Cadownload the Zoo School application HEREt Tales Zoological Park

Cat Tales Zoological Park

COURSE CATALOG

Update - PUBLISHED - December 2008, Updated - May 2009

The Zoological Training Center (ZTC) is solely owned and operated by the Cat Tales Zoological Park. All operations and aspects of the school and the Park itself are determined by the Board of Directors and its management committee. Board officers are elected for a one year term. The current list of Officers and Board Members are as follows:

PRESIDENT

Kristine Birdsell

VICE PRESIDENT

Bob Holman

SECRETARY

Jennifer Schaub

TREASURER

Debbie Wyche

OTHER BOARD MEMBERS

Steve Corker

Mike Wyche

Location of Cat Tales Zoological Training Center

The administration offices of the school are located on the Park grounds:

Cat Tales - Zoological Training Center

N. 17020 Newport Hwy

Mead, WA 99021

(509) 238-4126

Faculty

Deborah (Debbie) J. Wyche

Zoo Director

Zoological Training Center Director/Training Supervisor

Experience and Education

• Graduate of Nutrition studies

• Graduate of Insectivore Parasitology UCD

• Graduate of AZA School of Applied Biology

• On going Training for AZA accreditation standards

• Intensive study of felidae since 1985

• Construction and implementation of Cat Tales Zoological Park in 1990

• Extensive research and practical implementation of feline husbandry,

management, reproduction and neo-natal care.

• Extensive knowledge of feline reproduction and artificial insemination.

• Extensive study and instruction in feline anatomy, physiology, husbandry

and management, enrichment, exhibit building, zoo management,

retail personality, public relationships, horticulture, safety and

sanitation, operant conditioning, positive reinforcement training,

behavior observations and all other aspects pertinent to state

of the art zookeeping, big cat handling and zoo management.

Research

• Feline artificial insemination, including intensive research of feline

artificial insemination without tranquilization.

• Recorded physical measurements of all available feline species.

• Veterinary research of sedation, contraception, and vaccination.

• Neo-natal care, including development of neo-natal formulas in conjunction with

major nutrition companies. Laboratory analysis of formula

values as they relate to feline health and nutrition.

• Skill driver (instructor) to increase the job quality of students for

employers including Siegfried and Roy, major zoological

parks throughout the world and ourselves, as our goal is to

train the best in the business.

Animal Training

Animals born and/or trained at our facility include;

“Xena” and “Atlas” up close and personal with Jan-Michael Gambill

As seen on Top Spin – NBC, July 2000 and ESPN Magazine , October 2000

“Shere Khan” in Double Team and Gladiators.

(His trainer and owner is Randy Miller “Predators in Action”)

“Thunder”, “Roka”, Allahabad”, “Tum Tum”, “Kiara”, and many other star animals on Animal Planet’s “Wild Rescues”

“Roka” at his best in the Chevy S-10 Commercial 1996

“Atlas” working with Gus Johnson Ford and Tiger Tattoo

“Stoli” and “Lil” in The Shadow of the Tiger, Discovery Channel 1999

“Xena” in a commercial for Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle 2007

“Venus”, “Atlas”, “Xena”, and “Thor” in Mozart and the Whale, Feature Film 2006

Currently in training - "Tuga, Koshka, Sestra, Malenky" Siberian Tiger Cubs

Robert (Mike) M. Wyche - Instructor

Executive Director / Curator / Outreach Director

• Fund Raising -

Chairperson of Fund Raising Committee & Organization of fund raising events

Implementation and supervision of all events

Solicitation of Small Business Support & Solicitation of Material Donations

• Public Relations -

Writing & distribution of all press releases

Television appearances and interviews

Speeches and lectures with civic organizations

Outreach Training - Selection and training of staff for off - site events

Outreach Education - Produce and direct outreach education programs

• Park Operations -

Coordinate with Zoo Director regarding on going projects & future planning

Oversee general construction projects & Zoo maintenance

Design and construction of all Zoo signage

Design and implementation of special programs

• Security -

Head of Security

Communication and coordination with local law enforcement agencies

Develop and Implement Zoo Security Policy & Training of staff in same

• General Curator -

Acquisition & disposition of Animal Collection -

Maintain communication with other zoological parks and accredited animal rescue agencies

Maintain stable inventory of animals for Zoo & Acquisition of new animals for Zoo collection

Relocation of duplicate animal inventory to creditable facilities

Coordination of rescue and relocation operations with other facilities

Maintain communications with HSUS, and local related organizations

Training of Staff on animal capture protocol & vaccination procedures

• Veterinary -

Coordination and planning with senior veterinarian and his staff

Maintain immunization program and veterinarian records

Implementation of veterinarian programs with Zoo Director and staff

Ordering and maintaining inventory of veterinarian supplies

Assisting Senior Veterinarian with all procedures involving Zoo animals

Attending to minor emergencies and non serious injuries of animal collection

• Animal Training

(Works with co-trainer Debbie Wyche - See animals listed under Zoo Director – Page 2)

Margaret Hunter – Executive Assistant – Membership Coordinator

Licensing

Cat Tales Zoological Park is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the Animal Welfare Act, as a Class C exhibitor (All zoos are given that classification.) Cat Tales Zoological Park is also licensed by the Washington State Department of Wildlife as a rehabilitation center for native species. Cat Tales Zoological Training Center is licensed by the State of Washington as a Professional Trade School. Cat Tales Zoological Park is classified as a non-profit, tax exempt organization by both the federal and state government.

About the Zoological Park Itself

The Cat Tales Zoological Training Center is located on a four acre wooded site north of Spokane, Washington in the rural suburb of Mead. The Zoo is arranged for easy access for the public, providing a walk through pathway in close proximity to the animals’ exhibits. The exhibits themselves are designed to be as natural as possible. The staff and students spend the majority of their time outdoors in the Zoo. This provides the best learning environment for animal observations and hands on experience. Classroom time is held either in the classroom, on the Zoo grounds, or in the main support building which also houses the neo-natal nursery area as well as the food preparation area and school reference library. Students are required to purchase their basic personal uniforms, name tags, work packs, and books. All work tools, and related training aids which are germane to the course are furnished by the school.

Placement Assistance

Cat Tales Zoological Park has an excellent reputation with zoological parks and animal facilities throughout the world. While we do not guarantee placement with these facilities, graduates of the Cat Tales Zoological Training Center do receive much greater consideration for employment. Almost all major facilities are seeking persons who have on the job experience with animals. Cat Tales Zoological Training Center is one of the only training facilities which provide such an opportunity to receive hands on training. The program is designed to provide you with practically every facet of a typical zoo’s operation. This insures you will have a much greater advantage over most people seeking the same type of employment.

Grading System

Cat Tales Zoological Training Center is not a school for the undedicated. Excellence is expected in all aspects of the program. All students must have a 2.5 GPA to be accepted, but all students are expected to maintain a 3.0 or better to continue in the program. Cat Tales Zoological Training Center has established a high range grade system to insure that the students graduated will have developed the skills needed to succeed in their chosen field. A student who fails a course, in the program, will be allowed to repeat the portion(s) of their training one time at a reduced tuition rate of 50% off the original enrollment fee. Should they fail to achieve the required passing grades the second time, they will not be allowed to re-enroll in the program.

Program Completion & Graduation

Students successfully completing a minimum of four required

quarters / courses in the major, will receive a certificate of achievement.

Financial Aid

Currently there is no financial aid offered for this program.

Career Opportunities

Zoo Keeper I

Zookeeper II (requires completion with honors)

¬Exotic Animal Handler (requires completion with honors)

Exotic Animal Trainer (requires completion with honors)

Wildlife / Conservation Educator

Zoo Exhibit Designer / Artificial Landscape specific

Zoo Registrar, with zoological background

Conduct Requirements

As a student of the Cat Tales Zoological Training Center, you will be expected to meet the requirements of the program. These include classroom hours as well as Park duty and Outreach involvement. The program is designed as an award system providing you with incentives to excel in your studies. Because of the nature of the field of zookeeping, there is a great deal of emphasis placed on safety. All safety rules must be strictly observed. While the Cat Tales Zoological Training Center is home to some of the most beautiful creatures on earth, the animals at the Park are also the most dangerous. A careless act could result in the serious injury or death to a human or an animal. A student violating safety procedures and regulations, who fails to make satisfactory progress, interferes with other students’ work, is insubordinate, boisterous, vulgar or obscene, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or does not make timely tuition payments is subject to immediate termination from the program. Any student willfully causing harm to, or threatening to cause harm to any animal at the Park will be immediately dismissed from the program and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

TO CAUSE HARM, OR THREATEN TO HARM ANY ANIMAL PROTECTED BY THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT IS A FELONY,

PUNISHABLE BY A FINE, IMPRISONMENT, OR BOTH.

Attendance Requirements

Each quarter consist of a minimum of 480 classroom and practical clock hours, broken down into 12 weeks of 40 clock hours per week. The program schedule allows for, up to, 3 free days per week (not necessarily in succession) during each quarter. Scheduled days off may change at the discretion of the Directors, due to circumstances that would require such changes. Employment or opposing work schedules are not recommended as they may interfere with progress in the program. Breaks between each quarter will vary depending on the time of year and the completion of required class and work time, with a maximum of one week between each quarter. (Note this scheduled break may not occur should a student lack in hours or grade qualifications.) Any other absences must be made up prior to the completion of the quarter in which they occurred. Failure to make up missed classes or Zoo duties will result in no grade given and dismissal from the program. Unless specified, without written notice, the dismissal date will be as contracted as the last date of the current quarter.

Limited Enrollment

Class size for each quarter is limited to 20 students. This provides an instructor, student ratio average of 1 to 5.

Admission Requirements

All persons applying for admission to the Cat Tales Zoological Training Center must be a minimum of 18 years of age and be a high school graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or greater.

All applicants must demonstrate freedom from physical handicaps which would affect their ability to safely and satisfactorily perform the responsibilities required of all Zoological Training Center students. Students must provide proof of a recent physical examination, tetanus shot and tuberculosis test.

Any applicant owning personal pets must provide proof of current health certificate and shot records for each pet currently living with that applicant. (At no time will personal pets be allowed on the park grounds)

Admission Procedures

NEW STUDENTS

1. Obtain an application from the Cat Tales Zoological Park, N. 17020 Newport Hwy, Mead, WA. 99021; contact us at our facility by dialing (509) 238-4126 or download the application from the website www.zooschool.org.

2. Return application and registration fee of $50.00 to the admissions office, located at the same address as the park.

3. Request and return a copy of your transcripts for both your high school (or a copy of G.E.D. completion) and any previous college(s) attended, to the admissions office. Proof of technical status will suffice, if practical.

4. Submit three (3) letters of recommendation from employers or teachers for the program.

5. Submit proof of a recent physical examination, tetanus shot and tuberculosis test.

6. The last step to acceptance is an in person or phone interview that will determine the acceptance or rejection of the applicant. Prior to the personal interview all of the above mentioned items must be on file at the Zoological Training Center. (It is advisable to find out if those things are on file, after mailing them off.)

7. Final notice of your acceptance (or refusal) will be sent to you in letter form. Any specific requirements of applicants will be included.

Fee Schedules

* Registration Fee (non refundable) -----------------------------------------------$ 50.00

* Park Outreach / Show Fleece (required) (non refundable) ---------------- $ 85.00

* Name Tag (required) (non refundable) ---------------------------------------- $ 10.00

* Zookeeper Work Pack (required) (non refundable) ------------------------- $ 85.00

* Books & Classroom Materials (required) (non refundable)--------------- $ 275.00

Tuition per Quarter/Course----------------------------------------------------$ 1,695.00

Four quarters to complete the program (4 x $ 1,695.00) = $ 6780.00

TOTAL COST OF THE COMPLETED PROGRAM -------------------------------------$ 7,280.00

* ONE TIME COST FOR THESE ITEMS - NON REFUNDABLE

Official Termination Date

The official date of termination of a student shall be the last date of recorded attendance when withdrawal occurs in any of the following manners:

(1) When the school receives written notice of the

student's intention to discontinue training.

(2) When the student is terminated for a violation of

a published school policy which provides for termination.

(3) When a student, without notice to the institution,

fails to attend classes for 30 calendar days.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

REFUND AFTER ENTERING CLASSES:

If training is terminated after entering classes, the student is obligated to the school according to the following formulas or maximum charges:

(1) If you terminate during the first week or 10 percent of the contracted instructional time, which ever is less. School may retain 10 percent of tuition cost plus registration fee (equal to 10 percent of the tuition cost, or $100, whichever is less);

(2) If you terminate after the first week or 10 percent of the contracted instructional time, which ever is less but, prior to completion of 25 percent of contracted time, the school may retain 25 percent of the tuition cost and registration fee (equal to 10 percent of the tuition cost, or $100, whichever is less);

(3) If you terminate after completion of 25 percent and up to 50 percent of contracted instructional time, the school may retain 50 percent of the tuition cost and registration fee (equal to 10 percent of the tuition cost, or $100, whichever is less);

(4) If you terminate after 50 percent of the contracted instructional time, the school may retain the full tuition cost and registration fee (equal to 10 percent of the tuition cost, or $100, whichever is less).

Former Students

Students re-applying for a course, either missed with an approved extended leave of absence or a non-passing grade in a subject resulting in dismissal, should submit a petition to the program faculty. After the petition for re-entry to the program or course is submitted the program faculty will notify you, as to approval or denial.

Student’s Records & Grades on File

Student records are confidential and a written, dated and signed request is needed for access. Copies and transcripts may be obtained by the student by sending the request, a photo copy of personal identification (i.e. driver’s license, passport) and $25.00 for postage and handling to Cat Tales Zoological Training Center, 17020 N. Newport Hwy, Mead, WA 99021. Student grades are reported in writing and during personal conferences throughout the program and are kept on file for a minimum of ten years.

Course Description

Basic Program

The basic program consists of 48 clock-hour weeks at 40 hours per week. It is set up as a system of 4 quarters containing 12 clock-hour weeks, with a one-week break in between quarters. A minimum of 1,920 hours is required to complete the program. Each successive quarter will continue to refine and expand the training of the previous quarter.

Zoo Management - Introduction

The first quarter (first 12 week block) students will learn basic husbandry and management of zoo animals, using the animals located at the Park for illustration of technique. This includes, but is not limited to, safety and emergency protocol, cleaning and maintenance of exhibit and holding areas, sanitation, nutrition, diet preparation, record keeping, behavior observation, back-up and lead zookeeping, and various government regulations.

Students will receive training in all aspects of basic zoo operations including, but not limited to, public relations, fund raising, retail sales, public education, exhibit and grounds maintenance, construction and horticulture. This training is accomplished on the Park grounds.

During the first quarter students will also be introduced to educational outreach programs as space in these programs becomes available.

Main subject classes are held every week through out the program.(See end of program description for list of Main Subject Classes). Main subject classes count toward the required graduation hours. Successful completion of all course subject matter is required for advancement.

Zookeeping - Handling and Training

The second quarter emphasizes direct contact with the animals at the park. Students in the second quarter will refine and expand the training gained in the previous quarter. Subject course work will continue.

In addition, the second quarter students are assigned an animal(s) housed and/or exhibited at the Park (assignments concerning animals are based on previous student performance and grades) in which they will research species related husbandry and management, and complete daily behavior, health, nutrition, and training observations.

Selected students who demonstrate outstanding performance in all areas of their course work will be considered for advanced training and handling. At the discretion of the Zoo Director, students will also be assigned to the study, handling, training or exhibiting of their assigned animal(s). All handling or training is done as a back up to the lead handler or trainer for that particular animal(s). Successful completion of all course subject matter is required for advancement.

Zookeeping - Leadership and Professional Skill Building

The emphasis of the third quarter is placed on the lead supervision, handling and training of animals. One-on-one career placement counseling is also offered through out the third quarter. Students will proceed to refine and expand the training of the previous quarters. Subject course work will continue.

In addition, the third quarter students are assigned an animal(s) housed and/or exhibited at the Park (assignments concerning animals are based on previous student performance, grades, and student-animal relationships) in which they are the lead keeper, handler and/or trainer for that particular animal(s). Third quarter students will train and transfer skills to their assigned back up. They may also be assigned to work with production, stage, media and/or promotional animals as back up or lead handlers/trainers.

Zookeeping - Advanced Stages

The last quarter of the program is designed to develop and solidify the advanced skills of the professional zookeeper. In addition to manual skills, the training in industry standards of inventory and record keeping of zoo collections, and other administrative skills will be the main instruction of this quarter. Studbook and registrar information and practical skills will also be included.

Main Subject Classes

Main subject classes are held every week through out the program with the most intensive study during the first three quarters. Main subject classes count toward the required graduation hours.

At completion of the basic program, the following classes and related assignments will be covered in detail as they relate to applied zoo biology, species research, zoo husbandry and management, and zoo animal handling and reinforcement training. Emphasis is placed on the animals students will be working with/around, which are housed and/or exhibited at the Park.

The contents of the main subject classes are constantly updated to provide the current standards of the animal care industry, including rules and regulations. Main subject classes may vary slightly as current emphasis fluctuates to meet the educational needs of the students.

12-MONTH PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Anatomy and Senses

Behavior and Communication

Enrichment

Environmental Education

Evolution and Taxonomy

Exhibit Construction and Maintenance

Field Research

Growth and Development

Handling and Training for TV and Movies

Husbandry and Management

Job Search and Presentation

Leash training - Feline

Nutrition and Food Preparation

Operant Conditioning

Outreach Programs

Public Relations

Record Keeping and Evaluation

Rehabilitation and Release

Veterinary Science - Feline

Zoos and Aquariums

Zoo Regulations

Zoo Science

Hard work and long hours are all part of a typical day in the life of a Professional Zookeeper. It is not a career for everyone; just for the best. Only those serious about learning and willing to make the commitment the profession requires should even consider applying for admission into the program. It is tough but it is the best job on earth if you have what it takes. Do you have it?

Cat Tales Zoological Training Center

17020 N Newport Hwy, Mead, Washington, USA, 99021-9539

(509) 238 - 4126

http://www.zooschool.org

e-mail us - mail@zooschool.org