At ZooTraining,
we combine scientific knowledge, ethical practices, and a holistic vision to advance animal welfare and conservation.
Since 2002, we have been supporting over
50 passionate professional animal caretakers daily, whether they are just starting out or seeking to refine their skills.
We assist them in applying, developing, and managing their objectives, and we are proud to be part of their success.
We also have worked with over 100 animal individuals :
Orcas, Polar bears, Tigers, Parrots, Orangutans, Belugas, Walruses, Dolphins, Sealions, Seals, Penguins, Giant Otters, Beavers, Hippos, Rhinos, fennecs, , Porcupines, Dogs and ... humans.
Nicolas Issenjou Founder
Certified Professional Animal Trainer (CPAT-KA)
Nicolas has nearly 26 years of experience in the animal care field, with a significant part dedicated to developing programs, teams and individuals within European zoological institutions.​​​​​​​​​​​
A member of the EAAM Training Committee, he is also the first European animal training professional working within zoological institutions to be certified CPAT-KA by the IATCB.
In addition, he holds a certification in dog training.
Trained in demanding environments, he refined his training techniques by working with some of the most complex species, such as orcas.
This unique experience instilled in him values of rigor, precision, and excellence, while placing motivation and enjoyment at the heart of his approach.
​
Since then, Nicolas has committed to sharing his expertise with over 50 professionals, offering innovative and tailored solutions for each species and situation, with a constant focus on excellence and respect.
He has successfully applied modern training techniques with orcas, polar bears, tigers, parrots, belugas, dolphins, walruses, sea lions, penguins, giant otters, beavers, porcupines, hippos, rhinos, fennec foxes, dogs... and humans.
​
In 2016 and 2023, he received the EAAM Award for Best Training Presentation and founded ZooTraining® Consulting in 2021.
In 2025, he collaborated with the EAZA Animal Training Working Group to translate the EAZA Training Guidelines into French and co-organized the Animal Training Round Tables with the group (EAAM Learning Committee – "From basics to amazing").
Passionate about behavioral sciences, communication, and leadership, he is deeply convinced that everyone holds untapped potential that can be revealed through sharing, self-reflection, and boldness.
His methods inspire courage, innovation, and continuous improvement, fostering an authentic connection with animals — for the animals.
Nicolas speaks French, English, and Spanish.
We are passionate about behavioral science, human potential, and communication.
We help implement concrete, meaningful, and result-driven practices while fostering a clear and ambitious vision.
We offer an expert, global, and external perspective.
We believe that animals and humans possess untapped potential.
We inspire professionals in overcoming their challenges.
We believe that collective intelligence is the key catalyst for improving animal welfare.
Discover the values that drive us every day
Our core values
Trust
It is the essential foundation of teamwork in serving our clients. This value allows us to rely on our skills and those of our clients to create added value while ensuring confidentiality.
Thoroughness
This value is also essential in our consulting and coaching professions, as it translates into reliability in supporting our clients. We work with respect for deadlines, aiming to exceed expectations.
Open-mindedness
In a constantly evolving world, openness is essential to staying connected to reality. We embrace different ideas and perspectives within a framework of constructive and enriching exchanges.
Pleasure
Finding enjoyment in working with colleagues and clients is essential for collective performance. We firmly believe that we can discuss serious matters without taking ourselves too seriously.