We all love a zoo … so imagine being able to work in one! Zoos aren’t just of the traditional kind either – they can be any park, garden or establishment where live animals are kept on display. These include fauna sanctuaries, aquariums, safari parks and petting zoos. This course is ideal for those who are keen to embark on a zookeeping career, whether it’s caring for animals, educating visitors about captive animals, or assisting with research projects or conservation.
The Certificate of Zookeeping is an online program that will teach you about the nature and scope of zoos, and the care, enrichment and breeding of captive animals.
In this professional development course, you will explore the health, reproduction, nutrition and feeding, and behaviour and enrichment of animals in zookeeping environments.
You will also study human-animal interactions, enclosure design and maintenance, occupational health and safety in zoos, and you’ll undertake a problem-based learning project based on environmental enrichment.
On completion of this course, you will be able to contribute to playing a role in helping with the conservation of captive animals – from native species to those found all over the world!
Course Structure
Unit - Zookeeping
Unit 1 – The nature and scope of zoos
- What is a zoo?
- The evolution of zoos
- Change in zoo design
- Modern zoos and sanctuaries
- Legislation
- Codes of practices
- Animal welfare
- Enrichment
- Record keeping
- Identification tags
- Animal taxonomy
- Phylums & classes of the animal kingdom
- The function of zoos
- Research and zoos
- Education in zoos
Unit 2 – Occupational health and safety in zoos
- Workplace health & safety
- Legislation
- Health & safety management in zoos
- Zoonoses
- Legionnaires disease
- Other safety issues
- Risk management
Unit 3 – Captive husbandry – nutrition and reeding
- Animal nutrition
- The effect of poor nutrition on animal behaviour
- Water requirements
- Essential dietary components
- Vitamins and minerals
- Food storage & preparation
- Presentation of food
Unit 4 – Captive husbandry – health
- Monitoring health
- Maintaining health
- Diseases
- Quarantine
- Record keeping/animal transfer data
- Enrichment data transfer form
Unit 5 – Captive husbandry – reproduction
- The need for captive breeding
- Captive breeding in zoos
- Goals of captive breeding
- Issues with captive breeding
- Inbreeding risks
- Captive breeding programs
- Monitoring the reproductive status of zoo animals
- Assisted reproduction
- Stud books
- Birth control and separation
Unit 6 – Captive husbandry – behaviour and enrichment
- Ethology
- Behaviour
- Types of behaviour
- Behaviours in captive animals
- Learned behaviour
- The flight or fight response
- Animal behaviours
- Animal welfare indicators
- Environmental influence on behaviour
- Behaviour management
- Environmental enrichment
Unit 7 – Human-animal interactions
- Keeper-animal interactions
- Visitor animal interactions
- Dealing with dangerous animals
- Flight distance of animals
- Handling animals
- Visitor animal interactions
- Stress reduction
Unit 8 – Enclosure design and maintenance
- Optimum enclosure design
- The perfect enclosure?
- Replicating nature
- Providing stimulating environments
- Physical enrichment
- Feeding enrichment
- Sensory enrichment
- Social enrichment
Unit 9 – Problem-based learning project – environmental enrichment
- Introduction and definition of pbl
- Problem definition
- Team structure and interaction
- Discussion
- Resources
- Guidelines
- Final report
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Zookeeeping careers
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