From Intuition to Objective Evidence with Shane Gorbett [Episode 281]

In this insightful conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Shane Gorbett — Curator of Animal Training and Behavior at the Philadelphia Zoo and current President of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA). Shane brings a wealth of experience from the zoological world, where he specializes in animal care training and behavior management. Bringing a rare analytical lens to the profession, Shane challenges us to look past "common sense" and intuition, and instead embrace objective data as the foundation for high-level animal welfare and professional advocacy.

Together, Ryan and Shane explore how documentation and data collection are far more than just administrative requirements; they are essential tools for clarity and institutional change. Shane shares how moving from "we think it's working" to "we know it's working" allows trainers to communicate more effectively with stakeholders, secure necessary resources, and prove the efficacy of their training programs. He offers practical reflections on how simple, consistent record-keeping can reveal trends that the human brain might otherwise miss, leading to more successful outcomes for both the animals and the humans who care for them.

The conversation also highlights the role of the ABMA in fostering a global community where behavior management is shared across diverse species. Shane reflects on his journey hosting the ABMA podcast and the importance of professional collaboration in raising industry standards. For those who may feel intimidated by spreadsheets or "data phobia," Shane provides an empowering roadmap for starting small, finding the "why" behind the numbers, and using information to tell a more compelling and accurate story for the animals in our charge.

Throughout this episode, we discuss:

✅ The shift from "intuition-based" to "data-driven" animal training

✅ Shane’s role at the Philadelphia Zoo and his work leading the ABMA

✅ How to use objective data as a tool for advocacy and securing resources

✅ Overcoming "data phobia" and the practicalities of simple record-keeping

✅ The importance of tracking medical behaviors and husbandry progress for better welfare

✅ How the ABMA supports professional growth through global collaboration and shared knowledge

✅ Why objective evidence is the key to proving the "ripples" we create in our work

✅ Using data to bridge the gap between animal care staff and organizational leadership

Whether you are working in a zoological setting, a domestic training environment, or simply looking for ways to elevate your professional standards, this episode offers a practical roadmap for using information to create a more ethical and impactful career.

Links

ABMA website: https://www.theabma.org/ 

Animal Behavior Conversations Podcast (Spotify): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/theabmapodcast/ 

Email Shane: [e-mail] 

Philadelphia Zoo: https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/