Zoo Animal Technology, A.S.

Program Overview

Are you passionate about animals? Do you want to save the world and make a difference for wild animals and wild places? The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is located on Santa Fe College's Northwest Campus, and accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).

Supervised by the professional staff of the SF Teaching Zoo, you gain hands-on experience in every aspect of zoo animal management, from daily care, to habitat construction and maintenance, to educating the public on our diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Our students are not assistants to anyone; they are our zookeepers. Find your niche, learn to go above and beyond the day-to-day operations of zoos and become a conservation champion!

Our graduates occupy positions in zoos, aquariums, aviaries, wildlife parks, conservation organizations, veterinary clinics, science museums and animal care facilities around the United States and the world. Program graduates are contributing to the field through their leadership, dedication and professional training.

Degree Earned: Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Zoo Animal Technology.

Business Programs offers the Organizational Management, B.A.S. with a concentration in Zoo and Aquarium Management. This concentration exposes students to the knowledge and skills required for effective animal behavior management, exhibit and facility management, conservation and education program integration, and risk management. The Zoo and Aquarium Management concentration prepares students to manage within a zoo, aquarium, or animal care facility. The concentration is designed for students with an A.S. in Zoo Animal Technology, A.A. in Zoology, or an equivalent background.

Want to Apply?

After reviewing the information below, you must download and submit the Zoo Animal Technology program specific application during specific time frames. The Zoo Animal Technology program does not start a new class every semester, but every other semester. See timeline on when to apply and download application on the dates and deadlines page.

Scheduling a Potential Student Tour

After reading through the information on this program page, we highly recommend scheduling a potential student tour directly with the zoo. Potential students will be guided around the zoo by a student currently in the program and then have an opportunity to schedule a Zoom advising meeting with our Zoo Animal Technology program advisor. Schedule a potential student tour.

Interested in learning more about our program before you get here? Watch this interview with the SF Teaching Zoo director and students enrolled in our program!

Requirements for Admission

All interested students should read through the program’s Before You Apply and How to Apply websites and follow the instructions provided.

The Zoo Animal Technology program is a limited access program. All students who meet the minimum qualifications of the program will be admitted. All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications below by the application deadline unless otherwise stated:

• High school diploma or equivalent by the class start date
• Apply to and be accepted by Santa Fe College (apply at any time)
• Complete or test out of MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) or MGF1100 (Math Readiness) and have results on file with Santa Fe College by application due date
• Complete or test into ENC1101 and have results on file with Santa Fe College by application due date
• Have a 2.0 overall GPA in all college-level classes, if applicable, by application due date
• Submit the separate program specific Zoo Animal Technology application.

Learn more about testing requirements and details on showing college level math eligibility and college level English eligibility.

Note: You must apply directly to the Zoo Animal Technology program through a separate downloadable application during specific time frames. The Zoo Animal Technology program doesn’t start a new class every semester, but every other semester.

Upcoming Admission Dates

Decision letters are sent to the applicant's Office365 email account (SFID@go.sfcollege.edu). If you do not receive correspondence or have questions, please follow up with the Zoo Animal Technology program advisor by emailing ZooAdvisor@sfcollege.edu. The Zoo Animal Technology program expects to send decision letters within three (3) weeks of the application closing deadline. If you do not receive correspondence, please follow up with the Zoo Animal Technology program advisor by emailing ZooAdvisor@sfcollege.edu.

Program Costs, Scholarships and Aid

All tuition and fees are estimated costs and subject to change without notice. The A.S. degree in Zoo Animal Technology requires 66 credit hours of courses.

Estimated program costs:

Tuition – In-State

• Zoo Core Classes: 47 credit hours x $106.77/hour = $5,018.19
• General Education: 19 credit hours x $106.77/hour = $2,028.63
• Lab Fees: 6 credit hours x 250.000/hour = $1,500.00
• Books: 350.00 x 5 semesters = $1,750.00

In-State Estimated Total: $10,296.82

Tuition – Out of State

• Zoo Core Classes: 47 credit hours x $382.90/hour = $17,996.30
• General Education: 19 credit hours x $382.90/hour = $7,275.10
• Lab Fees: 6 credit hours x 250.000/hour = $1,500.00
• Books: 350.00 x 5 semester = $1,750.00

Out of State Estimated Total: $28,521.40

For more information, please visit Tuition Costs and Due Dates.

Financial Aid

There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for federal grants, state grants, work study, federal loans and institutional scholarships. For more information and how to apply, please visit the Financial Aid page.

Scholarships

There are many other scholarships available for SF students. Please visit the college's Scholarships page for more information and how to apply.

Job Prospects and Salary

Typical Job Titles and Average Salaries

• Zookeeper: $33,083*
• Animal Trainer: $35,852*
• Education Specialist: $35,110*

Other Job Titles

• Wildlife Care Park Ranger
• Veterinary Technician
• Animal Care Specialist
• and more!

Some positions may require additional degrees or certificates.

*Based on Association of Zoos and Aquariums Member Compensation Survey 2018

Program Length, Format and Curriculum

Program Length: Five (5) consecutive semesters, including one weekend day per week, holidays, and breaks between semesters. College semesters consist of spring (sometimes referred to as winter), summer and fall.

The Zoo Animal Technology students progress through the program in cohorts. We do not start a class every semester, but every other semester.

General Education Course Requirements (19.0 credit hours)

As long as courses are complete by expected graduation, the student can take them in any order throughout the five semesters enrolled in the ZAT program. Students can also transfer in already completed general education courses to fulfill these requirements when taken at another accredited college or university. Please make sure all final transcripts are on file with Santa Fe College by the application deadline of your chosen cohort.

• ENC1101 English Composition I
• SPC2608 Public Speaking
• Humanities (ARH1000, HUM2020, LIT1000, MUL1010, PHI2010, THE1000)
• MGF1130 Math Thinking
• Natural Science with Lab (BSC2005/L, BSC2010/L, BSC2085/L, CHM2045/L, PHY2048/L, PHY2053/L)
• Civic Literacy (AMH2020, POS2041)

Florida’s civic literacy competency requirements include passing a civic literacy course (AMH2020 or POS2041) and the state civic literacy exam.

Learn more at sfcollege.edu/registrar/graduation/faq/.

Core Courses Required and their Progression

1st Term (15 clock hours per week)

• PAZ1002 Introduction to Zoos and Aquariums (3.0 Credit hours, 3.0 Clock hours/week)
• PAZ1310 Basic Keeper Technology (3.0 Credit hours, 3.0 Clock hours/week)
• PAZ1310L Basic Keeper Technology Lab (2.0 Credit hours, 9.0 Clock hours/week)

Semester 2 (29 clock hours per week)

• PAZ2322 Aviculture (4.0 Credit hours, 4.0 Clock hours/week)
• PAZ2540 Animal Nutrition (3.0 Credit hours, 3.0 Clock hours/week)
• PAZ1331 Animal Management Lab 1 (4.0 Credit hours, 22.0 Clock hours/week)

Semester 3 (25 clock hours per week)

• PAZ2317 Zoo Topics (3.0 Credit hours, 3.0 Clock hours/week)
• PAZ1332 Animal Management Lab 2 (4.0 Credit hours, 22.0 Clock hours/week)

Semester 4 (28 clock hours per week)

• PAZ2325 Mammal Culture (4.0 Credit hours, 4.0 Clock hours/week)
• PAZ2320 Herpeculture (3.0 Credit hours, 3.0 Clock hours/week)
• PAZ2333 Animal Management Lab 3 (4.0 Credit hours, 21.0 Clock hours/week)

Semester 5 (27 clock hours per week)

• PAZ2328 Aquarium Culture (3.0 Credit hours, 3.0 Clock hours/week)
• PAZ2551 Animal Breeding (3.0 Credit hours, 3.0 Clock hours/week)
• PAZ2334 Animal Management Lab 4 (4.0 Credit hours, 21.0 Clock hours/week)

Performance Standards

Program Performance Standards

The Zoo Animal Technology Program (A.S.) is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, interpersonal and psychomotor performance requirements. Based on these requirements, the following list of Program Performance Standards has been developed. Each standard has an example of activities which a student will be required to perform, with or without an accommodation, while enrolled in the program. The Program Performance Standards should be used as a guide to assist applicants in determining whether or not accommodations or modifications are necessary in order to meet program participation requirements. Applicants who identify potential difficulties with meeting the Program Performance Standards should communicate their concerns to the Program Advisor for the Zoo Animal Technology Program. If the concern is related to a documented disability, applicants are responsible for contacting the Disabilities Resource Center. Determination of reasonable and appropriate accommodation will be made on an individual basis in consultation with the Disabilities Resource Center. Additionally, applicants should assess their aptitude and ability to perform professional duties by reviewing the Program Performance Standards below and discussing them with their healthcare provider.

Critical Thinking

Standard: Critical thinking sufficient for working around potentially dangerous animals.

Examples: Competent assessment of animals in timely manner; correct interpretation of assessment; readily respond with appropriate actions or communications; ability to work alone and to make correct independent decisions as needed.

Stress

Standard: Stress coping mechanisms to deal with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained)

Examples: Working under time sensitive situations, frequent deadlines; working with animals and humans which depend on your accuracy of work for their safety; working with living animals whose health, physical, psychological and social characteristics may change frequently. Received constant performance feedback.

Cognition

Standard: Ability to learn, reason, assimilate and understand a wide variety of subjects

Examples: Math skills to calculate change in animal weight, change in diet, distance, etc.; ability to learn new concepts related to animal care such as behavior, nutrition, breeding, taxonomy, ecology, etc. in a short amount of time.

Interpersonal

Standard: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

Examples: Working with families who may have a varied degree of knowledge and understanding about animals; working with other animal care professionals in stressful or emergency situations. Working in a dynamic team environment, with co-workers from different backgrounds, traditions, communication styles, social and emotional abilities. Working with managers in an appropriate way, understanding appropriate communication skills and relationships.

Communication

Standard: Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal, non-verbal and written form.

Example: Understand and speak the language fluently; ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions; must communicate animal behavior and animal interactions with other keepers and managers; document daily procedures performed in enclosures and with animals; consult with other animal care providers in a professional manner. Interact with guests in a professional manner. Understand guest needs and relay those needs to managers.

Mobility

Standard: Physical abilities sufficient to move around a 10 acre outdoor facility safely and quickly; maneuver in small spaces; Includes the strength necessary to lift and carry 50 lbs. as needed. Bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push/pull, crouch, climb ladders and reach areas of exhibits. Stand for 4 hours at a time.

Examples: Walking to and from habitats, commissary or supply areas; walking from habitat to habitat to take care of animals while on a team and under a time constraint; assisting in animal transport. Move around entire area of an habitat, climbing up ladders, bending under branches, reaching above shoulder to platforms. Sitting at a computer, desk or work station. Standing in the commissary at a diet preparation station. Navigating commissary with sharp or hot objects. Carry food bowls, containers, cleaning tools. Hold and move feed bags and large logs and branches.

Tactile and Motor Skills

Standard: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform animal care. Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and to provide animal intervention.

Example: Draw medications with syringe, hold and manipulate animals; open locks with keys, hold and utilize tools (hammer, knife, drill, etc.) appropriately, pick up small pieces of debris; write records on paper and on computer.

Hearing

Standard: Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess animal needs.

Example: Hear animal vocalizations, danger sounds (running hooves, hissing); heart sounds, bowel sounds, breathing; hear radio transmissions; hear alarms around buildings, telephones; converse with guests, other zookeepers, and staff.

Visual function

Standard: Visual function sufficient for observation and assessment.

Example: Reading animal records, documentation, charts/flow sheets and graphics on paper and on computer screens or paper; drawing up and administering medications; assessing animal skin color, defecation color; reading thermometers; identify animal markings (leg bands, ear tags, etc) from a distance of 50 ft.

Animal Handling and Feeding

Standard: Comfort level handling, grasping, restraining collection animals as well as comfort handling animals which are utilized for food.

Examples: Touch a variety of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles (including snakes), amphibians and invertebrates; handling a variety of food items including raw meat, rodents, live insects, fish

Handle plant material

Standard: Ability to identify and handle plant material

Examples: Invasive, toxic and injurious plants must be removed from the animal environment; edible plants, fruit and vegetables must be handled, cut, chopped, mashed and delivered to the animals.

Work near moving machinery

Standard: Comfort and awareness to work around moving machinery

Example: Weed trimmers, riding and push lawn mowers, chainsaws, vehicles, golf carts, may be used in and around the facility

Exposure to weather and environmental changes

Standard: Ability to work in marked changes in temperature, humidity and rainfall; ability to work in dusty and windy conditions.

Examples: Temperatures will range from below freezing to above 100 degrees Fahrenheit; humidity may be 95%; rainfall may exceed 2 inches a day; wind may gust to hurricane levels

Travel by car

Standard: Ability to travel by car locally or regionally

Examples: Education outreaches take place off site, travel locally and during work hours is required to serve our community.

Working schedule

Standard: Ability and willingness to work weekdays, weekends, holidays and breaks between semesters

Examples: Animals must be cared for 365 days a year, students must be available to contribute on a set schedule throughout the year.

Native hazards

Standard: Ability to manage bites, stings, scrapes, bumps, bruises and abrasions

Examples: Bites may include fire ant, bee, wasp, hornet, spider; handling native and collection material may result in scrapes, cuts, bumps, bruises, abrasions.

Fifty Pound Weight Test

All students entering the Zoo Animal Technology program will be tested on their ability to lift 50 pounds safely to their shoulder and carry the item for 50 feet. The test will be given on their first day of Basic Keeper Laboratory (PAZ1310L) prior to the withdraw deadline. Any student that fails to show that they can complete the test will be dropped from all Zoo Animal Technology program courses and not allowed to continue in the program at that time. If the student is still interested in pursuing the program, they will need to reapply for the next open cohort.

For the actual test, the student is required to properly lift a 50-pound bag of dry animal feed from the ground to their shoulder, while in a kneeling position. Next, stand up with the bag balanced on your shoulder and walk with the bag for 50 feet. Finally, carefully lower the bag back down to the ground. During the exam, the instructor will also be watching for any signs of physical challenges that would jeopardize your safety in the program.

Demonstration of 50-pound weight test

Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance into the Program

Upon acceptance, students must complete additional tasks in preparation to begin the program. Students must submit negative TB test results (annually) and a physicians approval form signed by their doctor.

All students must meet with the Zoo Animal Technology Program’s academic advisor either before (recommended) or after they have been accepted into the program. Please email the Zoo Animal Technology program advisor at ZooAdvisor@sfcollege.edu to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more information on what to expect for this program? Visit Frequently Asked Questions.

Selection Criteria / Points System

Upon completing the Zoo Animal Technology Program’s application process, students who meet the minimum qualifications of the program will be awarded a tentative acceptance into the program.

Students who do not meet the minimum qualifications at the time of the application deadline may be given a conditional acceptance into the program. Conditional acceptances are not guaranteed and are subjected to conditions. The student will receive their individual conditions via mail. Conditional acceptance space is limited and may not be awarded every cohort. Conditional acceptances are awarded on a point-based system.

Minimum Requirements

• Overall Post-secondary GPA > 2.00 (1 point)
• College Level Math Ready (1 point)
• College Level English Ready (1 point)

Education

• High School Diploma / GED on file (1 point)

Gen. Ed Courses Completed

1 point each for any combination of the following applicable general education courses:

• English Composition I (ENC1101)
• Public Speaking (SPC2608)
• Math (MAC1105, STA2023, MFG1106, MGF1107)
• Natural Science (BSC2005/L, BSC2010/L, BSC2085/L, CHM2045/L, PHY2048/L, PHY2053/L)
• Natural Science Lab
• Civic Literacy (AMH2020, POS2041)
• Humanities (ARH1000, HUM2020, LIT1000, MUL1010, PHI2010, THE1000)

Volunteer/Work Experience

Related experience is any animal field: zoo, aquarium, shelter, pet store, farm, domestic animals, etc. All related volunteer and work experience must be concisely documented on official agency/organization stationery and signed by volunteer coordinator or supervisor. Incomplete documentation will not count toward points consideration

• 100+ hours animal related paid work (5 points)
• 100+ hours animal related volunteer (4 points)
• 100+ hours non-animal related paid work (2 points)

Military Service

Military Service points will be awarded to U.S. Armed Forces active duty and honorably discharged veterans. This includes recent Reservist and National Guard combat deployments. DD-214 or proof of current service required. Minimum one year active duty service required.

• DD 214 (2 points)

Potential Student Tour

• On-site Tour w/ Meeting (5 points)
• ZOOM Meeting w/ video (5 points)

Cost of Attendance

Disclosure

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not the bill that you will receive from Santa Fe College. It is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Santa Fe College for one academic year including tuition, books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

Tuition and fees in the cost of attendance below are calculated for credit hour programs, assuming enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual tuition and fees may vary by program. For a better understanding of your chosen program’s tuition and fees, see program costs above.

Undergraduate Lower Division Courses (A.A./A.S. Degree Courses)

Undergraduate Upper Division Courses (Bachelor Degree Courses)

*Off-Campus: you intend to live off campus, but not with your parent(s).

**Off-Campus with Parent: you intend to live with your parent(s).

Note: All costs and rates are subject to change for the upcoming year.

For more detailed information visit SF's Cost of Attendance page.