Natural Encounters, Inc.

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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.

Sometimes we get asked how we tell our birds apart.  Typically it’s based off behavior, the birds who pair up together, ...
07/09/2025

Sometimes we get asked how we tell our birds apart. Typically it’s based off behavior, the birds who pair up together, and tiny little feathers or different feather patterns. However, sometimes they make it super easy for us, like having tail feathers like this Blue throated macaw here! It’s always a skill we continue to brush up on daily, since their feather patterns are always changing throughout the year.

Buster, the Hooded vulture, relaxing at his lake side view for National Vulture Awareness Day!  Vultures are such a vita...
06/09/2025

Buster, the Hooded vulture, relaxing at his lake side view for National Vulture Awareness Day! Vultures are such a vital animal to have out in the environment because they are nature’s clean up crew! By eating dead things they are helping keep the earth clean and minimizing the spread of disease. Which species of vulture is your favorite?🫧♻️

We call this one “head in the hole”—sometimes you just gotta name it like it is. 😂What would you call it?This simple but...
06/09/2025

We call this one “head in the hole”—sometimes you just gotta name it like it is. 😂
What would you call it?

This simple but powerful behavior sets the stage for some important voluntary medical care. It’s not about blocking the bird’s view, it’s about giving them a job to do, creating clarity, and even letting us know when it’s OK to move forward. If you think about it like a conversation with the animals, we are asking the question, “Can we apply your meds?” by presenting the board. The bird answers yes by putting their head through the hole. Then we can apply the medication. If the bird removes their head, we just pause until they choose to put their head back through. Head through the hole also equals reinforcers like treats, and when meds are applied, even more treats! 🦜💚

Training behaviors like this makes medical care safer, clearer, and a whole lot less stressful for everyone involved. 🙌🦜

05/09/2025

Anyone else have this song on repeat in their heads while watching their birds magically fly around? 🤩

Grizz, our Blue-throated macaw, makes “Golden” from KPOP Demon Hunters feel even more magical in slow motion. 💫🦜

Is this your first Thursday without a new NEI TEC Talk Podcast episode to listen to on your commute or during morning hu...
04/09/2025

Is this your first Thursday without a new NEI TEC Talk Podcast episode to listen to on your commute or during morning husbandry? 😢 We’re feeling the withdrawals too!
For the first Thursday in 5 years, there isn’t a new episode, and Ari is feeling nostalgic since she didn't get to talk into a microphone this week, so she hand-picked a throwback favorite to help fill the void and bring back some fun memories. 🎙️✨

Check out Episode 84: Leveling Up Your Work Culture (with Joe Quadara, Video Game Consultant) one of the most random (and most fun!) conversations we’ve had. Chris and Ari were joined by Joe to talk about building high-functioning teams, sharing feedback, healthy competition, and more.
And yes… Chris fan-girls a bit. 🤓🎮

Who knew the video game and professional animal care industries had so much in common?! Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

Check the episode out by following the link below or looking for it anywhere you get your podcasts!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Jik1piVzNRgSoGNmdYLrv?si=2debRpTORMWVDl2E80a9pw

04/09/2025

Arlo, the Milky eagle owl, traveling back in time so she can be with her ancestors!🤪🦕🦉

Have you ever trained a station behavior? 🤔 Stations don’t have to be flashy or even obvious, they can be a spot that al...
03/09/2025

Have you ever trained a station behavior? 🤔 Stations don’t have to be flashy or even obvious, they can be a spot that already exists in the learner’s environment, or something subtle you add, like this simple perch on top of an existing one. It’s all about the reinforcement history! By building value in that location, you shape a reliable station behavior and make it a place worth returning to again and again. 💡✨
What types of station behaviors have you used in the past? 👇

02/09/2025

When you just needed to refill waters, but got distracted watching the cutest spa session ever. 😂😍

Happy Labor Day to all the hardworking hands and hearts out there! 💪🏼🫡 Your dedication keeps the world moving, and we ho...
01/09/2025

Happy Labor Day to all the hardworking hands and hearts out there! 💪🏼🫡 Your dedication keeps the world moving, and we hope you enjoyed some well-deserved rest this long weekend!

One of our ground hornbills serving serious prehistoric vibes. 🦖✨  What’s your favorite prehistoric looking animal under...
31/08/2025

One of our ground hornbills serving serious prehistoric vibes. 🦖✨ What’s your favorite prehistoric looking animal under your care?

Pumpernickel, the Red-legged seriema, enjoying his walk on the sand!  Have you gone to the beach lately? Which one?
30/08/2025

Pumpernickel, the Red-legged seriema, enjoying his walk on the sand! Have you gone to the beach lately? Which one?

Regina, the Trumpeter hornbill, showing off her punk rock hairdo🤘🏼🎸. What kind of bird has your favorite hairdo type?   ...
29/08/2025

Regina, the Trumpeter hornbill, showing off her punk rock hairdo🤘🏼🎸. What kind of bird has your favorite hairdo type?

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