The core module of this program at Tw&Cross Zoo Academy is the foundation of the basics that every zookeeper who works with animals needs. It is designed to complement the knowledge of zoo science and biology that zoo and aquarium animal service employees get on the job.
The course will teach basic knowledge of animal housing in zoos and aquariums, discuss veterinary and safety issues, an introduction to animal welfare and environmental enrichment, and animal and visitor behavior patterns in the zoo. The course will also involve an introduction to zoo exhibits.
The main idea of the course is to give the students modern views on the keeping of animals in captivity, to provide them with knowledge about the professional skills and business qualities necessary for successful work in zoos and aquariums. The different topics of the lectures and practical sessions are linked with the common goal of forming the worldview necessary for a qualified employee working with animals.
The course provides universal training: employees who know the physiological and mental needs of animals, who are able to observe and analyze what they see can ensure the proper welfare of any animal.
To increase the professional level of zoo and aquarium animal service personnel.
Purpose and structure of a modern zoo; basics of keeping and maintaining wild animals; principles of feeding and breeding animals in a zoo; zoo safety procedures; basics of veterinary medicine; animal welfare and environmental enrichment; basics of zoo training; animal and visitor behavior in a zoo; finding information on zoo science.
Lectures on zoo theory are supplemented by seminars and practical exercises; one of the main objectives of the training is to enable trainees to learn how to apply the acquired knowledge in practice.
The program of the basic module “Fundamentals of Zookeeping” consists of 2 levels. After completing each level, the trainees take exams and defend their independent study projects before the examination committee. Only trainees who have successfully passed the exams are admitted to the next stage of training.
For zookeepers (keepers, zootechnicians, zoologists, section managers). Trainees with higher and secondary vocational education will be counted as an advanced training, the rest – as additional education.
The training is conducted in two full-time stages from 9:30 to 18:30. The basic module consists of two parts (12 and 11 training days, respectively). The total duration of training: 108 academic hours. Location – Zoo Education Center.
At the end of each level listeners pass an exam. The trainees prepare a draft, which includes a concept of keeping and exhibiting the given species of animals and a short description of the aviary complexes and technology of their service (1.5 thousand words and 2 schemes with explanations), a species list of the Zoo collection of certain specialization with justification (100 words, including the Latin names of animals), and a made model of an aviary for the given species. The project is defended before a panel consisting of lecturers and leading zoo specialists.
9000 $
Education is free for the employees of the state zoos and aquariums of America.