Zookeeping (ZOO)

Introduces the science utilized in the field of animal management. Incorporates terminology, protocols and procedures, governing bodies, career development, and dealing with public relations. This course examines the taxonomic hierarchy of how the natural world is arranged and how various taxa are organized in the scientific community.

Introduces concepts relating to the conservation of the natural world. This course examines biodiversity and the relationships between animals and their environment. This course explores the environmental, political, economic, and sociological issues relating to the loss of biodiversity on the planet as well as efforts in place to be implemented by zoos and conservation organizations to counter those effects.

Provides a brief history of ethology, the sensory world of animals, programmed vs. learned behavior, navigation, forms of animal communication, mating and parenting behaviors. Examines how captive environments can affect behavior and how to correct stereotypic behavior. Examines how an animal’s behavior can affect conservation efforts.

This course will teach the basics of classical and operant conditioning and the shaping of animal behavior in a captive setting. Provides the information and tools on how to develop and implement training programs and condition behavior. Concentrates on the utilization of positive reinforcement techniques and troubleshoots training challenges. Explores advances in the use of training during public demonstrations.

Teaches the basics of classical and operant conditioning and the real-world application of shaping animal behavior in a captive setting. Provides the information and tools on how to develop and implement training programs and condition behavior. Concentrates on the utilization of positive reinforcement techniques and troubleshoots training challenges. Explores advances in the use of training during public demonstrations.

To be determined by the individual instructor. A Course Description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style Guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcome, and Topical Outline guidelines.

To be determined by the individual instructor. A Course Description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style Guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcome, and Topical Outline guidelines.

Requires successful completion of the Exhibit Design for Zookeepers course. Students will apply practical basics of keeper level exhibit design and renovations. Students will develop and implement changes within an existing or new exhibit using hands-on techniques and applications. Students will gain an understanding of the dynamics of building an exhibit that meets both animal needs and enables proper husbandry. Students will learn skills that enable them to construct exhibits and design components that can be incorporated into animal exhibits.

Design zoo habitats to include plant and animal specimens. Students will plan, interpret, construct, and enrich animal enclosures according to individual animal needs. Students will propagate and care for plants that will become key components for animal enclosures.

Covers zoonotic preventative medicine and veterinary zookeeping concepts and techniques. Supplies a working knowledge of a keeper’s role in exotic animal care and medicine, including the importance of nutrition. This course introduces common diseases and parasites that affect a variety of exotic animals as well as how to treat and prevent those illnesses.

Explores a wide variety of topics including but not limited to quarantine procedures, immobilization, zoonotic disease and other important aspects of veterinary animal management.

Explores the diversity of invertebrate species and the complex interactions with their environments. Examines the principles of ecology, evolution, classification, structure, and function in invertebrate species.

Studies fish biology in relation to captive care and management. Compares captive and wild populations and the differences and correlations between them. Provides a working knowledge of the care of aquatic life, including management of closed systems and the process in which proper water quality parameters are maintained.

Explores the diversity of reptile and amphibian species. This course examines the principles of phylogentics, the origin and evolution of amphibians and reptiles, the global diversity of these taxa, and their biogeography, biology, ecology, and conservation.

Teaches bird biology and husbandry and supplies the student with a working knowledge of the captive care and management of birds. Students will also study the human impacts on wild bird populations and the resulting conservation initiatives.

Studies mammalian biology and husbandry and creates a working knowledge of the captive care and management of mammals. Students will also study mammal taxonomy, reproductive physiology, preventative medicine, animal nutrition, capture and restraint, population management, enrichment, and zoo based conservation initiatives. Compares captive and wild mammal populations and the differences and correlations between them.

Exclusively explores the ungulates, in both the wild and captive settings. This intensive course will provide the student with a working knowledge of the care, management and conservation of hoofed mammals.

Explores the natural history and conservation of pachyderms. Evaluate husbandry requirements for housing pachyderms in a captive setting.

Studies captive and wild populations of “lesser” primates with regards to taxonomy, biology, morphology, adaptations, social groupings, husbandry, and conservation issues.

Explores lesser and great ape populations in both captive and wild habitats. Examines the roles zoos play in conservation initiatives for ape species. Discusses the impact apes have had on human culture. Reviews ape language studies and the ethics of housing apes in captivity.

Explores the Family Felidae, in both the wild and captive settings. This intensive course will provide the student with a working knowledge of the care, management and conservation of felids.

Explores the care and management of the Family Canidae in both captive and wild settings. Challenges in conservation efforts for animals that are both feared and revered as well as human-canine conflicts will be extensively explored.

Explore why bats, representing 20 percent of all mammalian species, are still misunderstood and maligned. This class will demystify bats as well as give students a new appreciation for this umbrella species. Wild populations and husbandry of captive populations will be covered.

This course is designed for hands-on application of training techniques and principles. Requires a live animal training subject for implementation of training skills.

To be determined by the individual instructor. A Course Description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style Guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcome, and Topical Outline guidelines.

To be determined by the individual instructor. A Course Description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style Guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcome, and Topical Outline guidelines.

Studies invertebrate biology in relation to captive care and management. Compares captive and wild populations and the differences and correlations between them. Provides a working knowledge of the care of aquatic and terrestrial life, including management of large population invertebrate collections.

Studies herpetology as it relates to the housing of captive herpetiles and the conservation of wild ones. This course includes hands-on experience with the proper care and handling of a range of herpetiles to include snakes, lizards, turtles, and amphibians.

Focuses on avian conservation concerns and efforts globally and locally to include local bird conservation projects, hands-on training, experience and networking with conservation organizations and individuals in the field of ornithology.