Cat Tales Wildlife Academy

Expert Zoological Education

Train to be one of the best at the only school that offers training 
on all aspects of zoo operations and professional animal care.
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    • Grading System
  • Tuition and Fees
  • A Keeper's Day
    • Our Graduates

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One of a Kind Zookeeper Training and Education

Cat Tales Zoological Training Center is an internationally recognized, licensed vocational school. The Zookeeper Training Programs are one of a kind in its practical instruction and employable skills training. Cat Tales offers a yearlong program divided into two areas of instruction and applied skills.  As a student of zoological studies, you will be exposed to the principals that define zookeeping, public relations, leadership and management as well as detailed education regarding the science and care of living beings.  ​
Lower Tuition Rates for 2017
School Catalog
Enrollment Application
Your instruction will begin with learning Introduction to Zookeeping and Zoo Public Relations, the first half of our program. Students will learn through classes, workshops, and practical training, basic husbandry and management of zoo animals, using the animals located at the Zoo for illustration of technique. This includes; 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. Also, various aspects of basic zoo operations including; public relations, fund raising, retail sales, public education, exhibit and grounds maintenance, construction and horticulture. This training is accomplished on the Zoo grounds.
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Afterwards you will directly begin education in Leadership in Zookeeping and Small Zoo Management, the second half of the program. Students are taught through classes, workshops, and vigorous training, professional animal care as a Senior Keeper. Using the animals located at the Zoo 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 include; enrichment, field research, handling and training for television, movies and/or outreach; neonatal care, leash training, veterinary science and rehabilitation and release. Also, aspects of Small Zoo Management including; 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, and emergency protocol.

All graduates receive a certificate of Professional Zookeeper, and leave with an education that offers them dozens of open doors within the zoological and animal rescue community.

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