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.   

Mark D. Irwin is a licensed veterinarian, and an associate professor who leads the Zoo Technology program at State University of New York - Jefferson Community College 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 Toronto Zoo andisan adjunct faculty member of Sheridan College in Brampton, ON, Canada, where he teaches exotic animal science.  

Aaron M. Cobaugh is an associate professor and coordinator of the Animal Management program at State University of New York - Niagara County Community College in Sanborn, NY where he teaches zoo-related courses that train future zookeepers, and is a former keeper himself.