Mon., Oct. 5 - Wed., Oct. 7, 2026

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On the Shoulders of Giants: Rediscovery and Innovation in Elephant Care

The Maryland Zoo is proud to host the 47th Elephant Managers Association (EMA) Conference in Baltimore, October 4-8, welcoming elephant care professionals from around the world.

Experts in African and Asian elephant care will share the latest research, behavioral insights, and conservation advances, all centered on this year’s theme: “On the Shoulders of Giants,” how past breakthroughs can shape the future of elephant care. Join us for a week of learning, collaboration, and inspiration in the heart of Baltimore.

elephants holding trunks

What to Expect:

  • Keynote speaker Susan Friedman, PhD, professor emeritus at Utah State University, joins featured speakers Kate Evans of Elephants for Africa and Rick Hester from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
  • Sunday kicks off with a hands-on Automated Enrichment workshop, teaching attendees how to build customizable automated feeders. Continue with an icebreaker event to connect with colleagues from around the globe, which will feature heavy appetizers and live music.
  • Conference sessions run Monday and Tuesday at the hotel with provided lunch and light morning and afternoon refreshments.
  • Wednesday moves to the Zoo for morning sessions and the always-popular Zoo Day, featuring behind-the-scenes access with the Maryland Zoo’s animal care team. Transportation to and from the hotel, light morning refreshments, and lunch are included with Zoo Day. The day concludes with a banquet at the historic Mansion House, overlooking Druid Hill Park and the Baltimore skyline.
  • The conference wraps up Thursday with an optional post-conference trip to the Smithsonian National Zoo, with transportation included.

Conference Schedule:

  • Pre-conference Workshop, Oct. 4: 8:00am – 4:00pm
  • Conference Icebreaker, Oct. 4: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
  • EMA Conference Day, Oct. 5: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • EMA Conference Day, Oct. 6: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Zoo Day, Oct. 7: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Conference Banquet, Oct. 7: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Post-conference Trip, Oct. 8: 8:00am – 5:00pm