Gale Glendewar works with Tamarin Trust to facilitate and teach workshops on the conservation management of marmosets and tamarins. She has worked for over 20 years with many mammal species, particularly those that need conservation assurance populations in captivity, and has taught on a series of workshops in Colombia and Brazil, mostly recently with Tamarin Trust in Manaus in 2024, and in Brasilia in August 2025. Here Gale talks about the crucial role of workshops in primate conservation.

“Husbandry workshops to me are a vital foundation for effective primate conservation. They play a crucial role in raising competence and confidence, which directly translates into better animal welfare and improved survival, which has been evidenced by the invigorated tamarin breeding programmes in Brazilian zoos and  other facilities. 

“Beyond the technical knowledge workshops provide, such gatherings create space for relationship-building and morale-boosting.  Bringing together captive-care staff, zoo professionals, government partners, and field teams on a regular basis builds the trust, innovation, and collaboration that the recovery of endangered primates ultimately depends upon. Just as importantly, the knowledge gained in these workshops is disseminated back to colleagues, multiplying the impact far beyond the training room.

“Having participated as a trainer in eight workshops, I have seen first-hand how valuable these opportunities are—watching experienced workshop participants return with growing expertise and new faces bring fresh energy and perspective. They have enabled us to identify and empower species champions—passionate individuals who are vital for driving initiatives forward, inspiring others (including myself), and ensuring that conservation actions are sustained long after the workshop ends. 

“On a personal level, the workshops have provided me with an insight into the daily challenges teams face, which has enabled me to tailor the training and suggest more practical solutions built around their needs. I have seen first-hand rescue centres inundated with animals struggling to keep their heads above water, but when staff are given the right training and focus, they can be invigorated and see their daily work as part of a wider mission—understanding that their efforts are powerful and essential to the species’ survival. Simple, clear guidance on what needs to be done saves time, improves efficiency, and helps make best use of scarce resources.

“Bringing everyone together we can align our different experiences and knowledge to ensure that animals leave captivity not only healthier, but supported and prepared for life in the wild.”