Animal Care - Vocational Education and Training
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Step into the world of a Zookeeper and explore how safety, nutrition, enrichment, training and healthcare shape every aspect of caring for animals at Zoos Victoria.
Program Description
This hands-on program gives Cert II Animal Care students a real-world understanding of modern zoo keeping. Through practical examples from Zoos Victoria, students explore how the Five Domains of Animal Welfare guide decisions around safety, nutrition, enrichment, training and healthcare. The program highlights the skills and knowledge required to provide high-quality, ethical care for animals in a professional setting.
For more information and curriculum links for the program at each zoo, see below and open the teaching guide.
Students learn:
- How Zoos Victoria applies the Five Domains of Animal Welfare to daily animal care.
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The role of enrichment in supporting welfare and natural behaviours.
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Why workplace safety is essential across zoo operations.
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How species-specific diet plans are developed using structural and behavioural adaptations.
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How positive-reinforcement training supports healthcare and animal choice.
Learning Outcomes
Core Competencies Cert II
- Work in the animal care industry
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Feed and water animals
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Assist in health care of animals
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Participate in workplace health and safety processes
Core Competencies Cert III
- Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
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Assess the welfare status of an animal
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Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
Electives
- Provide enrichment for animals
The program at Melbourne Zoo focuses on XXX.
Teaching Guide
Map
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Entry via the Rail Gate
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Organising teacher check in with the Admissions team upon arrival
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Welcome between 9:40-10:00am
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Zoo Teacher workshop (40 minutes)
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Keeper talks
The program at Melbourne Zoo focuses on XXX.
Teaching Guide
Map
School groups will enter Werribee Open Range Zoo via the Main Entrance. Organising teachers please check in with our Admissions team upon arrival. More information.
Your Zoo visit itinerary:
- Entry via Main Entrance
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Organising teacher check in with the Admissions team upon arrival
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Introduction between 9:45-10:00am
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Zoo Teacher workshop (30 minutes)
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Safari Bus Tour (40 minutes)
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Keeper talks
Note all of the programs are held outdoors and in all-weather; the students will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection.