The Ofqual regulated Level 3 Zookeeper qualification is an ideal qualification for anyone looking to pursue a career  working in zoos as a zoo keeper, or in a voluntary capacity working with wildlife in captivity in zoos, safari parks, wildlife collections etc.

The Zookeeper qualification consists of theory and practical training.

The theory is studied online from home, at your own pace and with full tutor support. The practical training consists of 1 week training at Blackpool Zoo. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain for experiential learning with a variety of species at this prestigious award winning Zoo. Blackpool Zoo is a 32-acre zoo located in  Blackpool, Lancashire, England – this well regarded zoo provides excellent, well established practical training and is home to over 1,350 animals from all over the world including lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, zebras, flamingos, penguins, ostriches, owls, tortoises and more.

This Zookeeper qualification is open to anyone aged 16 or over. No prior qualifications are necessary.

2019 Course Intake Dates

This next intake for this course is open until 30th April 2019 and the practical placement week for these intakes is 30th September – 4th October 2019.

Future intake dates:

• 5th June 2019
• 31st July 2019
• 4th September 2019

Please note, this course has a maximum number of participants – please enrol now to secure your place and avoid disappointment.

Summary

Unit 1 – Development of Zoos – Students will learn how the use of animals in captivity has developed historically and about the progress made from early zoos to modern zoos. Gain an understanding of the roles of modern zoos and how this has changed over the years, including the areas of entertainment, research, conservation and education. Understand how your role of zookeeper assists with the roles of the modern zoo.

Unit 2 – Animal Welfare and Ethics – Students will learn about the main animal needs of animals in captivity and the assessment of animal welfare in zoos including the  management of breeding of animals in captivity. This unit also explore ethics within animal welfare and the ethical implications of keeping animals in a zoo.

Unit 3 – Conservation in Zoos – Students will understand the different options of conservation available to zoos and why zoological collections are more suitable to different forms of conservation. This unit also explores how various breeding programmes work.

Unit 4 – Zoo Design – Zoo design is always advancing as we have more materials and skills available as we gain more knowledge about the animals we keep. This unit discusses how our perceptions of the ideal animal enclosure have changed and what we feel are the most important things that an animal requires when kept in captivity. As one of the most common answers is ‘space’ – which is usually limited – how do we find creative solutions to get around this problem? It  also covers other aspects required in zoo design such as the practicalities of public viewing and keeper safety. The general layout of the zoo is discussed including any preferences to a zoological or geographical style. The pros and cons of each is considered.

Students will gain an understanding about the main considerations for general zoo design and learn how to improve existing enclosures and change perceptions of animal’s enclosures in zoos.

Additionally, students will gain an understanding about the health and safety requirements for enclosure design.

Unit 5 – Disease and Prevention – Students will learn how to report unusual behaviours and signs of illness promptly. Learn about zoonotic and animal disease and how to prevent their spread. Explore how to source information about animal diets and nutrition and how to correctly store animal feeds.

Unit 6 – Management of Animals in Zoos – Learn about the basic information that is required for the management of animals in a zoo.  Gain an understanding about how to use observation skills effectively as a zookeeper and the importance of record keeping in the management of animals in a zoo. This unit also explores the importance of team work in the management of animals in a zoo.

Unit 7 – Enrichment and Training – This unit explores the value of environmental enrichment and stress reduction in a modern zoo environment and how replicating their natural habitat as well as possible, can significantly improve the welfare of animals in captivity.

The various types of enrichment are discussed in some detail as well as their definitions. The safety of zoo animals and the need to study the results are also explored. The usefulness of enrichment for more than just the animals is also discussed.

Learn about the development and uses of training and the different training methods. Learn how to identify and respond to signs of stress in zoo animals. Gain an understanding about behaviour and body language in zoo animals. The differences between positive and negative reinforcement is also discussed. Various sources of enrichment and training information are supplied as part of this unit.

Unit 8 – Zoos and the Media – This unit explores the importance and value of the media to a modern zoo and why it is important for staff to be aware of the importance of what keepers say. It explains how keepers are ‘ambassadors’ for the zoo community in general and their collection in particular.  The importance of keeping the zoos press office informed of all events and what the keeper’s role could be during media events is also covered. Gain an understanding about the use of keepers for presentations both within the zoo and externally at conferences and meetings.

Learn about the importance of both education and research within the modern zoo and how the keeper can assist with both departments. The position of both departments within the modern education system is also explored and how they are often closely connected to all the other departments within the zoo. (Zoos’ are one of the few facilities that assist with teaching right from pre-school through to PhD level). This unit also covers the information given out by the zoos in posters, signage and booklets.

Unit 9 – Legislation and Zoological Collections – Gain knowledge about the legislations that are relevant to zoological collections in the UK and Europe.  Learn about zoo relevant associations in the UK and Europe and analyse the impact on the role of the zookeeper. Gain an understanding of legislation in animal transportation in the UK and Europe. This unit also explores zoo keeper and visitor interaction with animals and the limitations within this area.

1 Week Optional Practical Placement at Blackpool Zoo

The 1 week Practical Training programme at Blackpool Zoo includes both theoretical and practical learning with a focus on experiential learning. This training is tailored to each small group and includes:

• Enclosure design (including Project Elephant)

• Primates – with a focus on enrichment and diets

• Education (including conservation and sustainability)

• Animal training/behaviour (specifically elephant and sea lion)

• Reptiles, Invertebrates – with a focus on specialist care

• Zoo administration:  Including ZIMs, EEPs, Stud book management, Zoo licensing

• Research – this includes allocated time for personal project

There will be direct contact with a number of key species including giraffes, penguins, prosimians, aardvarks, tapirs, sea lions.

Next practical training week: 30th September – 4th October 2019

Please note, accommodation and food not included. Please click here for hotel next to the zoo.

Course fees are fully inclusive of all course materials, tutoring, certification, practical training at Blackpool Zoo (1 week) PLUS Blackpool Zoo & Animal Jobs Direct branded jacket, sweatshirt and t.shirt.

Please note, each intake has a maximum number of participants –  enrol now to secure your place and avoid disappointment.

ZSL Student Fellowship is available to those aged 18 or over and studying this Zookeeper qualification. As a Fellow you will have the opportunity to vote on the direction of the Society, attend the ZSL Annual General Meeting and are eligible to stand for ZSL Council. Additionally you have will have access to a host of privileges including borrowing rights in the ZSL Library, discounts on events and symposia, an annual Supporters’ Day, complimentary drinks receptions and the chance to be more engaged in the work of ZSL by enjoying unlimited entry to both ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo for you and a family guest.

There is a multitude of variables that determine whether a species will respond well or otherwise to captivity. Size of accommodation is one aspect and this is probably the most important consideration for the physical, emotional and mental well-being of all the zoo animals.  Birds  kept in captivity rarely have the opportunity to fly to their full extent unless kept in multi- species aviaries. To analyse enclosure designs, we need to consider the species that will be housed within a given enclosure and the management of the enclosures including what parts of the design match species’ needs and what areas match the  needs of management.

All wild animals in captive situations will, at some point, need to be handled, transported, treated and restrained. These situations will require special practices.  Animals may require moving from one enclosure or collection to another, they may have escaped and need capturing or they may need routine or non-routine veterinary attention. It may also be a requirement to isolate animals, possibly for quarantine purposes and therefore animals may need to be handled, restrained and transported to an isolation enclosure at some point in their captive lives.

The methods of handling and restraint differ greatly depending on the species, especially its size and temperament. Safety of the handler and the animal are paramount at all times and the need for handling and/or restraint will always be considered before the act takes place to ensure it is a necessity.

It is important to note that handling and restraining wild animal species is a much more complex and stressful process as opposed to handling domestic companion animals. Wild animals are far more susceptible to stress and injury than domestic species, particularly during capture, handling, restraint and transportation. Even apparent simple procedures such as blood collection or clinical examination can significantly jeopardise the health and welfare of a wild animal. It is for this reason that the methods of handling and restraining wild animals need to be fully understood and appreciated prior to these methods occurring.

Contact us  to discuss this zookeeper qualification or if you would like more information about us and how to enrol and study