Certificate
Please note: Entry into this programme requires you to have a confirmed zoo placement. If you are interested in a placement with Auckland Zoo, we will arrange this as part of your application. If you are interested in applying for a placement with another facility within New Zealand, please ensure you arrange this with them before applying for this programme.
Imagine a job where you work with some of the world's most majestic and vulnerable wild animals. Studying to become a zookeeper will turn that dream into a reality so you can make a meaningful contribution to the welfare, care, and conservation of wild animals in New Zealand and overseas zoos. In this programme, you'll equip yourself with the skills, knowledge, and attributes needed to ensure the positive welfare and care of wild animals in a zoo environment and manage the daily operations of wildlife or zookeeping facilities. Here's what you'll learn:This study option is full-time (off-campus and online), and you'll be required to attend three compulsory block courses at our Mt Albert campus.
To study from a distance, you must be self-motivated, committed, and have excellent time management skills. You must attend all block courses, exams, practical assessments, and work experience and complete your self-directed study (research, reading, and revision) and assessment writing.
You'll also need consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and appropriate office software, e.g., Microsoft Office, which we'll provide once you're enrolled.
Unitec arranges Auckland Zoo placements as part of your application. If you plan on applying for a placement at Auckland Zoo, follow the instructions below (please don't contact them directly).
Approved zoo facilitiesPlease note: if you choose to work at a zoo facility marked with an asterisk (*), you'll need to approach multiple facilities to ensure you meet the work placement requirements for this programme.
Auckland
Auckland Zoo - please do not contact us directly, but add the required information in your application. See 'Additional Information'
The cut-off date for submitting your work placement applications to Unitec for a place in Auckland Zoo is 1st October. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old.
You are required to attach the following additional information to your Unitec application (just as you would also attach your school results and proof of residence):
Wellington
Wellington Zoo - Work Experience team (email or +64 4 381 6755)
Christchurch
Orana Wildlife Park - Catherine Roughton (email or +64 3 359 7109 ext 810)
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve* - Shaun Horan (email or +64 3 359 6226)
Hamilton
Hamilton Zoo - Mark Turner (email or +64 22 568 3485)
Nelson
Natureland* - Alix Rimmer (email)
New Plymouth
Brooklands Zoo* - Eve New and Maxine Jenkins (email or +64 6 759 6060)
Where to next?If you're interested in continuing your studies, this programme will give you the academic admission requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Animal Management and Welfare or Biodiversity Management.
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic studentsYou must have completed the following:
40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits; or a recognised equivalent;
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
Additional requirements
Non-academic requirements
Fill in the following forms:
Don't meet these Academic requirements?
Note on referees: One referee needs to be an employer where you have worked with the public and one from a teacher (or similar), who can talk about your character.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 280 KB)
- Animal carer in a wildlife park or animal sanctuary - Zookeeper