100. Basic Behavior Philosophy 1.0

A 30-year veteran of the animal care field, Wouter Stellaard's passion is to teach people how to train animals using the science of behavior change. His career began in the Netherlands while working in a wildlife rehabilitation center, where he created his own animal ambulance. After moving to the U.S., he graduated from the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College and was later hired at Natural Encounters Inc. As the director of behavioral programs, he worked with zookeepers around the world to create animal training programs. Wouter then joined the team at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as the animal programs training director. He was responsible for the training of both staff and animals and oversaw natural behavior mixed-species shows and immersive animal encounters guest area. Wouter is currently the owner of Behavior 360, where he focuses on educating animal trainers while setting up department and zoo-wide training programs and guest experiences.