A Look at the Program

 

About the Park Itself

The Cat Tales - ZTC is located on a four acre wooded site north of Spokane, Washington in the rural suburb of Mead. The Park is arranged for easy access for the public, providing a walk through pathway in close proximity to the animals habitats. The habitats themselves are designed to be as natural as possible. The staff and students spend the majority of their time outdoors in the Park. This provides the best learning environment for animal observations and hands on experience. Classroom time is held in the main school office building.

 

Course Description

Basic Program
The basic program consists of 48 clock hour weeks at 32 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 1,536 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 Zoo 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 Zoo 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 on a twelve-month rotational basis. (See end of program description for list of Main Subject Classes). Main subject classes are held in the evening and 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 Zoo (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 on a one-year rotational basis. Main subject classes are held in the evening and 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 Course Subjects

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. Homework is required and to be expected.

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

 

 

 

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