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Each year we attempt to surpass our lineup of Speakers; all to ensure that as delegates you receive the best possible opportunity for an educational, inspiring, and memorable experience. We bring in Speakers from across Australia, but also in every corner of the World. This guarantees a wide array of expertise, all in one place for the Parrots 2020 Convention! Below you will see everyone who will be gracing the stage for the International Parrots 2020 Convention in North Brisbane, Queensland. To grab some tickets, click the link below. Purchase Tickets to Parrots 2020 Want to see how these Speakers fit into the Program for the International Parrots 2020 Convention? You can find out more by clicking the link below. Looking to discover what else the International Parrots 2020 Convention offers visitors? Discover our main page by clicking the link below. |
DR NEIVA GUEDES BRAZIL Neiva is a Conservation Biologist, the Hyacinth Macaw Institute President, Professor Dr in Environment and Regional Development of Uniderp, Coordinator of Hyacinth Macaw Project and Urban Birds Project – Macaws in the City (Projeto Aves Urbanas - Araras na Cidade). Neiva M. R. Guedes, graduated with a Bachelor in Biological Sciences by UFMS (1987), went on to obtain her Masters in Forestry Sciences by ESALQ/USP (1993), and polished off an impressive higher education portfolio with her Doctorate in Biological Sciences (Zoology) by UNESP/Botucatu (2009). Neiva is the President of the Hyacinth Macaw Institute. She is also the Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Environment and Regional Development of Uniderp University. Since 1990 she has been executing and coordinating the Hyacinth Macaw Project, where she has developed studies on the basic biology and monitoring of the species, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, threatened with extinction until December 2014, when it left the Brazilian List of Endangered Species but remains vulnerable on the IUCN list. In 2016 Neiva established a partnership with researchers from Bolivia and Paraguay for a Conservation Program of the Hyacinth Macaw in the Pantanal Biome. In 2011 she started the Urban Birds Project - Macaws in the City, where she studied the establishment of macaws in the city. She participates in the research line: Use and Conservation of Pantanal and Cerrado Biodiversity, with researchers from the Postgraduate Program in Environment and Regional Development of Uniderp University. Neiva promotes and coordinates education and environmental awareness activities with children and students and stimulates the Scientific and Pedagogical Tourism; as well as the citizen science involving the inhabitants in the activities of nature conservation. Neiva supports the Conservation Program of the Lear's Macaw in Bahia and supports and collaborates with the Spix's Macaw in Nature Program. She was part of the team of the Program of Monitoring of Hyacinth Macaws in Tocantins. Neiva was part of the team of the Conservation Project of the Hyacinth Macaws in the Carajás mosaic. Neiva supports the Art of Making and Recycling Project and the "Ponto de Cultura da Rede Morena Arte de Fazer e Reciclar" in Campo Grande-MS. She has experience in general biology, working mainly on the following subjects: Pantanal, Hyacinth Macaw, conservation, wildlife management, reproduction, observation tourism and environmental education. She published several works in chapters of books, articles in periodicals and annals of congresses; as well as lecturing extensively in Brazil and abroad. Neiva is the author of book "Blue Jewels across the Pantanal skies", with pictures of Luciano Candisani, launched in 2012 and is the author of six chapters of the book "Araras da Cidade - Música do Mato", of Thiago Quevedo, published in 2012. Neiva also supervises students in research projects, Scientific initiation, Masters, Doctorate and Post Doctoral. She is on the Board of Parrots International, based in Los Angeles. She is a teacher in the subjects: Biodiversity - Use and Conservation, Ecology of Ecosystems and Seminars (in collaboration). She is part of the Network of Specialists in Nature Conservation. |
JOHN GRIFFITH AUSTRALIA John is well known as the owner of 'Cape Capers', a nature-orientated tour company focussing on Northern Australia. John first visited the Iron Range district on Cape York Peninsula in 1983. He was taken in by both its remoteness and beauty. Ten years later he returned with a 35mm film camera to begin recording what he saw. Little did he know how important these images would become 25 years later. Cape Capers has been strongly involved in scientific and conservation projects across Northern Australia, such as the Crimson Finch (impacted heavily by agricultural development), Golden-Shouldered Parrots, and the Palm Cockatoo (working with the Australian National University). While politicians and sceptics debated global warming and its effect on climate John has returned year after year photographing and filming his observations. The affect of unseasonal weather events and the forecast of them becoming more severe, more often now drives his desire to see a change in peoples' attitudes. John is one of a growing group of citizen scientists voicing their concerns about what they are recording. The presentations that John will provide Parrots 2020 with shall be on the birds of Northern Queensland, but also a presentation at the Conservation Dinner on climate change and its effect on the Australian subspecies of Eclectus Parrot. |
JENNIFER CUNHA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Jennifer Cunha is an attorney who formerly taught inner-city children how to read. With that experience, she began teaching her cockatoos phonics and reading skills in 2016. Her parrots demonstrate mastery of grapheme-phoneme correspondence (reading words) and appear to have attained semantic processing (vocabulary development), three of the tasks required for literacy. Jennifer collaborated with University of Miami to investigate these reading skills, and their partnership has resulted in research that has been submitted for peer review and publication. Jennifer is also in discussions with three additional universities for research projects on consent expression and literacy development in parrots as well as replication research projects. Jennifer is co-owner of MyReadingPets, Inc., a company focusing on enhanced enrichment and communication training for parrot caregivers. We are very excited to have Jennifer join us at Parrots 2020 and provide us with an insight into this new and interesting area of animal behaviour.
DES BOORMAN AUSTRALIA Des Boorman is a qualified horticulturist with significant plant knowledge and has been keeping Finches, Parrots and Cockatoos for more than twenty years. Des concentrates on a small range of Australian Native species from Varied Lorikeets, Crimson-winged Parrots, Red-Capped Parrots to Red-browed Fig Parrots. Des uses his horticultural knowledge to look at Parrot diets and habitat then extrapolates these to develop methods that can be adopted for captive birds to maximise health and breeding success. Des has specialised in a limited range of species but is observant and understands diets from a broad range of Native and Exotic species from observations, correlations and revision of literature. We are excited to be hearing two incredible presentations from Des across the course of the International Parrots 2020 Convention Weekend. One will be on the Fig Parrot, its care, breeding, and place in Aviculture. The second with be on Australian Flora, or as Des calls it 'Bush Tucker', and how it can be used to benefit our flocks.
DR BOB DONELEY AUSTRALIA Dr Bob Doneley graduated from the University of Queensland in 1982 and worked in veterinary practices in Bundaberg, Brisbane, Toowoomba and the UK before opening his own practice, the West Toowoomba Veterinary Surgery, in Toowoomba in 1988. His interest in bird medicine was initially developed shortly after graduation when he was asked to give a talk to the Bundaberg Budgerigar Association and realised that he had been taught virtually nothing on this subject while a student. He pursued this interest through private study, visiting colleagues, and attending conferences. He was awarded his Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (FANZCVS) in 2003, becoming Queensland’s first specialist in bird medicine, the third in Australia. In the same year he was awarded the College Prize by the Australian College for outstanding contributions to veterinary science in Australia. In 2010 he sold his practice after 22 years to take up the position of Head of Small Animal Services, Veterinary Medical Centre at the University of Queensland’s Gatton campus. He is now an Associate Professor and Head of the Avian and Exotic Pet Service, a specialist bird practice, as well as treating reptiles, small mammals and wildlife. In 2015 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. In 2018 he was awarded the prestigious T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year by the Association of Avian Veterinarians. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Australian Veterinary Association and is the Vice-President of the AVA. He lectures to both veterinary and veterinary technology students on bird and exotic animal medicine, has published two textbooks on bird medicine (one of which has been translated into German and was re-published as a second edition in 2016), written and edited a text on reptile medicine and surgery, as well as chapters for seven other textbooks and has published numerous papers in veterinary journals. Dr Bob will be taking our International Parrots 2020 Convention Delegates through an updated insight into Infectious Diseases in Avian Species!
STEPHANIE EDLUND SWEDEN Stephanie Edlund, CPBC has spent most of her life learning about animal welfare, behavior, training and enrichment. Growing up in Sweden, she has been surrounded by all kinds of animals her whole life, and has always been facinated by birds especially. Since getting her first ones; two little re-homed Parakeets when she was eight years old, she hasn't lived a day without birds in her life. After getting her zoo-keeping degree, Stephanie studied Biology at the University of Stockholm, as well as spent all the time and resources she could find to take workshops and classes on ABA, animal training and welfare related subjects both in Sweden and internationally. She spent several years working as a professional zookeeper and has made a few stand-ins as a teacher at some of the schools for future animal caretakers in the country; teaching classes on subjects like animal learning, husbandry and more. Today she has two African Greys of her own and also works full time with a wide range of birds, both as as a vet nurse in an animal clinic specializing in exotics and through her own small business in Sweden where she offers presentations and workshops for bird clubs, veterinarians, pet shops and zoos. Stephanie offers behavior consultations and private training, predominantly with parrots but sometimes with other animals as well. She is a certified parrot behavior consultant with the IAABC (CPBC) as well as co-chair of the parrot division. She is also the animal training consultant for Korpdalen, an educational zoo facility in Björkvik, Sweden, where she works with freeflighted parrots as well as a range of other bird species. At the International Parrots 2020 Convention Stephanie will be talking on Enrichment and Start-Button Behaviours. This will make up part of a combined talk with another incredible Speaker. Stephanie will also be working closely with the team planning our Step-Up Workshop (the practical aspect to what was shown throughout the weekend) on the Monday after the Convention!
JOHN MCGRATH AUSTRALIA John has been involved with captive birds since before he was 6 years of age, over 60 years. John lives in New South Wales, near Canberra, where the climate can be very challenging between the extremes of Winter lows and Summer high temperatures, thus making the avicultural pursuit itself a challenge. From an early age, as John's contacts grew, so did hist avian collection and knowledge, to include an extensive parrot, cockatoo, finch and show Norwich Canary collection. With his father’s help during the 1960's they constructed his first aviary that in today’s terms would be regarded as a rudimentary aviary complex. It was constructed from hardwood timber, corrugated iron divided into two sections with one for parrots and cockatoos and the second for finches, doves, quail and common canaries. The small complex of 2 aviaries was sited on sloping ground and thus often became waterlogged. In 1977 John constructed his first purpose-built metal framed set of cockatoo aviaries at his parent’s place, all mounted on a continuous mesh reinforced concrete slab. The external flight covering, and internal dividing walls of this complex was mesh. The rear sides of 6’ (1.8M) and similar rear roof was covered in corrugated galvanised iron, the aviary complex stood 7’ (2.1) tall. This whole complex was made in separate panels for easier dismantlement and relocation, a system John continues to employ. John was relatively successful in breeding some of those cockatoos including a relatively new 1977 addition to his collection, a pair of Eastern Long-Billed Corellas. From the very late 1970's to early 1980's John has exclusively concentrated on working with and continually upgrading his knowledge about the subspecies of Australian White Cockatoos and Gang Gang Cockatoos. His knowledge of the existence of some species and subspecies of Australian White Cockatoos expanded post the Singil publications’ “Australian Cockatoos” release in 1989 authored by Stan Sindel, Bob Lynn and Dr Jim Gill. John may hold the most unique collection of cockatoos worldwide. All breeding birds are housed in metal framed demountable panelled walk in flights, with solid partitioned flight walls erected on a continuous reinforced concrete slab, fronting onto an integrated front walkway. The front of the flights face North. Like everyone, over John's lifetime involvement with aviculture he has picked up acceptable avian management skills, many of these either self-taught or acquired off of other people, including his parents by conservation and observation. Thus, today he applies the most suitable of these avicultural “skills” to the collection of cockatoos that he continues to work with. Over time John has been successful in captive propagating all “recognised” subspecies of Australian White Cockatoos, except those subspecies found on Cape York. Some of these Australian White Cockatoo subspecies as well as the Gang Gang Cockatoo being bred to second generation, in his aviaries. Whilst John does not consider himself as a complete expert on Australian White Cockatoos, his dedication to working with this group of birds has given him recognition both across Australia and Worldwide. Hosting visitors over time to view my collection from virtually all Australian states and from many overseas countries. He is a firm believer in species specific specialisation as aviary subjects. John has written articles for avicultural society publications right across Australia, as well as all 3 “commercial” Australian Avicultural publications and some of these articles have been reprinted in international avicultural magazines. One of John’s biggest honours is to have had his knowledge printed in books on aviculture both here and overseas, more recently to have renowned American aviculturalist Tony Silva reference his work in his latest publication “Psittaculture”. John has also been invited to present to Avicultural Society meetings in all Eastern Australian states, and then on May 26th 2013 a highlight of his avicultural career was when he delivered two presentations to The Dutch Parrot Symposium. John will be presenting on Australia’s species and subspecies of White Cockatoo, including his management and husbandry practices. John’s expertise with Australian White Cockatoos is remarkable, and having him present on them at the International Parrots 2020 Convention will be exceptionally educational for delegates. |
MARCIA WEINZETTL SPAIN Marcia has a post-graduate degree in Wildlife Biology. She worked 26 years in ex-situ reproduction in Brazil, prioritizing always research and improvement of reproductive techniques. She has been in charge of the management of zoos and of the most important breeding centers of psittacidae in Brazil where she has obtained optimal results that have been published in various media. In September 2016 she accepted the invitation of Loro Parque and Loro Parque Fundación to be their bird Curator. Since then she has adapted the breeding methodology to the current reality. She assures that the development, adaptation and application of specific methodology for each breeding situation and species, are the main way to obtain the expected results. Today she is the consultant of the Reproductive Management Program in controlled environments of the Lear's Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari). It is a threatened and an endemic species to Brazil with which, the Loro Parque Fundación, has achieved an extraordinary breeding result thanks to the knowledge in optimizing the reproductive management of this and other species in similar situations. In 2018 LPF sent 6 Lears macaw for the first Lear macaw release project in Brazil and she prepare together with her team this 6 birds for the release program. Marcia Weinzettl has lectured in different parts of the world showing her extensive knowledge of complex tropical psittacidae species of South America, outstanding among which is the management of the Hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) or the wonderful Golden conure (Guaruba guarouba) with which she obtained a relevant number of chicks.
RANDY BERRY ITALY Randy Berry lives in Caserta, Italy. He has been very passionate for wildlife since an early age making a way for him in becoming a very passionate Aviculturist. Randy, along with his brother William partner in Berry Brothers Aviaries, one of the largest collections of birds in their region, with over one hundred and fifty different species. These include a huge array of parrots and softbills. Randy is planning to open up as a zoo in the near future. Today he jumps at any chance to collaborate with breeders, conservation projects and zoological institutions around the world to preserve species in captivity. He regularly shares his passion on television nature programs and at conferences around the globe. Randy is very interested in evolving areas of Aviculture, such as the part technology can play in providing us with greater information to care and learn about our birds. Randy’s key areas of focus at the Parrots 2020 Convention will be on the keeping and breeding of the Blue-Throated Macaw, an insight into one of Italy’s best Softbill Collections during "An Evening with Randy Berry", and the part technology can play in Aviculture.
JOSEE BERMINGHAM CANADA In her fledgling years, early 1990’s, while acquiring a formal education as an animal veterinary health technician, experience in the exotic veterinary clinic practice and the pet industry while continued studies in biology and field research, an untraditional path that lead to ignite her passion for parrots, these wonderful yet complex exotic creatures. Her desire to learn and contribute to psittacine research and conservation efforts led her to work for the Hagen Avicultural Research Institute (HARI) where she now continues to oversee the management of the facility and health of the flock. She feels privileged to have explored the complexities of avian nutrition, nursery management, and advancements in the science of aviculture. Editor of Parrot Life Magazine, the official HARI publication, presently featured on HARI TV channel featuring video podcasts, reports, reviews & valuable chronicles on topics such as psittacine behavior, nutrition, health, safe idealistic cage and environment requirements, trends & advancements in aviculture and endangered parrot species restoration programs. Josee Bermingham continues to share her experiences by educating the avian community on topics such as Avian Nutrition, Safe ethical restraint techniques for health assessments and interventions, Emergency First Aid, Incubation techniques, embryonic development, Psittacine pediatric care, Holistic alternative Health care, Enrichment and Captive breeding management techniques at avicultural seminars and conferences. She has spoken at several major avian conventions and symposiums all over the world; including conferences such as the American Federation of Aviculture, ASA, AVES Australia, Canadian Parrot Conference, AAV-Exoticon, Parrot Festival NPRPF, Italy-International Ornithological Show Reggio Emilia, and PIJAC Canada, on behalf of the HARI Conservation Networking, an essential collaboration that interlinks aviculture, conservation, field research and avian medicine. Josee Bermingham collaborates in field research, and training of field biologists for pediatric psittacine health and biometric evaluations. A proudlife time member of the Loro Parque Foundation as she strives to remain truthful to the ideals , promote all parrot life, whether it be in captivity or in its natural habitat for their plight is inherent. Josee Bermingham will be presenting on Early Parrot Education and Psittacine Incubation Techniques, Nursery Management and Neonatal Care.
DR LORENZO CROSTA AUSTRALIA Associate Professor Lorenzo Crosta from the University of Sydney is joining us for the International Parrots 2020 Convention! Lorenzo has an extensive career with birds, including being the Veterinary Director for Loro Parque in the early 2000's. He has also spent 12 years as the official Veterinarian for the recovery programs of the Spix's Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) and the Lear's Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari). Further to that extensive work with those species of Macaw, Lorenzo has also collaborated on Conservation Projects such as the reintroduction of the Green-Winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus) into the Iguaçu National Park and Saint Vincent Amazon (Amazona guildingii). Lorenzo will be presenting on a variety of topics such as environmental enrichment for the well-being of birds in captivity, the pre-purchase veterinary check plus Avian reproductive physiology and reproductive diseases!
EMILY STRONG UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Emily Strong, CDBC, CPBT-KA, SBA is Co-Owner and Behavior Consultant at Pet Harmony, LLC, Co-Founder and President of First Train Home, and co-author of the book Canine Enrichment For The Real World, set for publication via Dogwise in 2019. She has been involved in various animal welfare fields since 1990, working and volunteering in animal shelters, rescue groups, veterinary hospitals, stables, wildlife rehabs, an aviary, and finally as a behavior consultant. While a behavior consultant in Austin, TX she was on the board of Wings of Love Bird Haven and co-founded and ran Austin Parrot Society. She then relocated to Kanab, UT to work as a behavior consultant in both the Parrot and Dog Departments at Best Friends Animal Society for almost 3 years before moving to Salt Lake City to go back into business for herself, publish her book, and launch First Train Home. She has been training animals of many species her whole life, including (but probably not limited to): dogs, cats, parrots, a wide variety of other species of birds, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, rats, mice, horses, miniature donkeys, pigs, goats, tortoises, leopard geckos, snakes, pygmy octopi, fish, and even praying mantids. In addition to running her businesses and writing books, she is also a national speaker, has written articles for multiple publications, and has an international client base. Emily will be working closely with Stephanie Edlund throughout the International Parrots 2020 Convention, with her topics focussing on Agency and Diet Conversion. Emily will also be involved with the hands-on workshop during Monday’s Step-Up. Another fantastic avian behaviourist to meet during Parrots 2020!
NANDA KISHORE INDIA Nanda Kishore holds a Masters Degree in biotechnology and has worked extensively in the field of tissue culture. His interest in animals and birds made him quit his job and pursue his hobby of bird-keeping. His mother had budgies as a child, and was an avid bird lover. The seeds sowed by his mother bloomed, making Nanda an Aviculturalist. His work on standardisation of protocols for Conures and Macaws made him a prominent speaker in a number of Conventions held in India. Articles about him have also been covered in a number of print and electronic media. His work has been recognised by the Forest Department in India, and has made him the Consultant for a number of Zoological Parks. He is also a part of a non-profit, non-government organisation called Animal Rehabilitation & Protection Front. This is a student run organisation. It works towards the rejuvenation of forests and protection of endemic wildlife. Nanda also has his own organisation, called the Raaga Foundation, which funds a number of conservation projects. Nanda will be joining us as a part of our ‘Evening With Randy Berry’ and presenting on utilising nature’s gifts as a source of enrichment and preventive medication in Indian Aviculture. |
