Additional information available on the Zoo Keeping Technology Department website at https://www.ppcc.edu/degrees-certificates/zoo-keeping-technology.
Recommended basic skills standards are
This program is designed to prepare students to be zoo keeping technicians and animal care professionals. Classes include training in science foundations, animal husbandry, career development, horticulture, exhibit design and veterinary zoo keeping giving the students the background for a career in the animal care professions.
New students must satisfactorily pass a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) prior to first internship. Failure to pass may jeopardize participation in any internship. CBI tests are at student expense.
It is the policy of the PPCC Zoo Keeping Technology program to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified students with disabilities. Whether or not a requested accommodation is reasonable will be determined on an individual basis. Determining what is a reasonable accommodation is an interactive process which the student should initiate with Accessibility Services.
Students should realize that a degree from PPCC will not guarantee a position with a zoo. Many zoos have requirements other than education for employment. Requirements for a zoo keeping job may include the following:
- Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
- Working in a variety of weather conditions, weekends and holidays.
- Work in small, confined spaces.
- Perform a variety of physical tasks that include climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and crawling.
- Physical strength, including the ability to frequently move fifty (50) pounds.
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment that may include rubber/latex gloves, steel-toed boots/shoes, face shields, eye goggles, and dust masks.
- No allergy related to plants or animals that would impede work.
- No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch balance, and ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work.
Students should consult with a program faculty advisor prior to enrolling in this program.
Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have instructor permission to enroll.
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the Zoo Keeping Technology program, students should be able to:
- Determine the science behind animal care, including basic biology and natural history of diverse taxa, based upon their taxonomical organization
- Design a public interpretation program based on research of an assigned animal in regards to natural history, biology, captive housing, and conservation
- Evaluate animal welfare through daily observations and husbandry care
- Select and apply proper tool use for assigned task
- Demonstrate oral, non-verbal, and written communication skills
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