The purpose of this award is to recognize achievement and determination of an individual or team in the animal care field and in fostering professionalism. Animal care is a science combining zoology, biology, animal management, behavioral observation and daily record keeping on the species in their care. This is essential knowledge for maintaining a species effectively in captivity. The excellent animal care professional must excel in one or more of these areas.

The Jean M. Hromadka Excellence in Animal Care Award is named in memory of her outstanding contributions to the furtherance of AAZK through her work as President of the Association. This award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference.

<h4>Qualifications</h4>
<ul>
	<li>The nominee <strong>must</strong> be a full-time animal care professional individual or team, employed in any North American zoological institution, aquarium or related facility.</li>
	<li>The nominee(s) <strong>must</strong> have been employed at least two (2) years on permanent status at the same zoo, aquarium or related facility</li>
	<li>The nominee(s) <strong>must</strong> be nominated by his or her peers who have also been employed at the same zoo, aquarium or related facility.  Management personnel from the same institution may submit supporting nominations.</li>
</ul>

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<h4>Nomination Procedure</h4>
<ul>
	<li>List name, position, institution's name, address, phone and director, years of service in the field and the recommendation of peers and colleagues.</li>
	<li>List and <strong>document</strong> commitment to the profession, outstanding achievements, practical/outstanding application of knowledge and experience, and keeper skills, etc. The zoo director, curator, or immediate supervisor of the individual being nominated <strong>must sign verification</strong> of these facts.</li>
	<li>List any extra activities outside of the zoo, aquarium or related facility work: working with conservation groups, youth, wildlife officials, etc.</li>
	<li>Deadline for nominations is <strong>MAY 1st </strong>of each year.</li>
</ul>

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<h4>Selection Procedure</h4>
The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each nominee.

The winner of the Jean M. Hromodka Excellence in Animal Care Award receives a cash award in the amount of $500.00, endowed by a generous donation through the Lutz Ruhe Family Educational Trust for the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. The award is endowed by the Lutz Ruhe Trust primarily to aid winners in making travel and registration arrangements to attend the AAZK National Conference in the year of their award, to receive the award and be recognized in person at a gathering of their peers.

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<h4>Nomination Form</h4>
Please select the format you would like to download the Nomination Form below:
<i class="left icon-download"></i> <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/eacform.doc">Download nomination form in MS Word format</a>
<i class="left icon-download"></i> <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/eacform.pdf">Download nomination form in Adobe PDF format</a>

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