Before You Apply
Overview
Before you start your application, review the following considerations and notices that will be required of you in order to participate in the Zoo Animal Technology program.
Disclosures
The Zoo Animal Technology program is a limited access program. We accept 60 students with each starting cohort (see timeline for application and start dates). All applicants must meet certain academic requirements by the application deadline.
As a program applicant and participant, you will need to follow these performance standards.
Considerations
Potential Student Tour & Advisor Meeting
After reading over the Zoo Animal Technology program page, it is highly recommended that you schedule a potential student tour with the SF Teaching Zoo. Potential students will be guided around the zoo by a student currently in the program. All tours are by appointment only, via the potential student tour request form.
Following your tour, we recommend scheduling an advising meeting with our Zoo Animal Technology program advisor. All advisor meetings are by appointment only. Schedule by emailing ZooAdvisor@sfcollege.edu.
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 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 schedule a meeting with the program advisor and 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
Immunizations
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and Zoo Animal Technology program require all students enrolled in the program to provide the following:
- Proof of negative tuberculosis test
- It is the responsibility of the student to submit an annual Tuberculosis testing prior to the expiration of the previous test
- Proof of up-to-date tetanus vaccination
*When accepted, your advisor will provide you with the deadline to submit your immunizations.