Cat Tales Zoological Park
COURSE CATALOG
Update - PUBLISHED - March 2011, Updated - March 2011
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
• 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
Additional Instructors:
Jarod Munzer – Instructor
• Background
-1998-2004: Horse trainer and riding instructor
-2006-2007: Zookeeper at Out of Africa Wildlife Park
-2008: Graduated from Cat Tales Zoological Training Center
-2008-Present: Worked full time at Cat Tales Zoological Training Center
Matt Hearst – Instructor
• Background
-2007: Graduated from Cat Tales Zoological Training Center
-2007-Present: Worked full time at Cat Tales Zoological Training Center
Wendy Cederblom – Instructor
• Background
-2000: Graduated from Cat Tales Zoological Training Center
-2000-Present: Worked part time at Cat Tales Zoological Training Center
-Phlebotomist / Washington State Dept. of Health, Health Care Asst. Certificate
Brandy Martin – Instructor
• Background
-B.S. Biology, Angelo State University
-Volunteer at Cat Tales Zoological Training Center since approximately 1996
-Manager of Cat Tales Zoological Training Center from 2004-2005
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 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. See Fee Schedule, p.8. All work tools, and related training aids which are germane to the course are furnished by the school. For both animal and human security, Audio & Video Surveillance Equipment is used throughout the zoo property in both public and staff areas. Smile!
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 into the program. Cat Tales Zoological Training Center has established a grading system to ensure that the students graduated will have developed the skills needed to succeed in their chosen field. During the program, students are evaluated for vocational quality and efficiency. Grades are based on practical skills, teamwork, attendance and assignments. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to advance to the next quarter. Students are evaluated daily, reviewed for practical skill advancement monthly, and graded quarterly on performance and attendance.
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 consists of 480 practical clock hours broken down into 12 weeks of 40 hours per week. Students will be required to be on the zoo grounds for a maximum of (10) ten hours per day. This includes two (2) 15 minute rest breaks and one (1) 30 minute lunch break during the day. Employment or opposing work schedules are not recommended as they may interfere with progress in the program. Students will receive one week off each quarter (either during or between quarters). The scheduling of such time off must be approved by the instructors. Also, other time off for special circumstances may be arranged at the discretion of the instructors and will be considered on an “as needed” basis. Clock hours must be kept current regardless of time off granted. 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 described in the “Official Termination Date” section of page 8.
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 $50.00 to the admissions office, located at the same address as the park.
3. Request and return a copy of your transcripts for both your high school (or a copy of G.E.D. completion) and any previous college(s) attended, to the admissions office. Proof of technical status will suffice, if practical.
4. Submit three (3) letters of recommendation from employers or teachers for the program.
5. Submit proof of a recent physical examination, tetanus shot and tuberculosis test.
6. The last step to acceptance is an in person or phone interview that will determine the acceptance or rejection of the applicant. Prior to the personal interview all of the above mentioned items must be on file at the Zoological Training Center. (It is advisable to find out if those things are on file, after mailing them off.)
7. Final notice of your acceptance (or refusal) will be sent to you in letter form. Any specific requirements of applicants will be included.
Fee Schedules
* Registration Fee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$ 50.00
* Park Outreach / Show Fleece (required) (non refundable once received) -----------------------$ 85.00
* Name Tag (required) (non refundable once received) ------------------------------------------------ $ 10.00
* Zookeeper Work Pack (required) (non refundable once received) ------------------------------- $ 85.00
* Books & Classroom Materials (required) (non refundable once received) --------------------$ 275.00
Tuition per Quarter/Course ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1,695.00
Four quarters to complete the program (4 x $ 1,695.00) = $ 6,780.00
TOTAL COST OF THE COMPLETED PROGRAM -------------------------------------------------$ 7,280.00
* ONE TIME COST FOR THESE ITEMS - NON REFUNDABLE ONCE RECEIVED
Calendar
Quarters generally begin the last week of June, September, December, and March. The park operates 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. When main subject classes/practical skills courses are held in the evening, they are generally held on Thursdays. At times, homework assignments are heavy and access to a computer is a necessity. Students are frequently scheduled to begin their days in the fall, summer and spring at 7:00 a.m.. Winter hours vary depending on the weather. Weekly indoor or outdoor classes continue on throughout the year.
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 BEFORE ENTERING CLASS:
(1) A full refund of all money paid if the applicant is not accepted by the school;
(2) A full refund of all money paid if the applicant withdraws not later than midnight on the fifth business day (excluding Sundays and holidays) after signing the contract or making an initial payment, providing that the applicant has not commenced training;
(3) After five business days (excluding Sundays and holidays), the school may retain an established registration fee equal to ten percent of the total tuition cost, or one hundred dollars, whichever is less. "Registration fee" refers to any fee, however named, covering those expenses incurred by an institution in processing student applications and establishing a student records system;
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, and a photo copy of personal identification (i.e. driver’s license, passport) to Cat Tales Zoological Training Center, 17020 N. Newport Hwy, Mead, WA 99021. Students who have satisfied all financial obligations currently due the school may obtain one transcript free of charge. Subsequent copies are $25.00. Student grades are kept on file for a minimum of fifty years.
Course Description
Basic Program
The basic program consists of 48 weeks at 40 hours per week. It is set up as a system of 4 quarters each containing 12 weeks. Nineteen hundred twenty (1,920) hours are required to complete the program. Each successive quarter will continue to refine and expand the training of the previous quarter.
Introduction to Zookeeping
In the first quarter (first 12 week block), students will learn, through classes and practical (hands on) training, 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 various 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.
Main subjects are taught through a combination of classes and practical (hands on) training throughout the program. Successful completion of all course subjects is required for advancement.
Leadership in Zookeeping
The second quarter emphasizes leadership in zookeeping and training in protected and/or free 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, in 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 training 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 subjects is required for advancement.
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 throughout 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.
Small Zoo Management
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. Students will proceed to refine and expand the training of the previous quarters. Subject courses and practical training will continue.
Main Subjects
Main subjects are taught throughout the program with the most intensive study during the first three quarters. Main subjects count toward the required graduation hours. The contents of the main subject classes are updated to provide the current standards of the animal care industry, including rules and regulations. Main subjects may vary slightly as current emphasis fluctuates to meet the educational needs of the students. The main subjects are taught through a combination of classroom work and practical training (hands on).
A general overview of instruction follows:
Anatomy and Senses
The anatomy and senses of a variety of animals housed on site are explored as it relates to their health and welfare. This study includes, but is not limited to, vision, hearing, smell, tongue and taste, tactile inputs and pelage. The observation of the different species is applied throughout the program from birth or acquisition of the animal, during daily interaction or husbandry, during veterinary procedures, and, when available, post mortem.
Behavior and Communication
Vocal and non-vocal behavior and communication including body posture, scent marking, conspecific communication, stimulus relationship, positive and negative behaviors, and keeper behavior or interaction as it relates to animal communication are the emphasis of this class. Concurrent observations are discussed.
Enrichment
Discussion includes both behavioral and environmental enrichment, the positive and the negative aspects of each. During the lecture/workshop/training, all relative aspects of enrichment are explored concerning natural or artificial enrichment, thinking through what you are offering the animal and why, the possible health consequences, activity period, possessive aggression as it relates to other animals in the exhibit or surrounding area, public appearance, and cleanup. The implementation of enrichment is an ongoing part of this study.
Environmental Education
This area includes the many ways to educate the public, from toddlers to senior citizens, concerning zoo animals, their environments in captivity and the wild, and the relationships, concerns and concepts that the public will take away from the educational experience. Helpful instruction is given concerning large tours and educational expectations.
Evolution and Taxonomy
This interactive class, including a hands-on session(s), discovers the development of the feline skull structure from the Smilodon fatalis to modern felines. In depth discussion compares the difference of brain size, jaw structure, dentition, and skeletal structure including vertebrae and limbs.
Exhibit Construction and Maintenance
The basics of exhibit design are discussed including budget, space requirements, construction materials, substrate, shelter and/or housing, furniture, water features, bedding and off exhibit areas. All students are required to participate in the construction of an exhibit while attending the school. Depending on the time(s) of year this subject is taught, immediate participation is often necessary, or if taught in the middle of winter, practical use of this class is delayed until warmer weather. The proper use of power tools is taught on an as needed basis.
Field Research
This presentation covers current projects in the field of animal care including, but not limited to, in-situ and ex-situ conservation research. This class is often taught by a guest speaker or speakers with expertise in a particular field of research as it relates to the program.
Growth and Development
Instruction is dedicated to neonatal care protocols including parturition and maternal behavior, guidelines for selected hand rearing; exhibit, environmental and social factors; neonatal and maternal problems; conditioning and preventive medicine; hand-rearing philosophy; maternal and neonatal examinations; nursery husbandry; emergency care and medical problems; vaccinations; nursery procedures; housing and record keeping; feeding; sanitation; handling and future problems of hand reared animals.
Handling and Training for TV and Movies
A general overview of how animals are trained, the time and dedication required, insurance, travel time, housing, permits, regulatory agencies, fees, contracts and payment, animal stress related behaviors, uncooperative talent, producers or directors, and the need to put the animal’s welfare first are explored. The expectations concerning animals and keepers/handlers with on site film crews are instructed when there is a current opportunity or it is relevant.
Husbandry and Management
This subject is covered weekly and involves instruction on the daily husbandry and management of the animals at the zoo to be put into practical use. New animals, new exhibits, changes in weather and environments, births and deaths, and health concerns are just a few of the items discussed as conditions constantly change. Meetings are held to inform the students of any issues or changes in that day’s, or future, animal husbandry or management.
Job Search and Presentation
This subject is a comprehensive review of what employers are looking for including dedication, work ethic, animal knowledge, adherence to zoo protocol, safety requirements and a positive attitude. It’s not whom you know, but what you do that makes you a good employee. With potential employers facing a sea of resumes for a job opening, this class teaches that the biggest challenges when seeking employment is how to make your resume attract attention, be informative, intelligent, and to the point. Research of the potential facility and the format of a cover letter are also discussed.
Leash training – Feline
Protected and/or free contact, basic reinforcement training, “force creates force”, preparation of the animal, handler, back-up, site and guests, related tools or props, commonly used commands, follow through, and record keeping are discussed. This class and the implementation of skills taught fluctuate with the current collection and/or relevant animals available for training. Whenever it is possible, hands-on training of a feline is included in this study, but is not guaranteed due to the nature of the “beast” and current regulations or protocol, and student’s level of advancement. Practical skills taught can be transferred to many other mammals including canines and hoof stock for development and practice.
Nutrition and Food Preparation
The current protocol for diet preparation and delivery is covered including sanitation, safety, food storage, and USDA expectations and regulations. The proper use of supplements, the nutrition composition of food fed, including how and why, record keeping, and how consumption relates to fecal matter are also instructed. Necessary changes in daily nutrition and food preparation as they relate to a particular animal are updated and discussed frequently.
Operant Conditioning
This instruction includes, but is not limited to, types of learning, reinforcement and motivation, species specific constraints on learning, critical or sensitive periods, husbandry training procedures, training of elephants and marine mammals, how to train or condition a mammal, species differences in effective training and reinforcement, the how and why of behavioral engineering in zoos, and animal demonstrations. An interactive “clicker” training workshop and demonstration or instructional video(s) are an extension of this class.
Outreach Programs
The lecture includes many scenarios involving outreach and educational programs. Subjects covered include booking, arrival time, set-up, subject matter, animals and keepers, safety, displays, hands-on items, attention spans, hand-outs, questions and answers, if and when to allow animal contact, and payment. A workshop to structure and design an outreach or educational program enhances the student’s ability to think through an education based program.
Public Relations
Instruction covers proper business protocol and common sense as it relates to the public relations of a zoological park. Emphasis is placed on personal appearance, cleanliness and maintenance of the grounds, first impressions, managing the ticket booth and gift shop, how to do an educational tour, proper language use, and other aspects of a good public image. Zoo protocol for public related emergency situations or disgruntled guests is also covered.
Record Keeping and Evaluation
The importance of accurate and legible recordkeeping is the emphasis of this class. Discussion includes, but is not limited to, daily health records, medications administered, behavioral observations, dietary records, medical observations, animal enrichment, incident reports, and inventory. Also covered is how to use these records as an evaluation tool as it relates to the daily care of the animals.
Rehabilitation and Release
Cat Tales is a licensed rehabilitation facility for the State of Washington. Discussed are the rules and regulations regarding licensing, the care, feeding, and handling of orphaned wildlife, the high mortality rate, quarantine, release sights, funding, staffing, and veterinary requirements. This class is often based on animals currently housed for rehabilitation and the format may change due to updated regulations. When time permits, current rescue and/or relocation of an animal or animals that the zoo is involved with are covered.
Veterinary Science – Feline
When veterinarians need to work with exotic animals the role of the keeper is to inform the veterinarian of health and behavior issues, medications and their administration. Most importantly, the role of the keeper is to protect the safety of the veterinarian. Keepers are the link between the animal and the veterinarian as they are familiar with the animal and it’s behaviors or history. Also covered in this class is the set up of necessary equipment, securing of the animal, proper record keeping of the procedure, medications given, vital signs, and follow through observations after sedation and recovery. During the course of the program this class may be reinforced or put into practical use due to a veterinary procedure that involves an animal on site. Information is also given concerning medication administration as it pertains to the animals in the current collection.
Zoos and Aquariums
The ethical and welfare issues associated with keeping wild animals in captivity are incorporated in a discussion. The history of Zoological Parks, current missions of zoos as they relate to exhibits, education and conservation, and the costs and benefits as they relate to animal welfare is covered. When available, guest speakers will share personal information concerning facilities with which they are associated.
Zoo Regulations
General USDA regulations are discussed with specifics to the animals on site. A detailed question and answer sheet is part of the workshop, as is a zoo walk through in teams to look for any items that could be in violation of USDA standards. The goal of the walk through is to inspire the students to be knowledgeable concerning acceptable and possible non-acceptable responsibilities in the care of the animals and related regulations.
Zoo Science
This instruction covers the implementation of observations, descriptions, identification and corresponding discussions of natural phenomena including extraordinary things, occurrences, or persons as they relate to animal care in a zoological setting. The subjects explored range from birth, sudden illness, death, weather, natural and human caused disasters, non-typical animal behavior, climate and seasons, unexplained or unknown animal history or behavior, to keeper influenced behaviors. This is an ongoing discussion as we prepare for the unknown or debrief on a situation or occurrence.
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?
