Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College

Exotic Animal Training & Management program (EATM) @ America's Teaching Zoo / Moorpark College

In March we drove to Moorpark, CA to visit the America's Teaching Zoo and tour the Exotic Animal Training & Management (EATM) program to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the grounds and talk to some of the current students in the college program. While the acronym "EAT'M" may be a subtle threat to any animal who acts up, the student caretakers had everything and every animal well under control during the tour. They are a premier school for anyone wanting a career in zoo management or exotic animal care and training. 

The Zoo was hosting an open house event with lots of different activities and a special "Exotic Animal Olympics" sketch by the soon-to-be-graduating class. The skits included various animals they have been training during their program performing feats of 'animalness' on the stage. During the program the students learn about zoo management, animal care and dietary needs, animal behavior and training, and animal enclosure design and development. The two EATM guides were gracious with their time to answer questions we all had. By the end of the tour our daughter declared this was where she wants to go after high school. 

The students spend mornings working with the animals - prepping their food, administering medicines, conducting behavioral training and enrichment activities, and cleaning habitats. During the rest of the day they are attending classes or engaged in other learning activities. Once they complete the program they are highly sought after for placement in zoos, animal preserves, and conservation programs.

We were able to watch the Exotic Animal Olympics and enjoy the "ZSPN Anchors" colorful commentary.

The school is part of a 2-year college program with a lot of "hands on" experience. During our visit one student was sitting outside a Hyena cage and reaching through the bars to continuously rub the sleeping Hyena's tummy and you could hear it loudly making the Hyena-equivalent of purring. The student said this was one of the best parts of the program - getting daily contact with the animals and developing a close bond with one over their program.


For more information - http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current-students/teaching-zoo