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Train for a Career Working with Zoo & Aquarium Animals

See if the Zookeeping Program is Right for YOU

Why Students Choose Us

All of our courses are 100% online 

Complete your classes from anywhere through our interactive programs, designed to fit around work, school, or other commitments.

Small classes taught by professionals

Courses are limited to small class sizes so you can learn directly from instructors with real-world experience working in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife facilities.

Field experience with real animals

Apply what you learn by completing a hands-on field experience with animals at an approved facility in your area.

Request Additional Program Information

Tell us where to send your program brochure, and we’ll email you the full details including courses, career paths, and how to get started.
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Is This Program Right for You?

This Program May Be a Good Fit If You:

  • Want to work professionally with zoo or aquarium animals
  • Are passionate about wildlife conservation
  • Are considering a career as a zookeeper, aquarist, or wildlife educator
  • Want structured training from professionals already working in the field

Many of our students are:

  • Career changers
  • Animal care professionals
  • Wildlife volunteers
  • Students exploring conservation careers
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Inside the Zookeeping Program

Working in zoos and aquariums requires a strong understanding of animal behavior, care, and conservation. ABI’s Zookeeping Program is designed to help students build the knowledge and practical skills used by professionals working with animals in zoological and conservation environments.

Animal Behavior & Enrichment

Animal Behavior & Enrichment

Learn how animals think, learn, and interact with their environment. Students study behavior analysis and enrichment strategies used by zookeepers to promote physical and mental wellbeing for animals in managed care.
Animal Health, Nutrition & Welfare

Animal Health, Nutrition & Welfare

Understand the principles of animal care, including diet planning, preventative health practices, and welfare considerations for a wide range of species commonly found in zoos & aquariums.
Habitat Design & Environmental Management

Habitat Design & Environmental Management

Explore how animal habitats are designed and maintained to support natural behaviors, safety, and long-term health. Students learn how environmental enrichment and habitat design work together to create engaging, species-appropriate environments.
Zoo Operations & Animal Handling Principles

Zoo Operations & Animal Handling Principles

Gain insight into the daily responsibilities of animal care professionals, including safety procedures, animal handling considerations, and the operational structure of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife facilities.
Learn More About Careers in Zookeeping

Hands-On Learning Through Field Experience

In addition to online coursework, students complete a hands-on field experience with animals at a facility in their area. This allows students to apply what they’ve learned while gaining valuable real-world experience working with animals.
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Learn From Experienced Professionals

All courses are taught by instructors with professional experience in fields such as:

  • Zookeeping
  • Wildlife rehabilitation
  • Animal training
  • Conservation education
  • Animal behavior and welfare


Their real-world insights help students understand both the science behind animal care and the practical realities of working with animals professionally.

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Flexible Online Learning Designed for Animal Careers

  • Structured 10-week courses
  • Fully online classroom environment
  • Small class sizes (maximum of 12 students)
  • Field experience completed with local organizations

Students from across the U.S. and internationally complete the program while balancing work and personal commitments.

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Zookeeper

Zookeepers are responsible for the daily care of animals in zoological parks and wildlife facilities. Their responsibilities may include preparing diets, maintaining habitats, observing animal behavior, providing enrichment activities, and assisting with animal health monitoring. Zookeepers play a vital role in supporting animal welfare and conservation programs.

Aquarist

Aquarists are responsible for the care and management of aquatic animals in aquariums, marine parks, and research facilities. Their responsibilities may include maintaining water quality, preparing specialized diets, monitoring animal health and behavior, and supporting breeding and conservation programs. Aquarists play a key role in ensuring the wellbeing of marine life and educating the public about aquatic ecosystems.

Animal Care Specialist

Animal Care Specialists support the daily care and wellbeing of animals in a variety of settings, including zoos, sanctuaries, rehabilitation centers, and research facilities. Their responsibilities may include feeding, cleaning habitats, monitoring health and behavior, and assisting with enrichment and training activities. Animal Care Specialists are essential in maintaining safe, clean, and enriching environments for animals.

Zoo Education Programs

Professionals working in Zoo Education Programs focus on educating the public about animals, conservation, and environmental stewardship. Their responsibilities may include developing educational materials, leading tours or presentations, and engaging with visitors of all ages. These roles help bridge the gap between animal care and public awareness, inspiring others to support wildlife conservation efforts.

Building Experience for Competitive Careers

Careers working with zoo and aquarium animals are rewarding but often competitive. Many positions require both formal education and hands-on experience working with animals.

ABI’s program is designed to help students begin building that foundation by combining structured academic training with practical field experience, preparing them to pursue opportunities in zoological and wildlife environments.
Explore Your Next Career
Blaine Peluso-Miller Wildlife Rehabilitation Zookeeping

Meet Blain Peluso-Miller

Wildlife Rehabilitation & Zookeeping Programs

I was looking for a program with a Zoo & Aquarium focus to better compliment my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and steer me towards exotic animal husbandry – that’s when I found the Animal Behavior Institute. I was in a job slump after college, despite my degree; I knew that I needed to invest a bit more into myself, fill-in some knowledge gaps, sharpen some old skills, and build some new ones as well if I wanted to gain a foothold and get into the zoological field.

Take the First Step Toward a Career in Zookeeping!

Tell us about your goals and we’ll help you determine if the Zookeeping Program at Animal Behavior Institute is the right fit for you.
 
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