Programme summary

Career opportunities

Courses & timetables

Admission requirements

4, 120 1.0
Distance learning for one year (including work experience and three compulsory block courses)
Starts February
Approximately 45 places
by 1 October
Mt Albert campus
Semester dates for 2013:
15 February - 22 November

NZ$5484 (Approximate fee only, find out more about the costs of study)

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Programme summary

Want to work with zoo animals? Equip yourself with the knowledge and practical skills needed to care for captive wild animals. Gain real industry experience and contacts at an approved zoo facility within New Zealand.

Always wanted to work with exotic animals? This programme can turn your dream of working in the zoo industry into reality. Develop your knowledge and understanding of feeding, safety and hygiene practices, natural behaviours, enrichment and life histories. Learn to recognise and respond to health issues and emergency situations involving captive wild animals. Investigate the role of captive wild animal facilities in society, historically and the present day, and explore the impact of zoos on conservation, both locally and globally.

Highlights

• The only qualification in New Zealand that can train you to become a zookeeper.
• Recognised by all the main zoos in New Zealand as the entry-level qualification to work in this industry.
• 280 hours of work experience at an approved zoological park where you can apply what you've learnt to the practical husbandry of a wide variety of exotic species.
• Take part in three block courses of up to five days in Auckland, learning crucial skills and gaining knowledge in face-to-face lectures, meeting students from other zoos around New Zealand and attending field trips at Auckland Zoo.
• Lecturers who have many years' experience in the zoo industry and associated disciplines, and continue to work closely with these industries.

 

Last edited: 28 August 2012