Cat Tales Wildlife Academy
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"I thank Cat Tales for allowing me to have such a wonderful career!"

- Elena Bauske Khalar


Zoo Technology Education


"Zoo Tech"​ is the collection of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in zookeeping, the related basic tools and scientific investigation.
Zoological Technology & Nonprofit Operations Program
​--Course Overview--
The Zoological Technology Program (Zoo Tech) is designed to develop animal related skills and the supporting people relationships inherent to success in a professional animal care setting. Understanding the backbone and front side of a nonprofit organization is an important part of the program.
 
Zoo Tech 1.0 is the all-inclusive beginning to understanding people/animal relationships and the role of public relations and teamwork in professional animal care. It is broken down into 2 parts that are taught consecutively. For ease of understanding what is covered in Zoo Tech 1.0, the descriptions are divided into two parts.
 
     Introduction to Zoological Technology and Nonprofit Operations
 
The Zoo Tech 1.0 course consists of 24 clock hour weeks at 30 hours per week. A minimum of 720 hours of practical internship training is required to complete the Zoo Tech 1.0 course.
 
In the Zoo Tech 1.0 – Introduction to Zoological Technology instruction and applied skills, students will learn through classes and practical internship 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, animal enrichment, back-up and lead zoo keeping, and related government regulations.
 
In the Zoo Tech 1.0 – Introduction to Nonprofit Operations instruction and applied skills, students will learn through classes and practical internship training, various aspects of basic nonprofit zoo support and operations including, but not limited to, public relations, fund raising, 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 internship training throughout the program. 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. Successful completion of all course subjects is required for advancement.
 
     Leadership in Zoological Technology and Nonprofit Operations
 
Zoo Tech 2.0 – Leadership in Zoological Technology and Nonprofit Operations
Prerequisite Zoo Tech 1.0, or Equivalent Experience (To be determined by the Review and Acceptance Committee)
 
Zoo Tech 2.0 – Leadership in Zoological Technology and Nonprofit Operations covers more advanced study and implementation of the skills taught in Zoo Tech 1.0 with the concentration on Leadership skills and an introduction to Small Zoo Management. The management skills taught can be utilized in many business applications as the student will learn a comprehensive background to the structure of an animal/people related nonprofit. For ease of understanding what is covered in Zoo Tech 2.0, the descriptions are divided into 2 parts and are taught consecutively.
 
The Zoo Tech 2.0 course consists of 24 clock-hour weeks at 30 hours per week. A minimum of 720 hours of practical internship training is required to complete the Zoo Tech 2.0 course.
 
In the Zoo Tech 2.0 – Leadership in Zoological Technology instruction and applied skills, students will learn through classes and practical internship training, professional animal care as a Lead Zoo Keeper. Classes and practical internship training will review instruction covered in Zoo Tech 1.0. Using the animals located at the Park for illustration of technique, students will implement the training of specified animals in operant conditioning in protected and/or free contact. Other areas of instruction and implementation will include, but are not limited to, advanced enrichment, field research, handling and training of program animals used in onsite and off-site conservation education programs, related neonatal and young animal care, geriatric animal concerns, veterinary science, rehabilitation for release, and employment readiness.
 
In the Zoo Tech 2.0 – Leadership in Nonprofit Operations instruction and applied skills, students will learn through classes and practical internship training, aspects of Zoological Management including, but not limited to, nonprofit fund raising, public education and relations, staffing and scheduling, volunteer training, local, regional and federal regulations, licensing, inspections, acquisition and disposition of the animal collection, advanced record keeping, networking, inventory, zoo science, and emergency protocol.
 
Successful completion of Zoo Tech 1.0 (or equivalent) and Zoo Tech 2.0 are required for Graduation and to acquire the Certificate of Achievement – Zoological Technology & Nonprofit Operations.
​

Cat Tales Wildlife Academy
Formerly Cat Tales Zoological Training Center

(509) 238-4126              mail@cattales.org
17020 N Newport Hwy, Mead, WA 99021

Professional Zookeeper Program
​Tuition and Fees
​Career Opportunities
​Facilities Information
​Is This Program for You?
​Admission and Enrollment
​Program Application
​Student Records on File
​Former Students
​Our Graduates
Attendance Requirements
​Attendance Calendar
​Conduct Requirements
Grading System
​Official Termination Date

  • HOME
  • Professional Zookeeper Program
    • Career Opportunities
  • Admission and Enrollment
    • Program Application
    • Student Records on File
  • Attendance Requirements
    • Attendance Calendar
    • Conduct Requirements
    • Grading System
  • Tuition and Fees
  • A Keeper's Day
    • Our Graduates