Animal Science & Zoo Management

This program is designed for juniors and seniors who have career interests in agriculture, animal science/zoology, life sciences, veterinary medicine, conservation, environmental education or related fields.

This is an in-depth, hands-on learning experience in a real-world setting—Potter Park Zoo. In addition to rigorous classroom work, students will be expected to actively participate in zoo activities and daily animal care. Students must be willing to tolerate working in various weather conditions.

Rain jackets are provided!

Program Overview

Course Information

Program Location

Potter Park Zoo (Shuttle Available)

Session Offered

AM.PM

Average Lecture Days/Week

3-4 Days

Average Lab Days/Week

1-2 days

Homework

2-3 days per week

Required Reading

College Level Textbooks and or Workbooks
Less than 25 pages per week

Success Indicators

Hands on learner
Enjoys working with animals
Enjoys biology
Strong math skills
Effective in a team and individualized setting

College Credit

None

Academic Rigor

4 out of 5

Capital Region Technical Early College (CRTEC)

None

Course Outcomes

Students learning outcomes include, but are not limited to:

Exposure to a variety of animal related career opportunities
Development of career readiness skills and creation of resumes, cover letters, etcetera
Understand the progression of zoos throughout history and recognize the impact that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has on the present activities and future of zoos
Investigate current conservation issues, understand their effect on animals, and discover ways to reduce our impact
Learn how to properly handle education animals and use them to develop and present an education program
Identify parts of animals bodies, both internally and externally
Understand and compare processes and interaction between animal body systems
Understand the characteristics of a healthy system and what happens when disease or injury occurs
Learn hands on veterinary skills such as physical exams, injections, surgical sutures, and fecal analysis as well as skills in veterinary office management, such as how to maintain an inventory, manage a schedule and interact with clients
Study the principles of animal welfare and behavior to design training plans, enrichment items and care guidelines for example species
Learn principles of exhibit design to design a model enclosure that meets the needs of animals, staff and the public
Shadow keepers to learn about their duties at Potter Park Zoo
Learn principles and advances in the field of agriculture
Participate in the National FFA organization through meetings and competitions

Certifications

Red Cross First Aid
Pet First Aid
San Diego Global Academy Certifications
Animal Welfare
Training and Operant Conditioning
Safe Handling and Restraint
Zoonotic Disease Prevention
Record Keeping

Student Leadership

Students have the opportunity for leadership, competition, and community service through membership in FFA and volunteer opportunities at the zoo.

Career Outlook

Careers

Animal Caretaker
Animal Scientist
Animal Breeder
Zoologists & Wildlife Biologist
Agricultural Journalist

Median Wage

Animal Caretaker: $15.00 Hourly, $31,200 Annual
Animal Scientist: $33.72 Hourly, $70,140 Annual
Animal Breeder: $22.86 Hourly, $47,540 Annual
Zoologists & Wildlife Biologist: $33.94 Hourly, $70,600 Annual
Agricultural Journalist: $30.59 Hourly, $63,618 Annual

Employment Outlook (Average)

Animal Caretaker: 9%
Animal Scientist: 5-8%
Animal Breeder: 2-4%
Zoologists & Wildlife Biologist: 2-4%
Agricultural Journalist: 4%