Zookeeping
An Introduction to the Science and Technology
As species extinction, environmental protection, animal rights, and workplace safety issues come to the fore, zoos and aquariums need keepers who have the technical expertise and scientific knowledge to keep animals healthy, educate the public, and create regional, national, and global conservation and management communities. This textbook offers a comprehensive and practical overview of the profession geared toward new animal keepers and anyone who needs a foundational account of the topics most important to the day-to-day care of zoo and aquarium animals. The three editors, all experienced in zoo animal care and management, have put together a cohesive and broad-ranging book that tackles each of its subjects carefully and thoroughly. The contributions cover professional zookeeping, evolution of zoos, workplace safety, animal management, taxon-specific animal husbandry, animal behavior, veterinary care, public education and outreach, and conservation science. Using the newest techniques and research gathered from around the world, Zookeeping is a progressive textbook that seeks to promote consistency and the highest standards within global zoo and aquarium operations.
About the Author
Mark D. Irwin is a licensed veterinarian and associate professor who leads the Zoo Technology program at Jefferson Community College, SUNY, in Watertown, NY, where he trains future zookeepers.
John B. Stoner has decades of experience in zoo animal care as a keeper and animal care manager at the Toronto Zoo and is an adjunct faculty member of Sheridan College in Brampton, Ontario, where he teaches exotic animal science.
Aaron M. Cobaugh is associate professor and coordinator of the Animal Management program at Niagara County Community College, SUNY, in Sanborn, NY, where he teaches zoo-related courses that train future zookeepers, and is a former keeper himself.
Reviews
"'Zookeeping' is destined to become the 'must have' comprehensive resource for the zoo industry. It offers an abundance of information and knowledge for the novice zookeeper and the seasoned veteran alike. From the history of zoos to animal welfare, training, husbandry, and beyond – to the future of the zoological institution – as we know it. 'Zookeeping' coversit all, replacing dozens of single-subject books. The contributors are among the most respected and recognized zoo experts, and they include nearly every conceivable subject of interest to those in the field" – International Conference of Zookeepers
"Zoos and aquariums may vary in size and design, but what should always remain consistent is the quality of animal care. 'Zookeeping' will contribute greatly to the professional development of new animal care professionals by providing core information and best practices, helping to develop and enhance keeper knowledge at the entry level. Mark Irwin, his colleagues, and more than seventy contributors have made a great contribution to fundamental animal care. The American Association of Zoo Keepers is proud to include this volume as part of its standardized instruction for the professional development of animal care professionals" – Bob Cisneros, American Association of Zookeepers
"Initially, 'Zookeeping' was meant to be for zookeepers only. The final product, however, is probably the most comprehensive guide to what you should know about running a good zoo business ever published. Animals are at the center of this book: it is about their care and conservation. For that purpose, top experts from the zoo business provide insight into animal husbandry, diseases, behavior, taxonomy, the legal situation, conservation, and international cooperation – to name just a few subjects. All those issues make a modern zoo and help preserve biodiversity worldwide" – Gerald Dick, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
