ZOO ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Zookeeping is a hands-on profession. The Zoo Animal Technology Program is designed to guide both entry-level and practicing zookeepers to awareness of the competencies, skills and attitudes expected of animal care professionals. The courses are designed to identify specific competencies the zookeeper should be able to identify, assess or perform. The theoretical and factual material obtained by reading and study is intended to be supplemented with practicum courses.

Quality zookeeping is the foundation of every successful live collection. Awareness of various aspects of animal care, animal health and nutrition are critical. The ability to work as part of a team in a congenial atmosphere helps prevent or deflect stress and leads to job satisfaction. The aim of this program is to identify and support practices that improve the quality of the zoos from animals’, workers’ and visitors’ point of view.

In 1999, representatives of CAZA member zoos from across Canada met at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to participate in a competency profile development workshop to identify the skills required of a zookeeper. The workshop was a result of the recognition that the zookeeping profession needed to standardize its training methods and practices.

The Zoo Technology Program is a competency-based learning program which is made possible through a partnership between CAZA and  Alberta Business and Educational Services (ABES). They have developed curricula customized to meet the varied needs of the zoo industry. The programs include:

• Workplace Skills – Communication, Problem Solving and Conflict Management
• Sanitation and Safety - Safe Zoo Management Practices and Safety Awareness
• Basic Biology for Zookeepers
• Animal Care, Watering, Feeding and Medicating
• Animal Health and Veterinary Support
• Physical Plant and Equipment Maintenance
• Professional Practices and Visitor Relations
• Horticultural Support

The training program, by providing additional knowledge and developing skills, will serve as an aid to advance zookeepers in their discipline. The training program encourages participation and leadership by zookeepers in both zookeeping and related professions at both the national and international levels.

In order for the program to be accessible to persons presently employed as zookeepers, the courses are designed to be distance-delivered using the internet and course manuals for home study. CAZA and ABES are working together to ensure the cooperation of zoos across the country for students to complete the practicum sections of the program.

The Zoo Animal Technology program will objectively measure the level of achievement in the program by participating personnel. Trainees who successfully challenge respective modules will receive advanced credit toward course completion.

This national zookeeper training program is designed to service the needs and interests of both the trainees and trainers as well as the zoos of North America.

For additional information, or to receive an application form, please contact:

Patti Stoke, Program Coordinator
ABES 2000 Ltd.

e-mail: patti_s@abes.ca

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