

The Zookeeper Assistant School
Have you always dreamed of a zookeeper job? You might start with a zookeeper assistant school. If you have ever thought about working in a zoo, caring for exotic animals, or helping conserve an endangered species, training to become a zookeeper assistant is a smart idea.
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 where you can make a difference in the lives of exotic and often endangered animals. 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 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!
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

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.
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

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 & ” 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

Zookeeper Assistant Career Resources

Career Information and Advice for Zookeeper Assistants from the professionals at Animal Behavior College
- Options for obtaining volunteer hours and gain hands on experience with animals to transition to a zoo environment
- How do I get my foot in the door at a zoo or conservatory?
- How to Increase Your Employment Opportunities by Adding the Aquarium Maintenance Program Certification to Your Zookeeper Assistant Program Certification