Zoo Technology AAS, at Jefferson Community College
Love working with animals?
The Zoo Technology A.A.S. degree will provide you with the basic skills, experiences and knowledge required for a career as a progressive zookeeper or zoo educator in modern zoos.
The program is a specialized, practical, cost-effective, foot-in-the-door to the zoo field, whether you already have a degree or this is your first time to college. Students are prepared for an entry-level keeper position through a combination of classroom studies and rare hands-on experience at our partner facilities.
Hands on learning
Students will have the opportunity to work alongside zookeepers, veterinarians, curators, educators and administrators. Coursework focuses on zoo animal care and management, but the management of domestic species is also used to illustrate the fundamental principles of animal husbandry and to provide additional hands-on experience.
A career of passion
Zookeepers need technical expertise and a knowledge of science to provide the best animal care, educate the public and participate in regional, national and international cooperative programs. As populations of endangered species dwindle, the role of zoo and aquarium keepers will become more important.
A working, practical knowledge of animal care, welfare & husbandry, an appreciation of the issues facing endangered species and the environment, an understanding of biological principles, the ability to interact with the public, and a broad perspective of the larger zoo community are all essential