Our Director of Program, Risma Aprilianti, was invited to the Amphibian Husbandry Training at Chester Zoo from 14–27 February 2026. During her time in the United Kingdom, she also attended and delivered a presentation at the British Association of Zoos and Aquariums Reptile and Amphibian Working Group Conference, sharing her experiences and discussing amphibian conservation and management practices with professionals from various zoos and aquariums.
The training program was designed to equip our team with daily animal maintenance skills and the critical role of nutrition in captive animal care. Proper feeding management is an essential component of husbandry because animal health is strongly influenced by the quality and suitability of the diet provided. Discussions with the animal care team focused on how different species require specific feeding regimes and how food quality, preparation, and monitoring contribute to overall welfare.
In addition to animal care, Risma also gained hands-on experience in enclosure maintenance. Enclosures are carefully designed to mimic natural habitats, providing appropriate environmental conditions such as substrate, humidity, shelter, and structural complexity to support animal welfare and natural behavior. This opportunity highlighted how habitat design and regular maintenance are key components of successful captive management.
For certain species under quarantine or participating in specialized conservation programs, strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be followed. For example, when working with the critically endangered Mountain Chicken Frog (Leptodactylus fallax), special protective clothing was required to maintain strict biosecurity and prevent the transmission of disease.
Besides amphibians, Risma also had the opportunity to learn about reptile husbandry. During one activity, she observed a recently discovered Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) egg, which provided valuable insight into reptilian reproductive management and incubation practices. She also participated in a feeding session with the blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei). The feeding was conducted under the keeper's guidance, with the food directed to encourage natural hunting and movement behaviors. This method not only ensures that the animal receives proper nutrition but also serves as behavioral enrichment, stimulating activity, and promoting natural foraging responses in captivity.
During the visit, Risma also took time to explore the collections at the Manchester Museum, which houses extensive natural history specimens and exhibits related to biodiversity and conservation.
This visit was a valuable opportunity for us to expand our knowledge and practical skills in amphibian and reptile husbandry. Equally important, it allowed Risma to build professional connections with zoo staff, researchers, and conservation practitioners. These networks are essential for ongoing discussions, collaboration, and the continued improvement of conservation and captive management practices. We thank Chester Zoo for this opportunity.
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