Zoo & Aquarium Science Certificate
Zoo Specialization, 15 credits/30 CEUs

The objective of the Zoo and Aquarium Science program is to provide training in the care and conservation of wildlife. Our program includes a comprehensive approach to the proper care and management of wild animals, including exotics and native wildlife. It is the ideal complement to a degree in biology or animal sciences - where coverage of husbandry, care and behavior is often limited to domestic species. Our certificate consists of five courses (15 credits) in conservation, husbandry, nutrition, behavior, training, and public education. Certification demonstrates mastery of all material in the program. There are no prerequisites; courses may be taken in any order.

Zoo & Aquarium Science is our only program that includes a choice of specializations within the certificate: the Zoo Specialization (described below) or the Aquarium Specialization.

Zoo & Aquarium Science Certificate
Zoo Specialization

*The following courses may be substituted for ABI 222 Animal Enrichment.

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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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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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: Optional: "Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician", by B. Ballard & R. Cheek, Blackwell Publishing

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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 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 Optional but recommended: "Second Nature: Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals", D.J. Shepherdson (ed.)

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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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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.

Texts (2): "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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