Keeper Development
Practical pathways, professional organisations and learning
opportunities for people building a career in wildlife care
Featured Resource
Understanding Keeper Competency
A discussion paper exploring how keeper competency develops through experience, opportunity, reflection and professional growth.
Practical insight
Real-world perspectives on experience, learning and professional development.
For keepers and managers
Useful for anyone supporting keeper growth, training and competency.
A growing conversation
Designed to encourage reflection, discussion and continued learning.
Getting Started in Wildlife Care
There is no single pathway into wildlife care. Most people build their experience through a combination of formal study, volunteering, work placements, practical animal experience and ongoing professional development.
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Animal care, conservation and wildlife qualifications can provide useful foundational knowledge, but formal study is only one part of developing practical competency.
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Volunteering can help build practical experience, workplace awareness and a better understanding of how wildlife organisations operate.
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Work placements provide structured opportunities to learn within professional animal care environments while developing practical skills and industry understanding.
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Relevant animal experience can come from wildlife care, veterinary support, agriculture, companion animals, conservation work and other practical settings.
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Learning continues throughout a wildlife care career through workshops, conferences, webinars, professional networks and ongoing reflection.
From Life With Wildlife
Life With Wildlife is continuing to develop new guides, discussion papers and practical resources.
More Resources Coming Soon
Professional Organisations
Australasian Society of Zoo Keeping
Supporting zoo and wildlife professionals through networking, professional development, industry events and shared knowledge.
Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia
The regional association supporting zoos, aquariums and wildlife organisations across Australasia.
Wildlife Health Australia
National wildlife health information, surveillance, guidance and professional resources.
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
A global alliance supporting zoos, aquariums and regional associations in animal welfare, conservation, education and professional collaboration.
Training and Qualifications
People enter the industry through a range of pathways, including vocational education, university study, conservation training and practical experience. The most suitable option will depend on the type of work you are interested in, your existing experience and where you want your career to develop.
Formal education can provide valuable foundational knowledge, but practical experience, workplace learning and continued professional development remain important throughout a wildlife career.
Certificate II in Animal Care
A useful starting point for people developing foundational animal care knowledge and practical skills.
Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care
Focused on the practical knowledge and skills used in wildlife parks, zoos, sanctuaries and other exhibited animal environments.
Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Broader training in conservation, habitat management, biodiversity and environmental practice.
University pathways can provide broader knowledge in areas such as zoology, ecology, conservation biology, animal science and related fields.