Zoo Animal Management

Course Description

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a modern day zoo? Modern day zoos play an important role in today's society as centers for conservation, education, research and exotic animal care. By creating an American Association of Zoos and Aquariums Animal Care Manual, students will experience what it is like to be a zoo professional and the complexities of zoo animal management and quality care.

This course will explore the important role of modern day zoos in conservation, education, research and the field of exotic animal care. Students will be immersed in the field of zoo animal management through guest lecturers, visits to Roger Williams Park Zoo, experiential learning experiences and individual research. Based on these experiences, students will produce an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Animal Care Manual for a species of their choice. The AZA Animal Care Manual is a comprehensive document that is produced by zoo professionals to guide accredited zoos in the care of a given species. The daily course content will correspond directly with a section of the manual that students will be responsible for creating including population management, exhibit design, veterinary care, nutrition, enrichment, training, conservation and research. Students will also explore why zoos matter in today's society and the role of education and be challenged to place their chosen species into the education, conservation and research objectives of modern zoos. The course will also provide students with a comprehensive look at the career opportunities that exist at a zoo and how these different careers contribute to meeting the objectives of a modern day zoo.

At the completion of the course, the students will be able to:
1. Describe the factors that are important for exhibiting exotic animals and providing high quality care to a diversity of species.
2. Describe the role of modern day zoos in education, conservation and education.
3. Integrate course content and experiences with their own research to create original written content.
4. Describe a variety of career opportunities at zoos and how those careers contribute to the management of animals in zoos.

Prerequisites: At least a year of high school Biology