Zookeeper Assistant Program

Become an ABC Certified Zookeeper Assistant

Would you like to work at a zoo? Are you interested in starting your career as a zookeeper assistant? Would you like to learn more about how to become a zookeeper?

Animal Behavior College’s Zookeeper Assistant Program will introduce you to the duties of those working in a zoo and the science of exotic animal care, animal behavior, conservation, and much more. Zookeeper assistants generally perform a variety of animal-care-related tasks such as cleaning, feeding, watering, exercising and/or training the animals under the direct supervision of one or more higher-ranking zookeepers. Experience and education as a zookeeper assistant can be your first step toward becoming a zookeeper or zoologist.
Become an ABC Certified Zookeeper Assistant (ABCZA) and start your career today!

Call 1-800-795-3294 today or submit the completed form to request more information.

Curriculum – What You Will Learn

ABC’s Zookeeper Assistant program is a 10 stage course that covers a diverse range of topics including; animal husbandry, conservation and breeding, to animal training, record keeping, career building and more.

Here are the 10 stages that every graduate completes:

Stage 1 – Introduction to Zoos and Zookeeping
Stage 2 – Exotic Animal Housing and Exhibits
Stage 3 – Animal Health
Stage 4 – Zoo Conservation and Breeding Programs
Stage 5 – Exotic Animal Behavior, Enrichment and Training
Stage 6 – Daily Zookeeping Routines and Husbandry
Stage 7 – Zookeeping Safety
Stage 8 – Zoo Visitor Education and Relations
Stage 9 – Building Your Zookeeper Assistant Career
Stage 10 – Final Exam & Graduation

Meet the Author – Alisa Behar

Alisa Behar earned a BS degree in Environmental Biology from California State University Northridge and a graduate degree in Zoo Animal Management at an Australian university. She has worked as a zookeeper at several facilities, including The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California; St. Maarten Park Zoo in St. Maarten, Netherland Antilles; and the Bronx Zoo in New York City. For more than 10 years, Alisa taught students at America’s Teaching Zoo in Moorpark, California.

Alisa currently works as the curator of mammals at the Los Angeles Zoo. Throughout her career, Alisa has handled a wide range of animals including carnivores, primates, birds and reptiles. Her proudest accomplishment occurred at the St. Maarten Park Zoo, where she taught the staff how to provide enhanced care for the animals through enrichment programs, training, better nutrition and preventative health regimens. Alisa is passionate about helping educate future zookeepers, so they can better care for animals at zoos around the world, just as she did.

Meet Kirsten Smith - Co-Author of the Zookeeper Assistant Program

Kirsten Smith has a BS degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from Texas Tech University and an MS in Zoo and Aquarium Science from Michigan State University. Her educational experience at Texas Tech included two study trips to Africa and Costa Rica to learn about international conservation policies and research procedures.

Previously, Kirsten has assisted the Texas Parks and Wildlife agency on several research projects involving native species such as pronghorn antelope, coyotes, mountain lions, and mule deer. While studying at Michigan State, she was a zookeeper assistant and conducted research at multiple zoos, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Currently, Kirsten volunteers as a zookeeper assistant in the Asia Department of the El Paso Zoo, caring for elephants, orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and other species while continuing her work with Animal Behavior College.

After working with animals from all across the globe, Kirsten’s favourite part is learning how to bring each field of study together to accomplish one goal: provide the best care and protection for all of Earth’s natural resources.

Meet Crystallynn Hetlinger – Co-Author of the Zookeeper Assistant Program

Crystallynn Hetlinger was born in Los Angeles county, and spent her childhood travelling between California and Peru. When she graduated high school, she knew she wanted to work with animals for the rest of her life.

As a young adult, she graduated with honors from California Polytechnic University Pomona with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, which she put to use in myriad ways.

Crystallynn now has more than 15 years of animal experience that spans the globe, from laboratory research to enrichment at wildlife rehabilitation centers. Eventually, Crystallynn decided she wanted to help others achieve their goals by sharing what she learned, and settled into a role of writer and educator. In addition to her expert input on ABC’s Zookeeper Assistant Program, she also co-authored ABC’s Cat Training Program.

Meet Courtney Deutsch – Co-Author of the Zookeeper Assistant Program

Courtney Deutsch has BS in Zoo Science from Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. During her education, she spent summers interning with Lehigh Valley Zoo in Pennsylvania and Zoo Miami in Florida. While working at the latter in the African carnivores and primates department of Zoo Miami, Courtney assisted staff in an ethogram of their pack of African painted dogs while helping to complete exhibit renovations.

After graduation, she worked in the Children’s Center of the Staten Island Zoo, New York, providing daily husbandry for a variety of species. Courtney later received a dual husbandry and research fellowship—the Robert G. Engel Internship in Mammalogy—with the Bronx Zoo, in which she collaborated with curators to research probable causes of intra-group aggression among their mandrill troop.

Today, Courtney continues her career with the Bronx Zoo as a Provisional Wild Animal Keeper. Her ongoing goals include working on more zoological research projects, supporting conservation effort, and travelling the wild places she’s dedicated to preserving.

Affordable Tuition - An Investment in Your Future

Tuition ranges from ~~$2,399.00~~ $1,795.00 to $2,695.00 depending on the payment options you qualify for. *Please contact us directly at 1-800-795-3294 to discuss eligibility requirements and payment arrangements customized to fit your needs.

*Ask about our discount for Active Military and Veterans who enroll in our distance learning courses.

Available in All 50 States and Every Canadian Province

ABC’s Zookeeper Assistant Program is a viable option for students across the United States and Canada.

Bring the Classroom to Your Living Room

Your curriculum can be accessed online 24 hours a day. This makes it easy to complete the program on your own schedule and from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Do What You Love

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics¹ predicts overall employment of animal care and service workers is projected to grow 29 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This employment growth should result in very good job opportunities in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.

Get Started Today – Your Career is just a phone call away! We have open enrollment so your education can begin immediately.
1-800-795-3294

Zookeeper Assistant Course Catalog The catalog includes general information about the school, the school’s policies and its Mission Statement. Please click here to review the Course Catalog.

*Additional shipping and handling charges may apply

¹U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Zookeeper Assistant Certification