Natural Encounters, Inc.

  • Home
  • Natural Encounters, Inc.

Natural Encounters, Inc. Natural Encounters, Inc. Engage, Inspire, Empower! Steve Martin is one of the best-known animal trainers in the world. In 1991, The World Of Birds Show, Inc.

has served more than 130 facilities in over 25 countries, offering expertise in animal training, staff training, educational program production and presentation, exhibit design, and enrichment. 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 al

l 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. 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. 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. quickly grew from a bird show provider to a company specializing in animal behavior and visitor experience. In 1988 NEI began consulting on zoo-wide animal behavior issues and teaching keepers the art and science of animal training. 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 over 600 people in nine countries. Throughout the zoological community, demand for establishing behavior management programs has increased. In response, NEI has brought together the most experienced, cross-disciplinary behavior management training and program development team available. These professionals come from the fields of animal training, biology, psychology, behavior analysis, theater, and show production. Their expertise encompasses a wide breadth of taxa found in zoological collections. In addition to the project leaders and consulting staff, NEI also employs over twenty full-time animal trainers.

Antoine, the Bateleur eagle wishing you all a happy hump day!🐪 What are you most looking forward to this weekend?
12/11/2025

Antoine, the Bateleur eagle wishing you all a happy hump day!🐪 What are you most looking forward to this weekend?

We’ve been busy at the NEI Ranch with our Professional Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop! Our amazing...
12/11/2025

We’ve been busy at the NEI Ranch with our Professional Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop! Our amazing students are learning so much and doing an excellent job applying the concepts they’ve been exploring in their practical sessions.

We strive to create a safe environment for learning and growth, and this group has truly embraced that. They’ve been open, honest, and receptive to feedback, which takes courage and vulnerability. Our expert team leaders deeply empathize with that experience, offering kind, constructive feedback while continuing to learn right alongside the students.

Learning is happening all around us this week, not just for the students, but for our NEI trainers, coaches, and team leads as well!

If you’re interested in joining us for a future workshop, check out our website for upcoming dates and details!

Today we honor our veterans. 🇺🇸To all who have served, we thank you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice. From al...
11/11/2025

Today we honor our veterans. 🇺🇸

To all who have served, we thank you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice.
From all of us, thank you for your service and for inspiring us through your example of strength, teamwork, and perseverance. ❤️🤍💙

Anyone else just stare at their reflection in the water? What do you think Jackie (African fish eagle) is thinking?🤔💭 ...
10/11/2025

Anyone else just stare at their reflection in the water? What do you think Jackie (African fish eagle) is thinking?🤔💭

Yesterday kicked off day one of our Professionals Workshop here at the ranch in Winter Haven, FL! 🎉We’re thrilled to wel...
10/11/2025

Yesterday kicked off day one of our Professionals Workshop here at the ranch in Winter Haven, FL! 🎉

We’re thrilled to welcome an amazing group of students from all over, joining us to learn, grow, and connect with other passionate professionals in the animal care and training field. 🦜💡

Here’s to an inspiring week ahead full of learning, collaboration, and new friendships! 💪🐾

Want to join us for workshops in the future? Check out our website for future events!

There are currently 17 species of macaw found in the wild, and we’re lucky to work with 9 of them here at NEI! 💚 One of ...
09/11/2025

There are currently 17 species of macaw found in the wild, and we’re lucky to work with 9 of them here at NEI! 💚 One of those is the Blue-headed macaw, a vulnerable species according to the IUCN Red List. Their numbers continue to decline due to habitat loss, mining, and the illegal pet trade.

But there’s hope! 🌎 By supporting conservation efforts, we can help protect and restore macaw populations in the wild. Our sister company, the Natural Encounters Conservation Fund (NECF), donates to impactful conservation initiatives, including the amazing work of the World Parrot Trust!

Visit our website here ----> https://necfund.org/ to learn how you can help make a difference for animals around the world. 🦜💚

Ozzie: “Stump is love, stump is life”🪵
08/11/2025

Ozzie: “Stump is love, stump is life”🪵

More sod for the win with the ground hornbills!💪🏼
07/11/2025

More sod for the win with the ground hornbills!💪🏼

Kong, the King vulture, strutting around the field showing off all his good looks!🕺📸
06/11/2025

Kong, the King vulture, strutting around the field showing off all his good looks!🕺📸

Ollie, the Milky eagle-owl, enjoying browse day!🌴
05/11/2025

Ollie, the Milky eagle-owl, enjoying browse day!🌴

Grouper coming in hot to send you good vibes for the rest of the week! What are you most looking forward to this week?🙃...
04/11/2025

Grouper coming in hot to send you good vibes for the rest of the week! What are you most looking forward to this week?🙃

Eclipse eclipsing!🥹🌙☀️
03/11/2025

Eclipse eclipsing!🥹🌙☀️

Address


Telephone

+14079380847

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Natural Encounters, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Natural Encounters, Inc.:

Shortcuts

  • Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Share