Q. What type of prior education background do I need?

A. All students must have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Q. I am considering your school after I graduate from high school. Are there any courses I can take in high school that would better prepare me for your program?

A. Courses in Earth Science or Biology would be beneficial but not required.

Q. What type of degree or certificate do I receive after graduation?

A. Upon the successful completion of the 12 months of training, all graduates receive a diploma certifying they are a Graduate of Professional Studies as a Professional Zookeeper.

Q. Do you accept foreign students?

A. Yes, however they must be bilingual in English (spoken & written).

Q. What is the weather like in the Pacific Northwest?

A. The Spokane area has a full four seasons. Winters vary from year to year but will average out with moderate snow fall and temperatures in the 20 to 40 degree Fahrenheit range. The extreme cold range will reach into the lower teens on occasion. The summer months will average in the 80's but will reach into the upper 90's on occasion.

Q. What is the Spokane area like in general?

A. Spokane is a paradise for anyone who likes the outdoors. There are numerous lakes and mountains in the area plus excellent snow skiing in the winter. For more information on the region, click here.

Q. What type of housing is available, is housing hard to find, and what is the average cost?

A. There is everything from rooms for rent to apartments and houses. There are many apartment complex within just a few minutes drive from the Park, and availability is good. A one bedroom apartment will average in the $300 to $450 range.

Q. Will I need a car or can I take the local transit to school?

A. A car is suggested since the local transit currently ends it's route 5 miles from the Park.

Q. Are jobs easy to find after graduation?

A. We currently have zoos and other animal related facilities contacting us on a regular basis wanting to contact upcoming graduates regarding employment. The Park has an excellent reputation with our peers and they look forward to having well trained zookeepers available for positions.

Q. Are there internships available at this time?

A. Currently no internships are available.

Q. Are student loans available for your program?

A. Not at this time as the cost for setting up such a program is prohibitive for facility which does not receive any governmental support. We prefer to focus the Park's revenue on improvements to the school and the Park itself. The animals come before a loan program; sorry.

Q. Does prior experience at an animal related facility help my chances of acceptance to your program?

A. No. Since we find some people come to the school with preconceived ideas or bad habits which actually prove to be a handicap. This program is designed to teach you the correct way to care for animals under various conditions. You will learn how to work within a budget and work hard. The real world does not operate under ideal circumstances with unlimited funds. Some of our prior students have previously worked at facilities with million dollar budgets and no accountability for spending. Nice dream but not practical in the actually day to day world normal facilities must operate. We teach you how to care for the animals in a real situation, not live in a fantasy world "as seen on television".

Q. When should I apply?

A. You should send in your application as soon as you are sure this is the direction you wish to take with your future career.

The enrollment is limited and the potential student applications are reviewed and accepted in the order in which they are received.