Certificate Courses

Certificate Courses

Taronga delivers Certificate courses at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Perth Zoo, Melbourne Zoo and Adelaide Zoo. A full list of courses is below.

For more information about any of our Certificate courses, give our team a call at (02) 9978 4746 or send us an email to tti@zoo.nsw.gov.au.

Keeper with a Barn Owl at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Photo: Chloe Precey
Keeper with a Barn Owl at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Photo: Chloe Precey

Why study with us?

Ever wanted to study where the Zoo is your classroom? The Taronga Training Institute (RTO Code 91359) provides accredited training that gives you the unique experience of studying on site at the zoo.

We provide:

  • Practical onsite days at the Zoo. Practice what you learn in a Zoo environment.
  • Trainers who are experts in the animal care industry and include current Zoo keepers, education staff and specialists
  • Opportunities to participate in Taronga special events such as VIVID at Taronga, as well as conservation programs such as tree planting and release
  • New online and self-paced learning for Certificate II in Animal Care. Access industry experts through never-before-seen Taronga Learning resources. Plus, you’ll still get to complete your practical assessments right here at Taronga in real life animal exhibits.

View the list of available courses below.

Keeper with a Barn Owl at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Photo: Chloe Precey
Ringtail possum
Ringtail possum

Sydney courses

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (HSC) (Sydney)

This Certificate II is for those who are interested in the animal care industry. It is specifically designed as an HSC program for students in Year 11 or 12 while undertaking their school studies.

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Ringtail possum
Zebras at Taronga Zoo
Zebras at Taronga Zoo

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online)

Brand-new online course. Apply today and commence study when it suits you. 

This new online course provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace, combined with the unique experience of completing your practical assessments onsite at Taronga Zoo Sydney in real live animal exhibits.
 

MORE
Zebras at Taronga Zoo
Marine Mammal Keeper with Pepper the Californian Sea-lion
Marine Mammal Keeper with Pepper the Californian Sea-lion

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Sydney)

This is an introductory level course for those who are interested in the animal care industry and/or pursuing a career as a keeper. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to perform the essential duties of a keeper in the animal care industry, through a combination of weekly theory lessons and activities held within Taronga Zoo Sydney.

 

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR MID YEAR INTAKE 19th February 2024 

APPLY NOW
Marine Mammal Keeper with Pepper the Californian Sea-lion
Quokka joey with Keeper Bec Russell-Cook
Quokka joey with Keeper Bec Russell-Cook

ACM30321 Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (Sydney)

This course is the pathway to zoo keeping. Students will further develop their knowledge in animal husbandry through a combination of regular theory lessons and practical experience at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Graduates can seek employment as a zoo keeper, or animal keeper in aquariums and wildlife parks.

 

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR MID YEAR INTAKE 19th February 2024

APPLY NOW
Quokka joey with Keeper Bec Russell-Cook
Possum
Possum

Dubbo courses

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (HSC) (Dubbo)

This Certificate II in Animal Care is for those who are interested in the animal care industry. It is specifically designed as an HSC program for students in Year 11 or 12 while undertaking their school studies. 

 

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

More
Possum
Elephant calf Kanlaya at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
Elephant calf Kanlaya at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Dubbo)

This is an introductory level course for those who are interested in the animal care industry and/or pursuing a career as a keeper. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to perform the essential duties of a keeper in the animal care industry, through a combination of weekly theory lessons and activities held within Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo.

 

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

More
Elephant calf Kanlaya at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
Lion, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
Lion, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

ACM30321 Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (Dubbo)

This course is the pathway to zoo keeping. Students will further develop their knowledge in animal husbandry through a combination of regular theory lessons and practical experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Graduates can seek employment as a zoo keeper, or animal keeper in aquariums and wildlife parks.

 

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

More
Lion, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
Western Lowland Gorilla
Western Lowland Gorilla

Melbourne courses

ACM30321 Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (Melbourne)

This course is the pathway to zoo keeping. Students will further develop their knowledge in animal husbandry through a combination of regular theory lessons and practical experience with Zoos Victoria. Graduates can seek employment as a zoo keeper, or animal keeper in aquariums and wildlife parks.

 

APPLICATIONS CLOSED 

More
Western Lowland Gorilla
White Rhinoceros
White Rhinoceros

Perth courses

ACM30321 Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (Perth)

This course is the pathway to zoo keeping. Students will further develop their knowledge in animal husbandry through a combination of regular theory lessons and practical experience at Perth Zoo. Graduates can seek employment as a zoo keeper, or animal keeper in aquariums and wildlife parks.

 

APPLICATIONS CLOSED 

More
White Rhinoceros
Echidna being hand fed
Echidna being hand fed

Queensland courses

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

This course combines independent online study with onsite classroom learning and practical days at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Keep an eye out for applications for 2025.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

MORE
Echidna being hand fed
Lioness at Taronga Zoo
Lioness at Taronga Zoo

QLD ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online)

Brand-new online course. Apply today and commence study when it suits you. 

This new online course provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace, combined with the unique experience of completing your practical assessments onsite at Taronga Zoo Sydney in real live animal exhibits.

Apply
Lioness at Taronga Zoo
Australian Sea-lion
Australian Sea-lion

Adelaide courses

ACM30321 Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (Adelaide)

This course is the pathway to zoo keeping. Students will further develop their knowledge in animal husbandry through a combination of regular theory lessons and practical experience at Zoo's South Australia. Graduates can seek employment as a zoo keeper, or animal keeper in aquariums and wildlife parks.

 

APPLICATIONS CLOSED 

More
Australian Sea-lion
Veterinarian Libby Hall releases a Green Sea Turtle back into the wild after rehabilitation at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital.
Veterinarian Libby Hall releases a Green Sea Turtle back into the wild after rehabilitation at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital.

Meet our trainers

Our trainers are experts in animal care industry; current Taronga Zookeepers, staff and specialists in the field.

Meet the trainers of the Taronga Training Institute.

 

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Veterinarian Libby Hall releases a Green Sea Turtle back into the wild after rehabilitation at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital.

Everything you need to know

Student handbook

Enrolled students should read the Student Handbook and Code of Practice before their first class to ensure they are familiar with their responsibilities.

Policies and procedures

We're committed to adhering to policies and procedures developed to ensure compliance with the National Vet Regulator and Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).