Learn to Manage Wildlife 

• Living Free or
• in Captivity

Enrol anytime, study at your own pace, and build your knowledge and understanding of wildlife.

COURSE CONTENT

Core Modules
These modules provide foundation knowledge for Wild Animal Studies

• Zoology -Vertebrate BEN104
• Industry Project BIP000
• Environmental Assessment BEN301
• Wildlife Conservation BEN206
• Wildlife Management BEN205
   
  

Elective Modules
In addition to the core modules, students study any four of the following modules:

• Animal Behaviour BAG203
• Marine Studies I BEN103
• Ornithology BEN102
• Animal Feed & Nutrition (Animal Husbandry III) BAG202
• Zoo Keeping BEN208
• Breeding Animals BAG301
• Animal Welfare BAG224
• Animal Health Care VAG100
• Aquarium Management BEN105
• Primates BEN210
• Marine Studies II BEN203
• Herpetology BEN209
• Carnivore Zoology BEN219

Learn to Manage Animals

Whether captive or free, most authorities agree all animals have a right to five things:
1. Food and Water appropriate to their needs
2. Living Conditions of an acceptable standard   
3. Prevention from Unnatural Harm
4. Freedom to Behave Naturally
5. Appropriate Handling

Animal managers in zoos or in the wild, need to appreciate and see that these things are provided for.

In their natural environment, animals should have all of these things, unless extraordinary situations arise (eg. natural disasters), or man interferes with their environment (eg. encroaching on habitats, extracting water or other resources from a natural habitat, introducing diseases into a natural habitat).

Learn How to Manage Animals in the Wild

Managing Wildlife can involve a wide range of activities, for example:

• Protecting wildlife habitats
• Establishing Wildlife corridors
• Managing National Parks or Reserves
• Environmental Assessments and Research
• Maintaining Biological diversity hot spots
• Wildlife conservation
• Removing Feral or Predatory animals if they threaten the ecological balance
• Protecting against Hunting
• Establishing and Enforcing Legislation

Consider Legislation regarding ethical behaviour of zoos and sanctuaries again varies within and between countries. Most countries now have some form of legislation governing zoos. The content can vary greatly but there are some basic provisions similar to most.  These may cover aspects of:

• Animal housing and facilities
• Needs of certain species
• Animal welfare 
• Animal nutrition
• Veterinary services and facilities
• General hygiene
• Emergency procedures
• Staff safety and training

Learn to Manage Wild Animals in Captivity

Enclosure design has evolved over time to more closely resemble the natural habitat of species. This evolution has gone hand in hand with advances in nutrition, chemical restraint (anaesthesia), knowledge of diseases, their treatment and prevention, as well as better research into aspects of captive animal biology, husbandry and veterinary medicine. However, a natural looking exhibit does not necessarily ensure the well being of a captive animal. The zoo environment is far from the natural environment of many animals, especially those that are territorial and naturally have large home ranges. When animals are not provided with effective stimuli to enhance their well being they can develop certain behaviour traits. These include:

• Stereotypical behaviour – fixed behaviours that are repetitive but have no real purpose. This can include pacing, rocking and weaving.
• Increased aggression – aggression can be directed towards other animals in the enclosure.
• Increased conflict or frustration – this can include behaviours that are out of the ordinary for the species such as scratching, chewing, licking or head-shaking.
• Fearful behaviour – this is outside of the normal behaviour of the animal. It can include avoidance of other animals or keepers, shivering, sweating or overreacting to environmental stimulus.
• Change in behaviour – the animal is no longer demonstrating normal behaviour for its species, age or stage of development.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

• Anyone aspiring to work with wildlife - it can provide a sound foundation, greatly extending your understanding of wild animals, capacity to work with them, and awareness of work opportunities
• Professional development for anyone working with wildlife including zookeepers, animal attendants, animal rescue services, veterinary practices, wildlife refuges, wildlife protection officers, conservation officers
• Teachers, writers, ecotour guides; or anyone else who communicates information about wildlife
• Students seeking to broaden or deepen their knowledge of wildlife. eg. Anyone with broad based diploma of degree in environmental science or biology; may have a strong foundation to work with wildlife, but lack the specific knowledge and experience needed to start a career. Often further study such as this combined with some work experience (even voluntary); can make a big difference to career prospects.