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.

09/10/2025

Eclipse: “Did you get my good angle?”📸

08/10/2025

We cannot get enough of the rubber ducky content! It is just so versatile! One day it’s enrichment, the next it’s a training item, what else do you think we can use the rubber duckies for?🦆

07/10/2025

Military macaw: “Pssst…..”
Us: “Yes?”
Military macaw: “I hope your day is amazing!”
Us: “🥹❤️☺️”

06/10/2025

This is Zach, a Spectacled owl. Zach was wondering what you’re up to today?🤔

05/10/2025

Today is World Teacher Day! NEI wants to thank the hard working teachers, all around the world, for everything they do! We also want to highlight some of our favorite teachers here at NEI…all of the birds. Each and every NEI bird has taught some very important lessons to all of our staff. Whether it is learning to take a step back, know our limits, or much more, we have all learned so much from the bird teachers in our life! Thank you so much!📚📓

Comment below which animal or human has taught you some of your most memorable lessons!

04/10/2025

Some exciting things happening here at NEI! We are headed into our workshop season!!! We have spots still available and we would love to have you!📓📚🦅🦜

What is a workshop you may ask? This is our time of year we offer 5 full days of hands on training classes, lectures, and much more. If you have any questions feel free to go to our website and email or call us!
www.naturalencounters.com

We hope to see you there! Here are the current dates we have things going on!

Immersion Workshop:
10/16/25 - 10/19/25

Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop:
11/8/25 - 11/13/25 and 1/24/26 - 1/29/26

Contemporary Bird of Prey Training and Management Workshop:
1/10/26 - 1/15/26

03/10/2025

Sadie, the Andean condor, striking a pose for the camera.👠

02/10/2025

Treating the birds like the royalty they truly are!👑🍇

Comment which is better, green or purple grapes?

01/10/2025

Happy Halloween month!!!! We are thrilled for it to be the season of pumpkin enrichment! When does the Halloween season start for you?👀🎃👻

30/09/2025

Palmer, the Palm Cockatoo, snacking on a peanut! What do you have for your snacks today?🥜

29/09/2025

Boss, the Hadada ibis, supervising while we clean her enclosure. Which animal under your care supervises you while you do husbandry?🔎

28/09/2025

Looking for more natural enrichment? We’ve given lots of birds sod pieces to interact with. Some species stab it with their beaks, others rake it with their feet! It was fun seeing all the different interactions each species had when we first offered this enrichment item. If you try this out send us pictures and videos! We would love to see it!🌱

Address

Telephone

+14079380847

Website

http://www.naturalencounters.com/

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