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The objective of the ZAS program is to provide training in the care and conservation of wildlife. Another key component of this program is conservation through public education, in order to promote positive action by others. There are no prerequisites among the courses, they may be taken in any order.
Certification from ABI requires satisfactory completion of 15 credit hours or a program of five certificate courses. Certification demonstrates mastery of all material in the program. Course requirements for the Zoo & Aquarium Science program are shown below.
1. Exotic Animal Conservation and Management
2. Husbandry and Record keeping
3. Animal Nutrition, Health & Disease
4. Environmental Education & Outreach
5. One of the following behavior courses:
All courses are taught on a ten week, trimester basis.
Exotic Animal Conservation & Management
In this course we will explore population management from a regional and global perspective. Conservation efforts, including Species Survival Plans (SSP), will be reviewed with an emphasis on the roles of zoos and aquariums. Education, captive breeding, natural reintroduction, endangered species protection, and human-animal conflict will be covered with respect to their impact on population management.
Text: Wild Mammals in Captivity by D.G. Kleiman, M.E. Allen, K.V. Thompson, and S. Lumpkin
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Husbandry and Record keeping
Proper management of wild animals in captivity requires a thorough understanding of both general principles of care and specific husbandry practices. Furthermore, proper communication, often via record keeping, is also a key component of animal care and welfare. We will review methods of tracking and maintaining quality data on all aspects of husbandry.
Text: Wild Mammals in Captivity by D.G. Kleiman, M.E. Allen, K.V. Thompson, and S. Lumpkin
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Animal Nutrition, Health & Disease
This course in animal health will review pathology and the disease process. However, prevention is the key to animal health, and proper nutrition is the cornerstone of that process. Thus, we will review general principles of nutrition and then explore the impact of ecology and life history on nutritional requirements across the animal kingdom.
Text: Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician, by B. Ballard & R. Cheek, Blackwell Publishing, 2003
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Environmental Education & Outreach
Gone is the day when animal care staff could work in isolation, ignoring the public and leaving educational efforts to others. Today's keepers are a vital part of environmental education. Through keeper talks, shadowing, and formal presentations the animal care staff at nearly all institutions contribute to the public's understanding of animal care and conservation. This course will provide guidance in producing effective talks, presentations and graphics - helping you to effectively reach your audience.
Text: Conservation Education & Outreach Techniques by S.K. Jacobson
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Animal Training
We will explore operant conditioning and the basic principles of animal psychology and learning theory. Students will learn how to use these principles to train domestic and exotic animals and improve their captive husbandry and psychological well being.
Text: Essentials of Conditioning & Learning (3rd ed.) by M. Domjan and Don't Shoot the Dog (2nd ed.) by K. Pryor
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Animal Enrichment
Behavioral and environmental enrichment will be explored in a comprehensive approach. This will include an overview of animals’ psychological needs, a systematic approach for coupling enrichment solutions to animal problems, practical suggestions on design and application, and a discussion of assessment and long-term application. Major components of enrichment will be reviewed with respect to the Animal Welfare Act and the principles of animal management.
Text: Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals by R. Young
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Behavior & Training of Marine Mammals
We will explore how operant conditioning and training techniques can be used to train a variety of marine mammals, such as dolphins, orcas, sea lions and sea otters. The course will also include a discussion of the field of marine mammal training and tips for breaking into this competitive field.
Text: Whales With Fur: "How to train any animal using dolphin training techniques" by Pete Davey and "A dolphin in front of you" also by Pete Davey
Optional but recommended: "Animal Training: Successful Animal Management Through Positive Reinforcement" by Ken Ramirez
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