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.

21/02/2025

📣 Less than one week until our next NEI TEC Talk!

We all strive to be the best animal trainers and caretakers, but what happens when our efforts to create positive change hit roadblocks? Chris Jenkins, NEI COO, will share practical strategies to overcome resistance and move the needle forward in your organization.

🗓️ Thursday, February 27th | 2:00 PM EST
💻 60-min seminar + 30-min Q&A
💴 $25

Register now—your future self will thank you! ✅

https://naturalencounters.com/tec-talk-organizational-progress-through-personal-behavior-change/

Also, how amazing is this 📸 by NEI trainer and resident photographer Cori Dawson?!

19/02/2025

Less than two weeks out!
🚀 Ready to make an impact in your workplace? Join us for our next NEI TEC Talk on Thursday, February 27th at 2:00 PM EST!

NEI COO Chris Jenkins will dive into Organizational Progress Through Personal Behavior Change: Advice for Aspiring Needle Movers. Learn how to gain support, create buy-in, and turn naysayers into advocates for change.

Don't miss out—follow the link to register today! Registration is only $25! 📅💡

https://naturalencounters.com/tec-talk-organizational-progress-through-personal-behavior-change/

18/02/2025

Hey you! Have you checked out our curriculum for the rest of the year yet?! We’ve got a ton of professional development opportunities lined up—both in-person and virtual! Plus, CEUs are available for most organizations. Don’t miss your chance to expand your skills, connect with fellow professionals, and take your training to the next level.

Follow the link and see what we have in store! ⬇️
https://naturalencounters.com/nei-tec-2025-curriculum/

17/02/2025

NEI has been involved with IAATE since its founding in 1993! Steve Martin was a founding board member and continues to serve on the board today. Over the years, many NEI staff members have also taken on leadership roles, reinforcing their commitment to best practices, continuous learning, and collaboration within the field.

The IAATE Annual Conference is happening this week, and today marks the first of two board meeting days! Want to learn more about IAATE? Follow the link below! ⬇️
https://iaate.org/about-iaate/

15/02/2025

Owls are incredible ambassadors for wildlife education, captivating audiences with their silent flight, expressive faces, and fascinating adaptations. Do you have a favorite owl fact you love sharing with guests? 🦉

Maybe you like to highlight their asymmetrical ears that help them pinpoint prey, or their specialized feathers that make them stealthy hunters. Or maybe you have a go-to owl joke—because humor is a powerful tool for education!

Share your favorite owl facts, jokes, or personal experiences in the comments below! ⬇️

14/02/2025

Hey, you lovebirds! 💕 It’s Valentine’s Day, and we want to see how you’re celebrating with your animals! From heart-shaped treats to fun themed activities, enrichment is a great way to show some love to the animals in our care.

Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day enrichment idea? Drop your photos, videos, or ideas in the comments below and share the love! ❤️🦜🐾

13/02/2025

📚 CEUs are available for many of our NEI TEC virtual offerings!

If you're looking to earn continuing education units, check out the NEI website for details on eligible courses and how to request CEUs. Keep growing your knowledge while earning credits toward professional development! 🌟

🔗 Visit https://naturalencounters.com/request-ceus/ for more info!

12/02/2025

New episode of the NEI TEC Talk Podcast tomorrow! 🎙️✨

Episode 252: Accelerate Your Growth Arc (with Adam Geltz and Shay Gruman, Natural Encounters, Inc.)

With Chris away teaching at NEI’s Professional Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop, Ari is joined by special co-host Adam Geltz and returning guest Shay Gruman! Together, they explore personal and professional growth, breaking goals into smaller steps, balancing active and passive skill-building, and the power of stepping back to let others shine.

Don't miss it! 🎧

11/02/2025

🚨 Reminder! 🚨 Spots are still available for our 1-Day Virtual Workshop with Steve Martin—don’t miss out!

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 26th, 2025
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 3 PM EST (1hr lunch break)
💰 Cost: $100 USD

Join us for a deep dive into extraordinary animal training, covering problem-solving, trust-building, communication, and more! This workshop is designed for all levels of animal training professionals.

🔗 Register now:https://naturalencounters.com/nei-tec-full-day-virtual-workshop/

CEUs available!!

11/02/2025

📢 Have You Checked Out Our 2025 NEI TEC Curriculum Yet?!? 📢

It’s already February, and we’ve kicked off the year with in-person and virtual professional development opportunities—but there’s still plenty more to come! Whether you’re looking for hands-on training or expert-led virtual sessions, we have something for every level of learner.

From more chances to participate in sold-out workshops to upcoming TEC Talks, online courses, and immersive experiences, don't miss your chance to join in the learning fun!

Check out all the details and secure your spot: https://naturalencounters.com/nei-tec

The Natural Encounters, Inc., Training and Education Center (NEI TEC) offers a wide variety of workshops, symposiums, and retreats focused on animal training and welfare, team performance, and educational program production and development. It is also the home base for a new series of online web cou...

06/02/2025

🚀 Next NEI TEC Talk – February 27! 🚀

"Organizational Progress Through Personal Behavior Change: Advice for Aspiring Needle Movers"

We all strive to be the best trainers and caretakers possible, but what happens when your efforts to improve practices are met with resistance? In this talk, NEI COO Chris Jenkins shares practical strategies to gain support, create buy-in, and turn skepticism into advocacy for progress. Whether you’re facing apathy, confusion, or pushback, this session will give you the tools to drive meaningful change.

📅 Thursday, February 27, 2025
⏰ 2:00 pm EST (60-min talk + 30-min Q&A)

🔗 Registration is now open! Sign up here ----> https://naturalencounters.com/tec-talk-organizational-progress-through-personal-behavior-change/

05/02/2025

🚨 New Episode of the NEI TEC Talk Podcast drops tomorrow! 🚨

Episode 251: If All You Do Is Grind, When Do You Have Time to Improve? (with Ryan Cartlidge)

Chris is joined by fellow podcaster and Animal Training Academy founder Ryan Cartlidge for a conversation about work-life balance, sharpening skills in the field, and the unexpected journey of building ATA’s first online course. Plus, why you should appreciate when people tell you “no.”

Don't miss this insightful episode—streaming tomorrow! 🎧

03/02/2025

💡 Problem-solving. Communication. Trust. Empowerment. 💡
These are just a few of the traits of extraordinary animal trainers, and you can learn about them all at our one-day virtual workshop with Steve Martin!

👉 Discover practical tools like:
-Using control as a primary reinforcer.
-Avoiding common timeout missteps.
-Building trust with animals and staff.

📅 February 26th, 2025 | 10am–3pm EST
Cost: $100 USD

🔗 Follow the link to sign up now to unlock your training potential!
https://naturalencounters.com/nei-tec-full-day-virtual-workshop/

31/01/2025

"By recycling ONE can, you can save TOUcans! 🌎♻️"

This is a favorited line sometimes used in NEI shows to share an important message. Aluminum is one of the most valuable materials to recycle because it can be reused indefinitely without losing quality. Unlike other materials, aluminum recycling is highly efficient and cost-effective—it uses 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from raw materials. But if aluminum cans end up in landfills, they can take 80-200 years to decompose. Keep cans out of landfills and help protect wildlife by recycling!

What other fun little puns do you use in your educational messaging?! Share in the comments below!

30/01/2025

🚨 Expand Your Training Toolbox! 🚨
Are you ready to take your training skills to the next level? Don’t miss this full-day virtual workshop from NEI TEC with Steve Martin.

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 26th, 2025
⏰ Time: 10am – 3pm EST (with a 1-hour lunch break)
💰 Cost: $100 USD

Dive deep into the art and science of extraordinary animal training and learn techniques to create better outcomes, stronger relationships, and empowered animals.

Register today by following the link below 🔗

Register Now! Date: Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 Time: 10am – 3pm EST (1hr lunch break) Facilitator: Steve Martin, Natural Encounters, Inc.Cost: $100.00 USD Expanding Your Training Toolbox A One-Day Deep Dive into Extraordinary Animal Training Are you looking to expand your skill-set, increase y...

29/01/2025

🎉Could it be?! The 250th episode of the NEI TEC Talk Podcast drops tomorrow!

🎙️To help us celebrate this amazing milestone, Chris and Ari are joined by an all-star lineup of Steve Martin, Tim Sullivan, Dr. Susan Friedman, and Ken Ramirez! Together, they’ll reflect on 250 episodes of inspiring conversations and have some great new ones as well.✨

Don’t miss this epic episode! Make sure you’re subscribed to catch it as soon as it goes live. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts. Here’s to 250 more! 🐾🎧

29/01/2025

🐍🌕 Happy Lunar New Year!

It is the year of the snake. Snakes, and other reptile species, deserves the opportunity to influence their environment and participate voluntarily in their care just like any other animal under human care.

Historically, reptiles have been overlooked in training, but modern animal care professionals recognize the value of empowering snakes and other reptiles. If you work with this unique and amazing group of animals, what training journeys are you on? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! 🐍✨

29/01/2025

🌟Did You Catch Our TEC Talk Yesterday?🌟

We hope you enjoyed Steve Martin’s insightful presentation on Choice and Control and found it as inspiring as we did! Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your takeaways!

We’re already gearing up for next month’s TEC Talk, featuring NEI COO Chris Jenkins with “Advice for Aspiring Needle Movers.” Stay tuned for registration details coming soon!

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🌟 Let’s meet one of our trainers that will be a new team lead at the Professional Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop! 🌟 . . Begins February 8th at the NEI Training and Education Center! For more information visit our website. 🔗 Link in bio #neitec #animaltraining #animalempowerment #animalwelfare #birds #positivereinforcement #choiceandcontrol #naturalencountersinc

Let’s take a look at the NEI 2025 Curriculum!🌟 . . For more information on our offerings please visit our website www.naturalencounters.com . 🔗Link in bio #naturalencountersinc #neitec #animaltraining #animalempowerment #animalwelfare #podcast #birds #positivereinforcement #choiceandcontrol #nei

🌟Let’s meet one of our trainers that will be a new team lead at the Professional Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop! 🌟 . . Begins February 8th at the NEI Training and Education Center! For more information visit our website. 🔗Link in bio #neitec #animaltraining #animalempowerment #birds #animalwelfare #positivereinforcement

Training is a partnership!

Training is a Partnership 🍞 🧈 Training is not something we do to an animal—it’s something we do with an animal. This collaborative approach builds trust, enhances communication, and creates an environment where both trainers and animals can thrive. Let’s embrace training as a partnership and celebrate the incredible connections it fosters. 💙🐾 Let us know who you are training with today in the comments below!

The Most Powerful Predator in the Sky

We’re honored to be featured in the prestigious Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom series! NEI’s own Amy Fennell, Supervisor of Training, and President & CEO Steve Martin joined the show for an in-depth look at Harpy Eagles. Catch a glimpse of our team and our magnificent Harpy Eagles in this inspiring episode that highlights the crucial conservation work we’re all so passionate about. Follow Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom to explore even more incredible stories, and click here to watch the full episode: 🔗 https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/the-most-powerful-predator-in-the-sky/9000414709

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