The Colyer Institute)

Dr. Fagan began his scientific career as a Research Chemical Engineer working on a variety of Military and Lunar Exploration Projects for NASA at North American Aviation in Southern California. He attended Dental School at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, and thereafter established, directed, and maintained a clincical practice in a multi-specialty, Dental Group Practice employing a dozen dentists, and more than 100 para-professional staff with three locations around the San Francisco Bay area.

His association with Veterinary Dentistry began with the transfer of cutting-edge clinical technology from the fields of human dentistry and bio-technology to veterinary medicine during the five years he was a guest lecturer/researcher working with the large animal surgery staff at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Davis.

Dr. Fagan has been ... consultant / clinician / researcher ... to numerous zoos, individual veterinarians, research institutions, and off-exhibit animal collections. He has traveled, published and lectured extensively on a variety of topics, including vocational guidance, alternative energy & medical rehabilitation. He is a Fellow of the Zoological Society of San Diego, and has been a staff consultant at their Zoo and Wild Animal Park since 1974. In 1981 he founded and since then has been the Executive Director of The Colyer Institute - a center for the study of oral disease and nutrition in exotic animals - where he devotes his time, energy and skills to the developing specialty of Veterinary Dentistry.

An essential skill-set throughout his varied career has been the ability to assemble, communicate with, coordinate, focus, and then direct a diverse assortment of individuals to accomplish a specific complex objective. Dr. Fagan, who declares "he's learned much of this the hard way", will provide personal insights and suggestions on one of an Executive's most difficult and demanding tasks "Team Building and Decision Making"

Dr. Devaka K. Weerakoon

Sc. Biological Sciences, University of Colombo 1985
M.Sc. Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, 1990
Ph.D. Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, 1995

• From 1995 to present: University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka as Senior Lecturer
• Conducting lectures and practical classes, Setting and marking examination papers, and other administrative duties
• Dec 2002 - 2006: Wildlife Ecologist. Protected Area Management and Wildlife Conservation Project. Department of Wildlife Conservation of Sri Lanka. Funded by ADB/ World bank/ GEF.
• June 2002 : Development of guide lines for damage assessment due to oil spills and monitoring procedures to measure long term impacts of oil spills. EML (Pvt.) Ltd.
• Apr 2002 : Faunal study of the proposed Magal Ganga small hydro power plant - Eco Power (Pvt.) Ltd.
• June 2001 : Evaluation of the impact of second road improvement project on elephants and their habitat - Asian Development Bank, Ministry of Provincial Councils
• Apr 2001 : Faunal study of the proposed road diversion project at Hikkaduwa - Resource Organization and Management International (Pvt.) Ltd.
• Mar 2001 : Faunal study of the proposed Hulu Ganga, Uma Oya and Wee Oya small hydro power plants - Eco Power (Pvt.)
• Apr - May 2000 : Faunal study of the proposed relocation plan of horticulture projects from Nuwara Eliya to Ambewela – Resource Organization and Management International (Pvt.) Ltd.
• Apr - Jun 1999 : Development of a plan to improve education planning in Sri Lanka (Natural Science Sector) - Asian Development Bank, Ministry of Planning and Finance
• Oct - Dec 1998 : Faunal study of the proposed Diyawanna Uyana sports complex - National Building Research Organization
• Aug - Sep 1998 : Development of an investment plan for the management of wild elephants in Sri Lanka - Asian Development Bank, Department of Wildlife Conservation
• May- Jun 1998 : Faunal study of the proposed transmission line between Kerawalapitiya and Kotugoda - Teams (Pvt) Ltd.
• 1997 - 1999 : Compilation of the national list of threatened fauna of Sri Lanka - IUCN Sri Lanka

• ONGOING RESEARCH PROGRAMMES:
• 2000 - Present : Ecology and behavior of elephants in southern Sri Lanka in relation to their management and conservation
• 2000 - Present : Taxonomy of the golden palm civet, Paradoxurus zeylonensis.
• 2000 - Present : Diversity, abundance, and species richness of canopy arthropods in Knuckles range and its spatial and temporal distribution related to canopy structure.

• PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
• Appointments to National Committees
• Member of the project steering committee on identification of critical habitats in the Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary. National Country Office of the IUCN World ConservationUnion (2001)
• Member of the project steering committee on development of a management plan for the Bellanwila Attidiya Bird Sanctuary. National Country Office of the IUCN World Conservation Union (2000)
• Member of the working committee on Biological Sciences. National Science Foundation (1999 to 2002)
• Member of the committee on environmental policy management-Biodiversity. Ministry of Forestry and Environment (2000 to date)
• Member of the National Species Conservation Advisory Group. Ministry of Forestry and Environment (2000 to date)
• Member of the committee on development of Environmental Indicators for Sri Lanka. Ministry of Forestry and Environment (2002 to date)
• Member of the national committee to formulate policy on conservation of Sri Lankan elephant Plantation Ministry (2000)