Fall 2002

The Association of Professional Wildlife Educators was founded by a collection of dedicated and motivated industry professionals, in the United States, involved in educational programs featuring live captive wildlife. Concerns about safety practices and policies within the animal field, as well as burgeoning legislative pressures, were the driving force for the development and commitment of this long over due organization. Prior to any formal meetings, several motivated industry professionals worked to create a list of other potential professional interested parties, primarily by word of mouth, the number of interested facilities and individuals quickly grew.

Oct. 2002

A Yahoo group email list serve was created to provide professional wildlife educators a forum for the exchange of information relative to the safe, responsible, and professional presentation of wildlife programs. Founding industry professionals provided invaluable research as well as guidelines and procedures from their facilities, while another drafted the APWE bylaws.

February 2003

Tampa Bay, Florida during the 2003 ABMA (Animal Behavior and Management Alliance) conference the first formal APWE meeting was held. ABMA members were invited to  attend an open meeting where discussion of incorporating the association as a non-profit, public benefit organization was held.

September 2003

APWE luncheon held at the National AZA conference, limit of 25 attendees set.
28 AZA education delegates attended for networking and food.

APWE information distributed at National AAZK conference.