Chat de cuidadores del zoológico: situaciones reales de cuidadores

This ongoing class will discuss problems or situations that might happen at a zoo.  Each week we will cover different keeper dilemmas through prerecorded videos, pictures, detailed manuals through the AZA website, handouts, class discussion and participation.

Week 1-AZA vs ZAA facilities 
Week 2-Animal Introductions
Week 3-Animal Escapes
Week 4-Conservation vs Exploitation

Although there no live classes planned-I will be available for questions, comments and anything related to class almost daily.

This class discusses real life situations that can happen at a zoo and gives an insight into the roles keepers play in managing zoo animals.  It also offers learners interested in zookeeping, a taste of what issues they may face in this career.  Some of these issues are questions that potential keepers get in interviews and will provide a preview of the behind the scenes look into zoos.

Week 1 discusses the different types of accreditation that AZA and ZAA facilities have.  Students will be asked to locate one of each and compare and contrast the differences and similarities.  Students will also be asked to comment on each others findings and discuss their line of thinking.  The AZA and ZAA websites will be the primary resources, along with pre-recorded videos and videos of the facilities.

Week 2 discusses animal introductions.  This is a rather broad topic but will focus around SSPs (species survival plans) and PMPs (population management plans) which are critical for zoos to manage a captive population.  Students will be able to review current SSPs and PMPs and pick an animal that interests them and examine the current plan. Ultimately, we want animals to be able to be released into the wild but this is not always possible.  Students will examine the current status of animals in zoos and in the wild and propose a solution.  Students should present a video on their findings using the resources given and be open to discussion in the classroom comments section.

Week 3 discusses animal escapes.  It's fairly easy to find examples online of animal escapes.  Students will be asked to find an example and based on what they have already learned, be able to discuss how the situation was handled and how it could be handled differently.  Students are encouraged to focus on 1 or 2 escape examples to discuss.

Week 4 discusses conservation verses exploitation in zoos.  Why do we care about some animals over others.  What about animal handling for entertainment purposes?  Through various videos and guidelines from AZA, students will form and support an opinion on what conservation in zoos is versus exploitation in zoos.  Again, through the previous topics, students should have a well rounded background and be able to provide examples of each.

Each section will be supplemented with general quizzes through Quizlet/SurveyMonkey just to make sure the points are being hit in each section.  Midweek discussions on progress or questions via video or classroom comments will be addressed and I will be available most days of the week to assist with any other concerns learners may have.