This certificate prepares you for jobs such as a dog clipper/groomer, kennel hand, pet shop attendant, animal attendant.

This certificate course is an entry level certificate into training for other jobs in the industry such as:

Certificate III in Captive Animals (Zoo keeping);

Certificate III in Animal Technology (Vet Nursing); and

Certificate III in Companion Animals (boarding, grooming, rescue & retail)

Please note extra elective units are required to do vet nursing that are not offered by TTI. You can do these units at another RTO www.training.gov.au or develop competencies via practical experience at a veterinary surgery. 

This course may provide you with employment opportunities as a zoo keeper, aquarium attendant, wildlife park worker or theme park animal attendant.

The Taronga Training Institute does not currently deliver to International students or via correspondence.

Certificate II in Animal Studies - one year (OR a 30 week duration for HSC students).
Certificate III in Captive Animals - two years at Taronga Zoo in Sydney and one year at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

Certificate II – two intakes per year one commencing in January and another in June. 

Certificate III – one intake per year, for both Dubbo and Sydney, commencing in February

Enrolments open approximately six months prior to course commencement, please check the website regularly or email us at tti@zoo.nsw.gov.au 

Classroom sessions, practical and assessment. Assessments include practical observations during class, written tests, reports and supervisor reports. The Certificate III in Captive Animals course includes some in-depth report writing and research

Taronga Zoo Sydney: classroom sessions are held once a fortnight, from 4pm to 8pm at the Taronga Zoo Education Centre. The night of the week is scheduled on confirmation of enrollment.

HSC students: The course is presented over a 30 week period. Classroom sessions are conducted once a week, 12:30pm to 3.45pm.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo: Classroom sessions will be conducted in five blocks lasting one week each. 

Assessment deadlines must be adhered to during TTI courses. Any requests for extension must be expressed in writing prior to the due date and must be approved by the TTI Manager. Evidence of extenuating circumstances must be provided where a student misses a deadline without approval from the TTI Manager.

Yes, the Certificate II in Animal Studies in endorsed by the Board of Studies and students can complete the course while doing their HSC

Practical days are generally keeper days (i.e. 6:30am - 3:30pm).

The course requirements are:

Certificate II in Animal Studies: 15 days (10 of these will be offered at Taronga Zoo).

Certificate III in Captive Animals; 

Taronga Zoo, Sydney: 1 day per week

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo: 1 x 1 week facilitated and 4 x 2 week scheduled.

Students indicate what days of the week, including weekends, they are available to do their practical component on the enrolment form. The Taronga Training Institute will work around the needs of the student wherever possible. A fee may be charged if any changes are made to scheduled practical days throughout the course.

Taronga Training Institute students will be given experience on two or more divisions during their practical.

Students will be given the opportunity during their practical to do basic keeping tasks under supervision or by assisting a trained Zoo keeper. Basic keeping tasks include preparing food, cleaning, and maintenance. Over time, Certificate III students may also be given the opportunity to be involved in more complex tasks.

Students are required to complete a practical journal and have skills competencies signed off by their supervising keepers.

A Taronga Training Institute t-shirt or jumper is available for students to purchase at our Lower Entrance Shop. These are not compulsory but they can aid our staff in recognising you as a student. Neutral coloured, hard-wearing, sun protective clothing and closed shoes are the accepted wear for practical. 

The handling of animals is not a common part of a Zoo keeper's daily role. Usually duties include the preparation of food, cleaning of exhibits and housing and other maintenance activities. Students may get the opportunity to handle animals, under supervision only, through their classroom sessions, or on the rare occasion during their practical.

There is an enormous amount of interest in this field of employment. However, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances for the future.

Most people who are successfully employed as Zoo keepers have gained experience in the animal care industry as volunteers or as part of an animal society or study group. Experience at a veterinary surgery, wildlife park, RSPCA centre, animal welfare organisation, dog training business, wildlife rescue agency, or as a kennel attendant, animal breeder, and animal groomer are useful.

Zoo keeping staff are required to have experience in the animal care industry, or have completed ACM20110 Certificate II in Animal Studies. They are also expected to complete ACm30110 Certificate III in Captive Animals prior to, or early in their employment. However, having completed Certificate III prior to applying for a position will increase the chances of being employed.

There are a number of institutes offering the required courses. As a student of the Taronga Training Institute, you are placed as an intern keeper at Taronga Zoo to complete the required practical component of the course.

for the Taronga Conservation Society Australia's current job vacancies.

The Australasian Society of Zookeeping is a good source of jobs available in zoos, parks and aquariums

Most Zoo Keepers work a 7 day roster, 365 days a year. At Taronga Zoo, the working hours range between 6am and 4pm.

Ferry: Taronga Zoo (first ferry arrives at 7:30am, last ferry leaves at 7pm)

Mosman Bay (first departure 5:40am) then bus no 247 to Taronga

Car: Students should park in the staff carpark area or the public carpark. After 6pm, lights will only be available on the ground level. Students attending evening classes should park on the ground level only.

The Taronga Training Institute does not organise accommodation for students.There are a variety of student accommodation options around Sydney. The following is a guide to accommodation prices.

Share Accommodation: Your own bedroom in a shared house or apartment $100 - $250 per week.

Full Board or Homestay: Your own bedroom, usually in a family home, breakfast and dinner, or all meals are provided $180 - $350 per week.

Studio Rental: A studio consists of a bed/sitting room, kitchenette and bathroom $140 - $300 per week.

Flat/Unit/Apartment Rental: Self contained property with one or more bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, living room and laundry. Prices vary depending on location and quality. Between $250 - $400 per week for a 1 bedroom property.

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 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 months only. A position will only be held for a deferring student if the course fees have been paid on the original due dates. 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.  

The courses offered through the Taronga Training Institute, are designed to allow students to work or study whilst doing these courses. As classroom sessions are once a fortnight, there is no fee subsidy available for these courses.

We have valued the courses we offer at the Taronga Training Institute based on; the access to our highly qualified staff (as Trainer and Assessors and as Supervisors during practical); the access to our zoo (for classroom sessions and practical); the organisation of your practical component for you (at Taronga Zoo); the quality of our course materials (developed by our own staff); the personalised student services we offer; and a Certificate with the Taronga Training Institute's logo and name on it at the completion of the course.  

Yes. You must apply through the Volunteer Programs.

There are language, literacy and numeracy demands on each of our courses. It is suggested that students have a high level school education. 

Language, literacy and numeracy courses are available at TAFE NSW (Sydney) or TAFE NSW (Western Sydney).

What other support is available?

• TTI administration staff onsite

• Email

• Phone

• Student Handbook

• Internet access onsite

• Trainer and Assessors available onsite (with bookings)

• Flexible learning and assessment options

• Practical Co-ordinators