At ZooTraining, we blend science, ethics, and a holistic approach to advance animal welfare and conservation.
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Since 2002, we’ve supported over 70 passionate animal care professionals daily, whether they’re just starting out or refining their expertise.
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We’ve also had the privilege of working with more than 150 animals : orcas, polar bears, tigers, parrots, belugas, walruses, dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, giant otters, dogs... and humans.
Discover the values that drive us every day
Our core values
Trust
This core value strengthens teamwork and client service, enabling us to build on our shared expertise to create value, always with full confidentiality.
Thoroughness
This value is key to our consulting and coaching work, reflected in our reliability, respect for deadlines, and commitment to exceeding expectations.
Open-mindedness
In a constantly evolving world, openness keeps us grounded. We welcome diverse ideas and perspectives through constructive, enriching dialogue.
Pleasure
Enjoying collaboration is key to collective performance. We believe serious work can be done without taking ourselves too seriously.
Nicolas Issenjou
Founder
Certified Professional Animal Trainer (CPAT-KA)
With nearly 26 years of experience, Nicolas has focused on developing programs, teams, and individuals across European zoological institutions.
A member of the EAAM Training Committee, Nicolas was the first European zoo-based animal trainer certified CPAT-KA by the IATCB. He also holds a dog training certification.
Trained in demanding environments, Nicolas honed his techniques working with complex species like orcas; an experience that shaped his values of rigor, precision, and excellence, always guided by motivation and enjoyment.
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He has since shared his expertise with over 70 professionals, offering innovative, species-specific solutions rooted in respect and modern training methods.
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His work spans a wide range of species including orcas, polar bears, tigers, parrots, belugas, dolphins, walruses, sea lions, penguins, giant otters, beavers, porcupines, hippos, rhinos, fennec foxes, dogs… and even humans.
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In 2016 and 2023, he received the EAAM Award for Best Training Presentation, and in 2021, he founded ZooTraining® Consulting.
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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 (EAAM Learning Committee, "From basics to amazing").
With a strong passion for behavioral science, communication, and leadership, he is also continuously developing his management skills through ongoing training with B&B Consulting.
Nicolas believes in unlocking human potential through sharing, self-reflection, and bold action.
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His approach encourages courage, innovation, and continuous growth, while fostering genuine, respectful connections with animals.
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He speaks French, English, and Spanish.
What our collaborators say
« Nicolas has been a very inspiring mentor. He shared theoretical foundations with great pedagogical skill. I am very grateful to him for providing me with concrete tools that allowed me to grow quickly and effectively in my practice. Our discussions opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of animals, humans, and especially training and its implications. »
Mathieu Maréchal - Belgium
We are passionate about behavioral sciences, human potential, and communication.
We help implement practical, meaningful, and results-driven practices while fostering a clear and ambitious vision.
We offer an expert, global, and external perspective.
We believe that both animals and humans have untapped potential.
We inspire professionals to overcome their challenges.
We believe that collective intelligence is the key catalyst for improving animal welfare.