Do you find yourself mesmerized by the majestic growls of tigers, the elusive movements of pumas, the haunting howls of wolves, or the powerful presence of bears? If so, let’s embark on a journey of discovery together and make your passion your profession!

Discover the Wildlife Academy’s Professional Zookeeper Program

The Wildlife Academy presents a golden opportunity for those eager to meld their love for wildlife, especially carnivores, into a fulfilling career. It’s more than just training; it’s about immersing yourself in a world where happiness is finding your heart’s desire and living it daily.

Why Enroll?

• Meaningful Impact: Turning your passion for animals into an influential profession positively influences the lives of animals and our environment.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program is broken down into two essential courses, ensuring a holistic learning experience:

1. Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations (Weeks 1-24): Dive deep into practical animal care and management training. This course merges virtual learning with hands-on internship experiences at Cat Tales Wildlife Center. From mastering animal husbandry to understanding the nuances of exhibit maintenance, you’ll gain valuable industry-standard insights.
2. Advanced Zookeeping & Small Facility Management (Weeks 25-48): Elevate your knowledge by building upon the foundation set in the previous course. We emphasize leadership and the effective management of animal-related facilities—a vital skill beyond the zoo world, offering practical applications in various business contexts.

• Real-world Experience: Our programs ensure you learn beyond just the virtual realm. Experience real-world interactions, face challenges, and revel in the joyous moments of caring for magnificent creatures.

Seal Your Passion with a Professional Certificate

Graduates will be awarded the Professional Zookeeper Certificate of Achievement after completing both courses. This accolade is a testament to your commitment and expertise and a beacon showcasing your dedication to animal welfare and health. Plus, remember, it’s not just about individual growth. The program emphasizes teamwork and fostering relationships within a zoological setting.

Let’s Make a Difference Together!

The zookeeping world is evolving, adapting to the needs of 2023 and beyond. It’s not just about caring for animals; it’s about understanding the intricate dance of nature and our place within. At the Wildlife Academy, we prepare you for this incredible journey.

Are you ready to make your passion your profession? Dive in now, and let’s craft a future where every roar, growl, and purr resonates with your heart’s deepest desires.

 Enroll Today! Leap and begin this life-changing journey with the Wildlife Academy.

The post Turn Your Love for Carnivores into a Fulfilling Career: The Wildlife Academy Awaits! appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

We have selected a few of our favorite write ups, found and reposted throughout the online groups and forums dedicated to zookeepers, to likewise repost via our blog post here. While similar, each of our shared Zookeepers posts this week has found the perfect words to capture what we do and why we do it. Don’t worry, we will include photos of this year’s crew of students, graduates, interns and volunteers that keep the cogs of our facility running, providing the quality care for the animals that call Cat Tales Wildlife their forever home. Enjoy the shared reads and peek into our world, and as always, THANK YOU for supporting the animals here at Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

***sharing from an online Zookeeper group***

It’s National Zookeeper week … so when you go out and just thank all the amazing people who care for animals first ask yourself this… what does it mean to be a zookeeper? As a visitor to a zoo you don’t truly get to see how hard these caregivers work. They don’t just pick up shit or play with animals all day. So here is my opinion of what a zookeeper really is and what it means.

Sacrifice, we put so much of our lives on hold to care for an animal. Plans with family and friends often get canceled because we feel the need to care for something that we have developed a strong bond with.

Dedication, our work doesn’t end when we go home, often we are trying to come up with new creative ideas for our animals enrichment. We maybe planning an educational program. Many of us bring animals home like babies that need round the clock feedings. You work outside no matter what the weather is doing. Natural disasters happen and you still leave your home to go to work and make sure the animals are safe. The animals don’t care if it is your birthday or a major holiday, you give up those special days to work.

Frustrating and stressful, one of the hardest things is trying to figure out how to help and animal that can’t communicate what’s wrong. It takes such an emotional toll on us.

Destruction, animals destroy everything! There is a never ending task of repairs to an animals area.

Dirty. You are never clean, you smell bad all day long. No matter how much you scrub your hands there will always be dirt in the cracks of your skin.

Joy & heartbreak, Animals can’t speak and say thank you, but they show it. When you work so hard to earn the trust and they acknowledge you, that is a great feeling. But when you lose an animal it’s like losing a family member.

Hard work and Pain. Zookeepers are more physically fit then you would think. Hauling bales of hay, hundreds of pounds of food, shoveling hundreds of pounds of dirty, wet bedding for compost. We walk miles a day back and forth. Or bodies are pushed to the limits and we ache all the time.

Knowledge and learning, we not only know all the facts about our animals but we know the individual. We can tell you all it quirks, pet peeves, and favorite things. We can identify the individuals sounds. We learn new things almost everyday, not only do the stats on an animal change but new discoveries are made or our animal presents a new behavior we’ve never seen. They teach us patience and humility.

There is so much more to being a zookeeper. But at the end of the day no matter what animal we care for we all agree on two things … we love what we do and we have a deep passion for animals.

So to ALL the keepers out there happy national zookeeper week. You are all amazing!!

The post Zookeeper Appreciation Week appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Develop strong observational and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well in a team.
3. Gain relevant experience by volunteering at your local animal shelter, wildlife rehabilitation center, or zoo.
4. Consider pursuing an internship at a zoo to gain practical hands-on experience working with a variety of animals.
5. Continuously expand your knowledge and skills by taking on additional responsibilities and pursuing advanced certifications, such as becoming a Certified Zookeeper.
6. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as zoology, biology, or animal science. This will provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge about animal behavior, physiology, and conservation.
7. Stay updated on the latest advancements in animal care and conservation by attending workshops, conferences, and continuing education programs.
8. Network with other professionals in the field and join relevant organizations, such as the American Association of Zoo Keepers, to stay connected and learn from experienced zookeepers.
9. Consider specializing in a particular area of animal care, such as working with marine mammals, primates, or reptiles, to further enhance your expertise and career opportunities.

Becoming a Certified Zookeeper

At Cat Tales Wildlife Academy, we offer the Professional Zookeeper Program, a comprehensive training program designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a certified zookeeper. Here are the steps to becoming a Certified Zookeeper at Cat Tales Wildlife Academy:

Step 1: Application

The first step in becoming a Certified Zookeeper is to submit an application to Cat Tales Wildlife Academy. Our application process is simple and straightforward. Once we receive your application, our admissions team will review it and get back to you with further instructions.

Step 2: Interview

After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will be invited for an interview with our admissions team. This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you better, understand your passion for animal care, and assess your suitability for the program. We will discuss your goals, previous experience, and commitment to animal welfare.

Step 3: Enrollment

If you successfully pass the interview, you will be offered a place in the Professional Zookeeper Program at Cat Tales Wildlife Academy. To secure your enrollment, you will need to complete the necessary paperwork and pay the required fees. Our admissions team will guide you through this process and provide any assistance you may need.

Step 4: Training

Once enrolled, you will begin your training at Cat Tales Wildlife Academy. Our program is designed to provide hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in animal care, conservation, and welfare. You will have the opportunity to work directly with our experienced staff and interact with a variety of animal species on our campus.

Step 5: Examinations

Throughout the program, you will be assessed through examinations to evaluate your understanding of the material covered. These examinations are designed to ensure that you have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to become a Certified Zookeeper.

Step 6: Certification

Upon successful completion of the Professional Zookeeper Program, you will be awarded a certificate from Cat Tales Wildlife Academy, recognizing you as a Certified Professional Zookeeper. This certification will open doors to various job opportunities in the field of animal care and conservation.

Join us at Cat Tales Wildlife Academy and embark on a rewarding journey to become a Certified Zookeeper. Apply today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in animal care and welfare!

The post How to Become a Zookeeper appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

If you’re passionate about animals and want to pursue a career in the zookeeping industry, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Our program offers hands-on experience and expert training from experienced professionals.

Ready to learn more? Visit our new website and explore all the details about our program, including course offerings, tuition fees, and enrollment information.

Don’t wait any longer to start your journey towards becoming a professional zookeeper. Follow the link to our new website and get started today!

The post New Zookeeper Website appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

In late December 2022 we accepted from WA Department of Fish and Wildlife – 3 puma (cougar) cubs in need of a temporary home. Follow their story as we stabilized them and prepared the cubs for their future transfer.

The post Caring for Orphaned Puma Cubs appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.