Love animals? Study Zoo Keeping.
Turn your passion for animals into a career. Join a team of passionate animal caretakers, working to preserve our species.
Work with a variety of different species. Focus on their care and wellbeing. Contribute to species preservation, enrichment and public education initiatives.
This course will provide you with flexible learning experiences that will help start you on your way to a career in zoo keeping.
For aspiring zoo keepers, volunteers or anyone with a passion for working with wildlife.
This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success.
Modules
Note that each module in the Certificate in Zoo Keeping is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.
Working as a Zoo Keeper
As a zoo keeper, you will work to meet various needs of your animals, including:
-
Animal care, health and welfare monitoring.
- Food and water preparation and provision.
- Cleaning and maintaining of animal enclosures.
- Observing and recording animal behaviours.
- Providing enrichment.
- Grooming, exercising and training animals, plus -
- Educating visitors through talks or demonstrations.
- Helping with conservation and research projects.
Research & Zoos
Having intimate access to a variety of animals, zoos are in an ideal position to study animals. Animal behaviour, reproduction, life histories, hierarchies and so much more. This information is essential to knowing how to effectively conserve our precious animal species and global biodiversity. Today, it is a common for zoos to be involved in various research and conservation efforts. Some examples include:
- Health and nutrition
- Animal behaviour
- Animal husbandry techniques
- Noval enrichment strategies
- Rehabilitation and release programs
- Visitor Experiences
- Public education and awareness initiatives
- Cooperative research into conservation of threatened species
- Recovery programs for wildlife and endangered species
- Preservation of genetic diversity
- Reproduction programs
- Self-assessment (how the zoo can improve particular functions), and so much more.
Succeed as a Zoo Keeper
Build experience and knowledge over time, which opens doors and exciting prospects. Zoo keeping is a globally recognised role. Many of the skills are highly transferrable, meaning that it may lead to travel opportunities.
An example - Our tutor, Robert Browne, started by studying and gaining zoo keeping experience in Australia. As he developed knowledge and a reputation within the world of zoology, he has followed exciting opportunities to work right across Australia, in Europe, Asia and America.
You may start as a volunteer while studying a course like this, progress to paid employment in a zoo or veterinary practice. Then eventually progress to international opportunities, perhaps in zoos, maybe in a wildlife reserve, an aquarium, a rehabilitation centre, or somewhere else!
People who are successful are those who are passionate, persistent and prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed. If this describes you, we can help you to get a start.
Why Study with ACS?
Design your own learning pathway.
Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.
Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.
Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!
ENROL or Use our FREE Course Advice Service to Connect with a Tutor