This one's a keeper!
Next offered:
Spring 2014, location/dates TBD
(Offered in the spring of even years.)
Course Description
Advances in Animal Keeping covers the essentials of animal keeping across all taxa. The course focuses on the very highest standards in animal husbandry, in combination with problem solving, team building and interpersonal skills. You will engage with professional colleagues and apply what you learn back at your home institution. The goal of this course is to motivate and retain animal care professionals within our industry and to elevate the standards of animal care in AZA zoos and aquariums.
In-class discussion, exchange of ideas with animal care colleagues, small group activities, and question-and-answer sessions all enable students to analyze trends, to think critically, to evaluate problems and propose solutions, and to communicate effectively with other members of their organization.
Advances in Animal Keeping is a cooperative effort between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).
Tuition & Expenses
Early Bird Rates:
$950 for AZA Individual Members & AAZK Members
$1,050 for Non-members
Regular Rates:
$1050 for AZA Individual Members & AAZK Members
$1,150 for Non-members
The AZA registration fee above covers only tuition for the course. Other expenses include hotel, travel, and meals.
Scholarship funding is available through a competitive process.
Target Audience
This course is targeted toward currently employed animal care professionals. Curricula will be challenging for individuals new to the field of zoo keeping and is designed for those who have zoo/aquarium animal care experience.
Prerequisites
None. Priority will be given to AZA members and AAZK members. International applicants and those not affiliated with an AZA accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis; please submit a letter describing your intended benefit from taking this course.
Course Registration
Checks sent for course payment will be cashed immediately upon receipt as per standard business practices. Cashing your check does not indicate that you have been accepted into a course. You will receive an acceptance email or waitlist email once acceptance decisions are made.
Travel & Accommodations
Toledo Express Airport (TOL) is the closest airport, but can be more expensive. Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is an economical alternative, about an hour drive from Toledo.
Course participants stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Maumee, Ohio and are transported to the Toledo Zoo in vans for class each day.
Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will reserve an email containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.
Course Topics & Instructors
Animal Husbandry
• Animal Behavior (training, enrichment, observational skills)
• Horticulture
• Handling & Restraint
• Regulations
• Reproduction, Pest Control
• Animal Shipments
• Water Quality
• Nutrition
• Geriatric Care
• Veterinary Overview
Problem-Solving
• Practical Exhibit Design
• Safety
• Crisis Management
• Nutrition
• Research Skills
Communication
• Team-building
• Conflict resolution
• Training
• Talking with management
• Working with volunteers
• Talking to the media
• The keeper’s role in education
Jacque Blessington, Zookeeper - Kansas City Zoo
Dr. Robert Davis, President & CEO - Zoological Society of Milwaukee
Dr. Chris Hanley, Chief Veterinarian - Toledo Zoo
Shane Good, Zookeeper - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Jay Hemdal, Curator of Fishes & Invertebrates - Toledo Zoo
Beth Posta, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry & Research - Toledo Zoo
Course Schedule
Questions?
For additional details please contact the AZA Professional Development Department or call (301) 562-0777.