Lesson Structure: Diploma in Zoo Keeping VEN022

There are 3 Compulsory Modules: 

1  Animal Health Care VAG100

• 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….

2  Animal Behaviour BAG203

• 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….

3  Zoo Keeping BEN208

• 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….

2  Animal Breeding BAG301

• 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….

5  Aquarium Management

• 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….

6  Carnivore Zoology

• 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….

8  Herpetology

• 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….

9  Marine Studies I BEN103

• 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….

11 Vertebrate Zoology BEN104

• 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….

13 Wildlife Management BEN205

• 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.

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

Currently we have the Primate Naturalist: Karin Saks, studying our Primatology course, one of the elective modules in the Diploma. Karin has been fostering and rehabilitating orphan baboons, caring for injured monkeys returned to the wild, plus promoting a harmonious co-existence between primates and humans since 1997. She also founded The Darwin Primate Group as a non-profit organisation in 2008 and in 2014, moved to Kwazulu Natal to research the endangered samango monkey populations in the Midlands.

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.

Possible zoo keeping jobs include working in:

• Small and large zoos and safari parks
• Privately and charitably run establishments
• Sea Zoos and Aquariums