Al Kordowski has had an extensive and successful career spanning 40+ years and specializing in behavior modification, care and management. He has worked in the marine mammal, zoological, and assistance dog industries, and as a master falconer.
Kordowski began his career in the distinguished Exotic Animal Training and Management program at Moorpark College, leaving in 1975 to start a 31-year career with SeaWorld Orlando. During his tenure, he was formative with cutting-edge training methodology, replacing punishment and restraining husbandry procedures with positives and training, both becoming industry standards, through to enriching the environments for the marine and terrestrial animals.
Next, he attracted international attention from Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai where he instituted, recruited an international team of trainers, and operated the U.A.E.s’ first licensed dolphin interactive facility. He also developed educational programs for universities in partnership with the U.A.E.’s Government and Environmental teams, established a complete veterinary laboratory, and developed a program for rescue and rehabilitation of stranded or injured marine animals.
Back in the USA, Kordowski directed zoological operations at Wild Adventures, the extensive exotic animal and entertainment facility in Valdosta, Georgia, before leaving the corporate sphere to lead the venerable Texas nonprofit, Service Dogs, Inc. There he directed training, facility operations, and spearheaded the Assistance Dog Trainer’s Academy to share assistance dog standards for professional trainers and advance behavioral methodologies and temperament selection in the service dog industry.
As an established speaker, he presents on a variety of topics, including service dog training, the power of positive relationships, behavior modification and philosophy, and practices of falconry. Kordowski has served as Vice President, President, and on the Board of Directors for the International Marine Animal Trainers Associations. He also served as CFO and on the Board of Directors for The Animal Behavior Management Alliance.