Elephant ears are thin allowing heat to be released into the air, as they have no sweat glands. Through flapping and fanning its ears the elephant can rapidly lower its body temperature.
Certificate III in Captive Animals RUV30204
Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Enrolments are closed
Support Documentation to include with enrolment form:
- Proof of Australian citizenship/permanent residency
- TB Clearance
- Resume
- Copy of your Cert II in Animal Studies/Proof that you have worked in the animal care industry for at least one full year
Description
This Certificate III level course is designed for those who are interested in pursing a career as a Keeper in the animal care industry. Typical duties of Keepers include the daily care of animals including preparing animal diets; feeding; training and conditioning; monitoring and maintaining health; capturing, restraining and assisting in moving animals; monitoring reproduction; maintaining animal exhibits; monitoring behavioural needs; implementing improved husbandry; and assisting in animal collection management. Keepers also interact with the public, providing educational information and experiences to the visitors.
Duration
The course is presented over a two-year period with classroom sessions conducted in 5 intensive full week blocks over two years. Students are also required to attend Taronga Western Plains Zoo for 5 x 3 week blocks to perform the daily duties of an intern Keeper under supervision. Students will also be required to undertake course work in their own time.
Classes will be held 8am-5pm on the following dates:
- 2010: 1-5 Feb, 29 Mar-2 April, 20 Sept - 24 Sept
- 2011: 25-29 April, 18-22 July.
Practical placements will open for ballot after enrolments have been finalised. Each student will be required to do 5 x 3 week block placements at Taronga Western Plains Zoo over the two years.
Assessments
Course assessments are a combination of written answers to questions, reports, projects, observations of students performing tasks, and supervisor reports.
Units
The Certificate III comprises of 14 units (10 core units and 4 elective units) all of which must be successfully completed to gain the Certificate III in Captive Animals
Core Units
RUV3001A Carry out workplace OH&S procedures
RUV3402A Work within a captive animal institution
RUV3403A Prepare and present information to the public
RUV3404A Assist with collection management
RUV3406A Prepare and maintain animal housing
RUV3408A Prepare animal diets and monitor feeding
RUV3409A Monitor and maintain animal health
RUV3410A Capture, restrain and assist in moving animals
RUV3412A Monitor animal reproduction
RUV3414A Identify behavioural needs and implement improved husbandry
Elective Units
RUV3405A Develop an institutional husbandry manual
RUV3407A Maintain exhibits and assist in their design
RUV3411A Care for young animals
RUV3413A Condition animals
Pathways
Upon successful completion of RUV30204 Certificate III in Captive Animals, further study options may be available external to TTI including RUV40204 Certificate IV in Captive Animals and RUV50104 Diploma of Animal Technology.
Entry Requirements
Students of this course must have the New South Wales School Certificate (or equivalent) as a minimum; and have completed Certificate II in Animal Studies, or have worked in the animal care industry for a minimum of one year. Students of this course must also be able to demonstrate good English skills (both verbal and written) and basic numeracy skills.
Access to an animal care workplace is also a requirement to enable the practical components of the course to be undertaken. For students of the Taronga Conservation Society Australia’s Taronga Training Institute, this workplace is required to be Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo). In this regard, all enrolled students of the Taronga Training Institute will be assured the required and planned access to Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
A satisfactory health assessment is required to place you as an Intern Keeper at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Where is the course run?
The course’s classroom sessions are conducted in 5 x full week blocks at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Obley Road, Dubbo. Students are also required to attend Taronga Western Plains Zoo for 5x 3 week blocks to perform the daily duties of an intern Keeper under supervision.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Recognition of Current Competency (RCC)
TTI provides a process for assessing and recognising prior learning/current competency, which is the acknowledgement of an individual's current skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work and/or life experience. TTI provides a person eligible for RPL/RCC with an RPD/RCC Kit, which details the evidence which must be supplied by the individual to enable their competency to be assessed and determined by a qualified assessor of TTI.
Refund Policy
Students are advised to give careful consideration to their course enrolment decision as enrolled students are only eligible for a refund of course fees if the Taronga Training Institute cancels the course; or if the student advises of their cancellation at least thirty (30) working days prior to the commencement date of the course. An administration fee of $100 will apply to students who cancel their enrolment.
Withdrawal Policy
Students wanting to withdraw are required to do so in writing. Where a student has started the course and elected to withdraw, the balance of their course fees is payable within 30 days of their notice of withdrawal.
Deferral Policy
Students wanting to defer may do so for a period of six (6) months only. A position will only be held for a deferring student if the course fees due have been paid on time. Where a student elects to defer, they are required to do so in writing with an indication of a date of return to the course.
How to Enrol
To enrol in this Certificate III in Captive Animals complete the enrolment form and return with payment. You will be notified by mail of your acceptance.
For any questions, please contact the Taronga Training Institute on (02) 9978 4746 or email tti@zoo.nsw.gov.au.
