Zookeeper Assistant Program

ABC’s Zookeeper Assistant Certificate Online

Our Zookeeper Assistant Program consists of 10 in-depth stages packed with information. The course contains vital information to prepare you for a career in a zoo or start you on your path to further zookeeper education. You will also learn the basics about conservation and how to care for exotics and help endangered species.

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!

CURRICULUM SNEAK PEEK

Learn from Zookeepers & Zoo Job Professionals

Meet the authors and subject matter experts 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

Alisa Behar earned a BS degree in Environmental Biology from California State University Northridge and a graduate degree in Zoo Animal Management at an Australian university. She has worked as a zookeeper at several facilities, including The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California; St. Maarten Park Zoo in St. Maarten, Netherland Antilles; and the Bronx Zoo in New York City. For more than 10 years, Alisa taught students at America’s Teaching Zoo in Moorpark, California.

Alisa currently works as the curator of mammals at the Los Angeles Zoo. Throughout her career, Alisa has handled a wide range of animals including carnivores, primates, birds and reptiles. Her proudest accomplishment occurred at the St. Maarten Park Zoo, where she taught the staff how to provide enhanced care for the animals through enrichment programs, training, better nutrition and preventative health regimens. Alisa is passionate about helping educate future zookeepers, so they can better care for animals at zoos around the world, just as she did.

Meet Kirsten Smith – Co-Author of our 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 Program

Crystallynn Hetlinger was born in Los Angeles county, and spent her childhood traveling between California and Peru. When she graduated high school, she knew she wanted to work with animals for the rest of her life. As a young adult, she graduated with honors from California Polytechnic University Pomona with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, which she put to use in myriad ways. She now has more than 15 years of animal experience that spans the globe, from laboratory research to enrichment at wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Eventually, she decided she wanted to help others achieve their goals by sharing what she learned and settled into a role of writer and educator. This is not her first collaboration with ABC; she also co-authored our Cat Training 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.

After graduation, she worked in the Children’s Center of the Staten Island Zoo, New York, providing daily husbandry for a variety of species. Courtney later received a dual husbandry and research fellowship—the Robert G. Engel Internship in Mammalogy—with the Bronx Zoo, in which she collaborated with curators to research probable causes of intra-group aggression among their mandrill troop.

Today, Courtney continues her career with the Bronx Zoo as a Provisional Wild Animal Keeper. Her ongoing goals include working on more zoological research projects, supporting conservation effort, and traveling the wild places she’s dedicated to preserving.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an ABC Certified Zookeeper Assistant?

Tuition for our Zookeeper Assistant Program ranges from Regular price: $1,795.00 to $2,695.00 depending on your payment arrangement.* This price is all-inclusive and covers your learning materials, certification and student support.

Speak with an Admissions Counselor today and see what payment plan is right for you. Contact an Admissions at 800-795-3294.

*Ask about our discount for Active Military and Veterans who enroll in our distance learning courses

Flexible Online Course & ” A College Near You”

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 and you can learn from the comfort and safety of your own home. 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 Program is 8 months.

Support for Our Students

After you enroll, 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

Upon successful completion of your Zookeeper Assistant Course, you will receive your professional certification as an Animal Behavior College Certified Zookeeper Assistant (ABCZA). Your certification will help you stand out when interviewing for volunteer and employment opportunities at zoos, conservation centers and wildlife rehabilitation facilities. This is your first step toward a career as a zookeeper assistant or an initial stepping stone to further your education with a zookeeper degree if that is your end goal!.

Turn your love of animals into your career today. Get started on becoming a Certified Zookeeper Assistant by calling 800-795-3294.