Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Program

The Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program is carefully designed to build a comprehensive skill set in animal care, wildlife health, and welfare. Our program not only develops technical expertise but also places strong emphasis on teamwork and relationship-building, both essential for thriving in a professional animal care and conservation setting.

In addition to mastering animal care skills, students thoroughly understand zoo facility operations. The program explores both the core infrastructure and public-facing functions of a wildlife center, equipping students with insights into its organization and dynamics. This holistic approach enables our students to understand every aspect of facility management, a perspective crucial for long-term success in the field.

Through a well-rounded curriculum and immersive, hands-on training, the Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program prepares aspiring professionals to excel in the dynamic field of wildlife care. Focusing on animal welfare, effective teamwork, and facility organization, we equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on animals’ lives and contribute to broader conservation efforts.

Part One: Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations provides a foundation in understanding animal care, public relations, and the teamwork needed for a professional wildlife management environment.

The Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations course spans 24 weeks, with 30 hours per week, totaling a minimum of 720 hours of practical internship training. Students receive hands-on and virtual instruction in animal husbandry and facility management, learning in a real-world setting at the Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

This introductory course covers a wide range of essential skills and knowledge for the care and management of wildlife in a zoological setting, including:

• Safety and Emergency Protocols: Learning best practices to ensure safety for both animals and caregivers.
• Exhibit and Holding Area Maintenance: Understanding the upkeep of animal habitats to promote health and natural behaviors.
• Animal Nutrition and Diet Preparation: Gaining skills in dietary planning and food preparation for diverse species.
• Record-Keeping and Behavioral Observation: Developing precise documentation and observation skills to monitor animal health and well-being.
• Animal Enrichment and Lead Zookeeping Introduction: Providing enrichment activities that encourage natural behaviors and introduce concepts of advanced zookeeping.

Facility Operations training also covers essential zoo support roles, including public relations, fundraising, conservation education, and grounds and exhibit maintenance. Topics such as basic construction and horticulture further broaden students’ practical skills, all of which are critical for success in wildlife care and facility management.

All training occurs at the Cat Tales Wildlife Center, a “living laboratory” where students apply their knowledge directly with real animals. The program subjects are delivered through a blend of virtual and hands-on instruction, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Course topics may vary slightly depending on current student needs and industry standards, with completion of all subjects required for advancement in the program.

Advanced Zookeeping & Wildlife Management

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations or equivalent experience (determined by the Review and Acceptance Committee)

The Advanced Zookeeping & Wildlife Management course builds on foundational skills from Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations, with a focus on leadership development, wildlife management techniques, and small facility management. This program provides a deep dive into the skills required to lead in a zoological or wildlife conservation setting. The management principles taught are applicable across many business contexts, as students will develop an understanding of the operational and interpersonal structure needed to manage an animal care facility effectively.

This advanced course spans 24 weeks, with a minimum of 720 hours of hands-on internship training, including 30 hours per week of virtual and on-site practical experiences. Training emphasizes professional leadership in animal care, conservation practices, and small zoo operations, reviewing and expanding on topics from the introductory course.

Students gain real-world experience by working directly with the animals at Cat Tales Wildlife Center, implementing conditioning and training techniques to support animal husbandry, health, and welfare. Depending on the species and individual history, wildlife at Cat Tales are primarily protected contact animals, with limited free-contact exposure under specific circumstances.

Core Areas of Study and Implementation Include:

• Leadership in Zookeeping and Wildlife Management: Gain skills in supervising animal husbandry, ensuring animal health and welfare, dietary preparation, delivery, and comprehensive recordkeeping.
• Animal Training and Conditioning: Implement behavior conditioning to support husbandry practices, including health assessments and medical management.
• Advanced Enrichment and Conservation Education: Develop advanced enrichment techniques and participate in on-site and outreach conservation education programs (use of ambassador animals may vary).
• Specialized Animal Care: Address species-specific and age-related care, including geriatric concerns and quality of life assessments.
• Veterinary Care and Procedures: Understand the zookeeper’s role in basic veterinary care and medical procedures, preparing for hands-on involvement in animal healthcare.
• Employment Readiness: Receive training in the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the professional workforce, from practical animal care skills to interpersonal communication.

Small Facility Management and Operational Skills:
Students will gain experience in critical aspects of managing a small zoological or wildlife facility, including:

• Fundraising and Public Engagement: Learn fundraising strategies and engage with public education and community relations efforts.
• Staffing and Scheduling: Develop skills in team management, scheduling, volunteer training, and coordinating staff and operations.
• Regulatory Compliance and Licensing: Understand local, regional, and federal regulations, including licensing, inspections, and protocols for animal acquisition and disposition.
• Advanced Recordkeeping and Operational Efficiency: Master advanced recordkeeping, inventory management, networking within the industry, and emergency protocols for facility safety.

Through virtual and hands-on training, this program prepares students to excel in roles that require a combination of zookeeping expertise, wildlife management knowledge, and small facility operational skills. It ensures that graduates are ready to lead and manage within the dynamic field of animal care and conservation.

Successful completion of Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations (or equivalent) and Advanced Zookeeping & Wildlife Management are required for Graduation and to acquire the Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certificate of Achievement.

All persons applying for admission to the Cat Tales Wildlife Academy must be at least 18 years of age and be a high school graduate. Students must possess a High School Diploma with a GPA of 2.5 or greater, a General Education Development (GED) Diploma, or pass a graded entrance exam. 

• November 6, 2024
• January 8, 2025
• March 5, 2025
• May 7, 2025
• June 18, 2025
• September 3, 2025
• November 5, 2025

All applicants must demonstrate freedom from physical handicaps that would affect their ability to safely and satisfactorily perform the responsibilities required of all Wildlife Academy students. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, being able to lift 30 pounds and have visual acuity and manual dexterity to maintain safety and prevent physical danger while on school grounds. Students must provide proof of a recent physical examination, tetanus shot, and tuberculosis test. Cat Tales Wildlife Academy encourages diversity and does not discriminate.

Please Note– It is essential that all applicants, prospective students, and those with disabilities thoroughly read the entire catalog/website, the full description of the training, and the work environment. Cat Tales Wildlife Center and Academy houses inherently dangerous animals, and the students will be working near these animals. Though we have STRICT safety rules in place, we reserve the right to restrict access to areas of the Wildlife Center to any student we feel could pose a risk of injury or death to themselves, the animals, or others, whether intentional or not. Any such restriction could affect a student’s ability to benefit from the program as presented. Refer to Conduct Requirements.

Quarters begin during June, September, November, and March. Due to demand or other circumstances, additional or alternate start dates may exist. Though not required as a participating student, the Wildlife Center may request pre-scheduled attendance due to an animal or other emergency or concern; the Wildlife Center will or may be open to students during any 24-hour day, any day of the year. Sometimes, homework assignments are heavy, and access to a computer and the internet is necessary—student’s schedules begin their days in the fall, summer, and spring at 7:30 a.m. Winter hours vary depending on the weather.

Part One – Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations (weeks 1 through 24) consists of 720 practical clock hours broken down into 24 weeks of 30 hours per week AND 

​Part Two – Advanced Zookeeping & Wildlife Management (weeks 25 through 48) consists of 720 practical clock hours broken down into 24 weeks of 30 hours per week.

Completing the Professional Zookeeper Program consists of 1440 practical clock hours broken down into 48 weeks of 30 hours per week. 

Students must be on the zoo grounds for a maximum of (10) hours per day. Full-time employment or opposing work schedules are not recommended as they may interfere with progress in the program. Students will receive two weeks off each 6-month course (either during or between courses). The instructors must approve the scheduling of such time off to ensure proper support for the animals under the care of the students. Also, other time off for particular circumstances may be arranged at the instructors’ discretion and considered on an “as-needed” basis.

Though not required as a participating student, Animal Care Management may request pre-scheduled attendance due to an animal or other emergency concern. Cat Tales may be open to students during any 24-hour day, any day of the year. Students are frequently scheduled to begin their fall, spring, and summer days by 7:30 in the morning. Winter hours vary depending on the weather and commuting conditions. In-person and virtual instruction continues throughout the year.

The students will be scheduled for training and instruction at the program’s start, with their weekly/daily attendance requirement determined at that time. Students will be required to attend three days per week at a 10-hour day or the equivalent of a 30-hour week. Student attendance will include hours scheduled Tuesday through Sunday, including at least one weekend day. The virtual and in-person instruction dates and times are determined to fit the student’s schedule at the start and throughout the course(s).

Student’s clock hours must be kept current regardless of the time off granted. Any other absences must be made up before the completion of the course in which they occurred. Failure to make up missed contracted time, responsibilities, or studies will result in no grade given and dismissal from the program. Unless specified, without written notice, the dismissal date will be as described in the “Official Termination Date” section.

The One-Year Program is divided into Two (2) Six-Month Courses with the following Tuition and Fees. Payments can be made in 2 installments – One for each Course or Payment can be made for the Full Program in advance. Payment is due upon acceptance to the Program at which time details of transactions can be arranged.

• Part One – Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations – Tuition —- $750.00
• Printed Materials & Virtual Training Fees – (required) (nonrefundable once received) —- $250.00

TOTAL COST FOR PART ONE — $1,000.00 

• Part Two – Advanced Zookeeping & Small Facility Management – Tuition —- $750.00
• Printed Materials & Virtual Training Fees – (required) (nonrefundable once received) —- $250.00

TOTAL COST FOR PART TWO — $1,000.00

 TOTAL COST OF PROFESSIONAL ZOOKEEPER PROGRAM ————– $ 2,000.00

• Students are required to purchase their own basic personal clothing & footwear. Staff shirt is provided.
• Access to a computer and the internet is necessary for online study and research assignments.
• All work tools, and related training aids which are germane to the course are furnished by the school.

Cat Tales Wildlife Academy is not authorized to offer Federal Financial Aid. Applicants will be notified of known financial aid through non-federal outside resources and/or work study opportunities when available.