
Have you dreamed of working in a zoo? Would you like to have a career working with and caring for exotic animals? Do you want to be involved in animal conservation for endangered animal species?
Job Prospects and Zookeeper Assistant Salary
Getting a zookeeper assistant certificate online puts you on a path to fulfilling your dreams of working in a zoo. What do zookeeper assistants do? Among other things, they care for exotic animals, educate visitors, and help conserve endangered species. Becoming a zookeeper assistant opens doors to several career options.

ABC’s Zookeeper Assistant Certificate Online
Our Zookeeper Assistant Program consists of 10 stages – The course contains vital information to prepare you for a career in a zoo or for further zookeeper education. Our program includes information on:
- Species specific husbandry, including carnivores, primates, elephants, and more
- Animal housing and exhibits
- Animal behavior, enrichment and training
- Animal safety
- Exotic animal health and nutrition
- Exotic animal health and conservation
- Career building
- And more!
Learn from a Zookeeping Professionals
Meet the authors and subject matter expert who were involved in the development of ABC’s Zookeeper Assistant Program. They have shared their decades of zookeeping experience in the creation of this highly sought-after program.Meet Alisa Behar – Subject Matter Expert for our Zookeeper Assistant Program

Meet Kirsten Smith – Co-Author of our Zookeeper Assistant Program
Kirsten Smith has a BS degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from Texas Tech University and an MS in Zoo and Aquarium Science from Michigan State University. Her educational experience at Texas Tech included two study trips to Africa and Costa Rica to learn about international conservation policies and research procedures.

Previously, Kirsten has assisted the Texas Parks and Wildlife agency on several research projects involving native species such as pronghorn antelope, coyotes, mountain lions, and mule deer. While studying at Michigan State, she was a zookeeper assistant and conducted research at multiple zoos, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Currently, Kirsten volunteers as a zookeeper assistant in the Asia Department of the El Paso Zoo, caring for elephants, orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and other species while continuing her work with Animal Behavior College.
After working with animals from all across the globe, Kirsten’s favorite part is learning how to bring each field of study together to accomplish one goal: provide the best care and protection for all of Earth’s natural resources.
Meet Crystallynn Hetlinger – Co-Author of the Zookeeper Assistant Program

Meet Ms. Courtney Deutsch – Co-Author of the Zookeeper Assistant Program
Courtney Deutsch has BS in Zoo Science from Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. During her education, she spent summers interning with Lehigh Valley Zoo in Pennsylvania and Zoo Miami in Florida. While working at the latter in the African carnivores and primates department of Zoo Miami, Courtney assisted staff in an ethogram of their pack of African painted dogs while helping to complete exhibit renovations.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an ABC Certified Zookeeper Assistant?
Tuition for our Zookeeper Assistant Program ranges fromFlexible Online Course
ABC’s Zookeeper Assistant Course is designed so you can keep your current job and still pursue your zookeeper education. Your course materials and tests are all accessed online, meaning they are available 24/7. This allows you to study no matter where you are, giving you the flexibility to fit your education into your current lifestyle. The approximate completion time for our Zookeeper Assistant Program is 8 months.Support for Our Students
After you enroll in our Zookeeper Assistant Program, you will receive the contact information for your personal Program Manager. You will be learning from a zookeeping professional who has real life working knowledge and experience in zoos and zookeeping. They will be there for you throughout your studies and to provide support, answer questions, and grade your exams.ABC Zookeeper Assistant Certification
