Begin Your Career in Wildlife Care & Management
The Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program at Cat Tales Wildlife Academy is a hands-on training program designed to prepare students for professional opportunities in animal care, wildlife management, and conservation education.
Students develop practical skills through structured training within a working wildlife sanctuary and teaching zoo, gaining experience in animal husbandry, behavior observation, safety protocols, facility operations, and public education.
The program combines applied learning, supervised practical training, and supplemental coursework to prepare students for the realities of working in professional animal care environments.
Program Highlights
Animal Care & Husbandry
Develop practical skills in feeding, cleaning, enrichment, behavior observation, and animal welfare support.
Wildlife Management & Conservation Education
Build an understanding of wildlife management principles, biodiversity, species preservation, and conservation-focused public education.
Facility Operations & Safety
Learn operational procedures, protected contact safety protocols, record-keeping, habitat maintenance, and professional workplace expectations.
Public Education & Nonprofit Operations
Explore communication strategies, conservation messaging, and the operational structure of nonprofit wildlife organizations.
Certificate Program Structure
The Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon successful completion of:
Part One — Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations
Weeks 1–24 • 720 Hours
Students build foundational skills in:
- animal husbandry
- wildlife care
- enrichment
- safety protocols
- facility operations
- behavior observation
- public education
Training combines hands-on experience with supplemental coursework in a structured wildlife care environment.
Part Two — Advanced Zookeeping & Wildlife Management
Weeks 25–48 • 720 Hours
Building on foundational training, students develop advanced skills in:
- wildlife management
- leadership
- geriatric animal support
- habitat management
- conservation education
- nonprofit operations
- public engagement
Students participate in advanced practical training activities while continuing to develop professionalism, communication, and operational skills.
Real-World Training Environment
Training takes place within Cat Tales Wildlife Center, a functioning wildlife sanctuary and teaching zoo housing rescued wildlife, large carnivores, and native species requiring long-term care.
Students work within protected contact safety protocols while developing practical experience applicable to a variety of animal care and wildlife management settings.
Explore the Academy
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