Adrienne Eyer
Founder of Wildlife Advocacy Group

Why Choose Wildlife Advocacy Group?

Why was Wildlife Advocacy Group created?

Over the last several years, I noticed that not all zoos and sanctuaries have access to animal welfare science (AWS) services in the same way. Believing that all animals deserve the benefit of science, I was determined to find a way to support staffs (keepers or researchers) as a resource that complements their existing staff. I've learned that, often times, keepers have hunches about what's driving behavior, but need to put the science around the problem to advocate for change. Knowing that all animals deserve the benefit of AWS and that AZA standards and USDA Animal Welfare Act apply to all institutions (big and small), Wildlife Advocacy Group, L3C was created to be a flexible, part-time resource when welfare issues are being proactively or reactively addressed. My goal is to provide practical services to zoos, sanctuaries, and others promoting positive animal welfare at affordable prices.

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Why an L3C?

L3C companies are low-profit companies that choose mission over profits. This business structure encapsulates Wildlife Advocacy Group's vision that all animals deserve the benefit of science. All organizations caring for animals deserve to have access to affordable services to complement their existing staff.  

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Experience:  Animal Welfare Science

My experience collecting behavioral and space-use data includes 12 different species representing primates (great apes and monkeys), big cats, pinnipeds, birds, reptiles, and a giant anteater. Behavior and space-use data collection has been based on well-defined ethograms and maps. Some projects fed into overall welfare reports while another was a comparative study aimed at reducing stereotypic behavior. Projects have been for both solitary animals and social groups of up to 9 members. Additional experience includes video recording, video coding, data analysis, data visualization, and building enrichment. I'm a superuser of ZooMonitor and have also extensively used its administrative features. My approach to animal welfare is informed by understanding AZA standards, the USDA Animal Welfare Act, and various welfare frameworks.

I am first author on the comparative study listed below and contributed to a literature review (also listed below) that received recognition at the AZA conference in 2022.

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Eyer, A. E., & Miller, L. J. (2020). Evaluating the influence of conspecifics on a male giant anteater’s (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) pacing behavior. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 7(4), 556-566.  

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Woods, J.M., Eyer, A., Miller, L.J., 2022. Bird Welfare in Zoos and Aquariums: General Insights across Industries. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens 3, 198–222.

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Experience:  Engaging Volunteers Services

I manage a volunteer-based organization requiring anywhere from 5-40 volunteers at various community events. I am responsible for recruiting, training, and managing the volunteers. More importantly, I am a long-term volunteer at a Lincoln Park Zoo where I was trained as a docent many years ago, trained as an enrichment constructor in 2018, and, trained as a ZooMonitor in 2021. This has enabled me to understand the requirements of zoo volunteers that are different from other organizations. 

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Because I spent 7 years in a corporate learning & development department as a program manager developing training materials, teaching courses, and mentoring young professionals, I am well equipped to help you develop training materials and processes for your volunteers.

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Experience:  Educational Services

As a program manager and a learning & development subject matter expert for 7 years in my first career, I have experience developing curriculum, teaching, and mentoring. I understand the importance of experience-based learning and appreciate the value of a flipped classroom. I excelled at breaking down complex concepts to simple parts and helping students build their knowledge and skills. In 2015, I won BP's "Making a Difference" award and the curriculum I developed was expanded to London and Singapore. I have transferred my experience in learning & development to creating age-appropriate content and classroom sessions at the elementary level. I have also been invited to engage high school students about behavioral research. And, I have created and facilitated workshops about climate change (including its effect on wildlife) at the college level. 

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Professional Memberships and Certifications

• Certification, Master Naturalist (2021 - Present)

• Member, American Society of Primatologists (ASP) (2022 - Present)

• Associate Member, Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) (2024 - Present)

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