Hi, I am considering the possibility of pursuing the zoo keeper career path and have been looking at working at a local zoo. Although, to be a zoo keeper there you need a minimum of higher education qualification or degree level in zoo animal management/ zoological related science. In your experience, would this diploma count?
Hello Conor.
Thank you for your question. Hopefully you were able to read the preamble to the course, which has been carefully researched to highlight the attributes that zoos and safari parks look for in an employee and how this Diploma will help you to acquire them. There is no magic bullet to getting into zoo keeping, but there are things you can do to maximise your chances. This diploma is part of a process of helping you to stand out from other interviewees at an interview. Unlike many other applicants, you will have a dedicated zoo keeping diploma, forming part of your attraction to a potential employer.
The reasons you should take this diploma are:
- Our courses have been developed and updated over 25+ years with the needs of employers in mind
- The diploma will teach you what you need to know to become a zoo keeper
- You will be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of zoo keeping and how to apply it to real life situations
- Your diploma will be endorsed and issued by an Ofqual recognised organisation
- You will receive a transcript of what you learned to show to a potential employer
You may consider taking at least one specialised module from the program, e.g. Primatology, Herpetology, Canivore Zoology. This means that in addition to general zoo keeping expertise, you will also be able to offer a zoo or safari park that little bit extra. Employers like to see a wide range of experience, knowledge and transferable skills when looking for a new person to join their team, so the more you can show them that you have these, the better your chances of being offered a position.
With this point in mind, you will also need hands-on experience of working with animals on a voluntary basis, be able to demonstrate an understanding of what commitment is required, plus convince the interviewer that you have the right personal qualities to become a zoo keeper.
I hope that this answers your questions Conor.
Best regards
Andrew.
Hello, What qualifications will I get after this course and what career can I start once i've completed it?
Hello Millie,
Thank you for getting in touch. This course will give you a Diploma in Zoo Keeping, endorsed and issued by a recognised organisation.It is designed for those who either work in, or wish to work in the captive animal field, including Zoos, Safari Parks and circuses.
Ask a question
Zoo Keeping 600 Hours Diploma
Diploma in Zoo Keeping course online. Study the Diploma in Zoo Keeping by distance learning. This home study course will provide you with flexible learning experiences that will help start you on your way to a career in zoos and safari parks.
As a Zoo Keeper, you will probably work with one breed of animal, or species of animals such as primates or reptiles. Possible zoo keeping jobs include working in:
- Small and large zoos and safari parks
- Privately and charitably run establishments
- Sea Zoos and aquaruiums
Although apprenticeships may be available, where you start off at the bottom and work your way up, zoos will often ask that you have hands on experience in working with animals, possibly as a volunteer in a safari park, zoo or animal shelter. They may also require you to have A levels or their equivalent in animal care and/or animal science disciplines. Zoo keeper salaries range from around £12,000 to £25,000 a year, for a 37 - 40 hour week, spread over 7 days and probably spanning 365 days of the year.
As a qualified Zoo keeper, you may have to undertake the following tasks on a daily basis:
- The preparation of food, plus the feeding of your assigned animal
- Maintaining cleanliness of the pen or cage and checking for any damage or wear and tear
- Changing bedding
- Ensuring that the animals's enclosure is as near to it's natural living conditions as it can be
- Making sure that the animal looks well and is disease free
- Caring for the animal when it is sick
- Ensuring that the cage or pen is at the right temperature and correct humidity
- Maintaining written and/or computerised records where necessary
- Giving talks to zoo visitors
Learning Goals - Compulsory Modules: Diploma in Zoo Keeping VEN022
- To be able to describe the scope of services offered by animal care services, including veterinary practices.
- Describe common health problems in various animals, including injuries & diseases, causes of ill health problems in family pets
- Explain the natural behaviour of different types of domestic animals in different situations - natural behaviour of animals, problems in wild animals, and behaviour in domestic animals
- Identify common signs of ill health in different animals - vital signs, the healthy animal , signs & symptoms of disease , and diagnose and control of diseases
- Describe the purposes of different facilities used in veterinary practice, the contents of a first aid kit, suitable enclosures for animals
- Determine safety procedures for a veterinary practice, workplace safety issues, aspects of health and safety for veterinary practices
- Describe different administration procedures in a veterinary practice, including animal insurance, legal considerations, day to day management of a veterinary office
- Describe/select first aid procedures/treatments for different animals in response to common health problems in animals, identify types of wounds and suitable treatments
- Describe requirements for maintaining good health in domestic animals, including nutrition & preventative medicine, preventing ill health through correct management, vaccinations
- To develop an understanding of routine treatments for healthy animals such as de-sexing, managing a pregnancy and euthanasia
- To develop a broader awareness of health problems and their treatment in domestic pets, discuss ticks and tick borne diseases, Australian animals, birds, reptiles, and fish
- To develop skills in caring for animals prior to, during or after treatment, planning a recovery and animal nursing
- Determine the set elements that influence animal behaviours
- Depict how genes affect different animal reactions
- Explain how animals respond to different stimuli
- Show what environmental elements cause what types of behaviours in different animals
- State how social influences in animals affect the ways they behave with regards to aggresiveness, play, sexual behaviour and others
- Depict how animals adapt and learn
- Discuss the various effects handlling techniques have on the psychology of an animal
- Determine what constitutes as unusual or abnormal behaviour in animals (e.g psychotic, neurotic) and the different methods used to make animals independent from humans
- Describe the nature and scope of zoos as a source of education and conservation
- Develop appropriate procedures for managing occupational health and safety in a zoo, with a view to minimising risk to staff, animals and visitors
- Describe the nutritional requirements and feeding preferences of animals within zoos
- Determine health management measures required for a range of different captive zoo animals
- Describe the management of breeding in zoos
- Determine appropriate ways to manage a range of different wild animals in zoos
- Explain procedures and techniques used to manage human-animal interactions in zoos
- Identify and describe the qualities of good enclosure design. Develop maintenance programs for different enclosures
Please click on links of elective modules below to view each of their leaning goals.
Lesson Structure: Diploma in Zoo Keeping VEN022
There are 3 Compulsory Modules:
- An excellent vocational pathway towards employment in the Veterinary industry. Learn to care for the health of any type of animal and understand the scope of services offered by animal care services, including veterinary practices. This course is appropriate for anyone interested in working with animals on a farm, a wildlife park or a veterinary practice. More....
- What makes animals tick? Learn through this Home Study Animal Behaviour course. Understanding your Animals' (pets) Behaviour is the key to a happy relationship. Do they think and learn like humans? How do they adapt to their environment? Which animals have the best social life?! Learn all this and more when you study the psychology behind animal behaviour. More....
- Do you want to make sure that animals in zoological parks are healthy and happy? This course is a terrific introduction to working in zoos, safari parks, aquariums or fauna sanctuaries. You will cover many aspects of zoo work such as: Animal Welfare, Animal Care, Diet and Nutrition, Enrichment - Environmental and Feeding, Captive Breeding, Optimum Enclosure Design ,Research and Conservation and Educating the Public. More....
Now choose 3 of the Elective Modules below:
1 Animal Anatomy And Physiology (Animal Husbandry I ) BAG101
- Gain a thorough foundation knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology. This is essential for careers requiring good animal care and management. An excellent starting point for working with animals in any situation (farms, pets, zoos, wildlife, animal protection). Learn at your own pace through distance learning. More....
- Become a brilliant breeder! Learn to plan an animal breeding program, incorporating genetic theory, breeding program management and practical aspects of daily husbandry practice. This online course is relevant to all animals, from pets to farm animals and horses to wildlife. You will receive personal guidance from high qualified and experienced scientists and practitioners. More....
3 Animal Feed & Nutrition (Animal Husbandry III) BAG202
- This Online - Distance Learning course will teach you about the components needed in animal diets and the composition of a range of feeds (including pasture, fodder crops, grasses, cereals, seed and other edible plants). You will learn to evaluate feeding, select appropriate feeds (for nutritional content and digestability), and apply this to farming and captive animal situations. More....
4 Aviculture (Bird Keeping) BAG108
- With the knowledge you gain from completing this course, you will be well equipped with all the skills required to be a confident and competent Bird Keeper. Whether you just want to learn how to look after your own feathered friend (or friends) better, or want to forge a bird-related career, it is important to know how to choose the right birds that suit your individual needs, or those of a customer and how to look after them properly. More....
- Whether you choose to have a saltwater tank or a freshwater tank, you will need to take care and protect aquariums systems and equipment. This course is an excellent option for both small and big aquariums and for the amateur or the professional. Learn to manage an aquarium: Freshwater or salt, Small or large, Home, hobby or commercial applications, conservation or any other purpose. More....
- In this excellent online distance learning course in Carnivore Zoology, designed by professional carnivore experts and delivered by experienced and qualified tutors in the subject, you will learn about: Taxonomy and Evolution, Carnivore Biology, Carnivore Behaviour, Canines, Felines, Bears, Aquatic Carnivores, Mustelids and other carnivores. More....
7 Diagnosing Animal Diseases BAG219
- This course is developed to assist animal owners to decide when symptoms could indicate a serious condition, and therefore warrant calling a vet. The course will help you to recognise a disease and determine an appropriate course of action to initiate in order to obtain a diagnosis. More....
- Learn how to develop your ability to understand the biological and ecological characteristics of reptiles and amphibians. This course also covers conservation issues as well as learning how to look after them in the right manner, so that they live long and happy lives. More....
- Understand key aspects of marine environments! Build a knowledge of marine life and ecology, whether for work or general interest. The first two lessons deal with marine environments (weather, nutrient cycle, reefs, shallow and deep water environments, etc). Lessons 3 to 8 deal mostly with marine animals, particularly more complex animals, and the last lesson considers human impacts upon marine environments. More....
10 Primatology
- Learn about the taxonomy, biology and management of primate animals both in captivity and the wild. You'll learn all about the differences between species of primates and the characteristics of each. In addition this course also explains the nutritional, physical and psychological needs for keeping primates healthy in captivity and the wild. learn how to manage and breed primates in captivity and learning about conversation of primates in the wild. More....
- This course provides an opportunity to learn from industry professionals, while exploring the fundamental principles of vertebrate zoology. It will give you a thorough understanding of “higher” animals’ Zoology, Taxonomy and Biology, together with some principles on animal ecology and morphology. You will learn the essentials of Vertebrate Zoology, giving you a solid foundation to understand animals. More....
- This Wildlife Management online distance learning course is a must course for anyone who wishes to work to conserve wildlife whether it's in the wild, in zoos or working with breeding programs. Wildlife management is the manipulation of wild animal populations and their habitats for the benefit of both humans and wildlife. Wildlife management includes running parks and reserves, altering and rehabilitating wildlife habitats, pest control, protecting human life and property and managing harvests of wildlife. More....
Note: each module in the Diploma in Zoo Keeping is a Certificate in its own right, and may be studied separately.
Gain all important hands-on experience with wildlife animals, to add to your CV whilst you are studying your Zoo Keeping Diploma with ADL, or after completing it. We are very happy to be associated with GVE, which offers an unforgettable volunteer experience in South Africa with their Game Capture and Vet Experience programs.
The program fee charged for the experience also acts as the main support for GVE's non-profit clinic.
Interested in reading more information about both the Game Capture and Vet Experience programs? Then just click on the GVE logo below
Course Info | |
Course Start | Begin your course at anytime. |
Course Prerequisite | None - Our course levels are an indication of the depth of learning you should receive. They do not describe the level of difficulty. |
Course Qualification (Study Option A) | Endorsed Qualification from TQUK - Training Qualifications UK, an Ofqual Approved Awarding Organisation - Completed written assignments, plus final exam (N.B. Some courses have Final Project alternative). |
Course Qualification (Study Option B) | N/A |
Comparative Credits Information | UK Course Credits: 60 - U.S. Credit Hours: 18 - when compared to regulated courses. |
Course Duration and Deadlines | 600 hours approx. Course hours given are a guide only. Work at your own pace with no assignment deadlines or completion date. You are in control! |
Study Support | Personal tutor/mentor support from industry relevant professionals throughout your whole course. Mentors are contactable by e-mail, telephone and through the online classroom. They provide assistance with your course material, plus discuss, explain and give advice when needed. |
Suitability for Self Employment and Small Businesses | Our courses are ideal for sole traders and small business owners and their staff. Customer confidence in what you can do will determine how successful you are in getting clients. Completing one or more of our courses for the service you have to offer, will give you the tools to grow your business. |
Recognition of Your Course By Employers | We aim to achieve the correct balance between your qualification being recognised and providing you with the in-depth learning, to empower you to succeed. Select study option A when enrolling, so an employer can check the status of the awarding organisation for your qualification on the Ofqual Register. |
Recognition of Your Course By Universities | Previous students have used their qualification to get into university. However each one will have its own entrance criteria and acceptance may also depend on your other qualifications and experience. |
Designing Your Own Qualification | Bundle up your choice of related courses to form your own qualification. Choose from a Diploma (6 courses), Advanced Diploma (8 courses) and Higher Advanced Diploma (12 courses. |
How Can I Enrol? | Online via eCommerce, by completing our Online Application Form, or by calling us on +44 (0) 1227 789 649. Lines open 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays and between Christmas and New Year. |
How Can I Get a Pro-forma Invoice for my Employer? | Contact us with details and we will email your employer an invoice. We will need: employer's name, address, telephone number, email address and contact name. We will also require your name, telephone number, email address, date of birth and the course and code you wish to enrol for. |
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