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Animal training short course

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Things to know

  • Location

    Taronga Zoo Sydney

  • Who

    This course is ideal for begginers 16 years or older who are animal lovers, aspiring keepers, or anyone curious about how animals are trained in a zoo setting.

  • When

    9am - 4pm
    Check booking form for upcoming dates.

  • Cost

    $375 per person
     
    Zoo Friends members get 10% off.

Animal training for beginners

Discover the basics of animal training with an engaging, hands-on course led by Taronga’s expert animal trainers.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of animal behaviour, explore different training techniques, and learn how these are used to care for and enrich the lives of animals in your care.

The course includes practical demonstrations, behind-the-scenes access, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get involved.

Ideal for animal lovers, aspiring keepers, or anyone curious about training techniques used at Taronga.

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Inclusions

  • Online learning

    Online modules introducing basic animal training concepts and terms

  • Course

    A face-to-face day at Taronga Zoo with one of our expert trainers, where you can practice and hone your training skills

  • Certificate

    A certificate of participation

  • Experiences

    Exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at Taronga Zoo

  • Inclusions

    Training clicker, pouch and complimentary car parking

Meet the trainers

Lindsay Wright

Lindsay joined Taronga Zoo in 2002 after a career as a graphic designer and holds a Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation and a Certificate III in Wildlife. She discovered her passion for animal training while working with pigs at Backyard to Bush and has since trained seals, penguins, and pelicans. Now part of the Taronga Training Institute, Lindsay teaches Certificate III students and assesses Certificate II students. She focuses on enrichment and training to improve animal welfare and enjoys sharing her knowledge with students and caring for her own rescue animals.

Emma Radcliff

Emma began at Taronga Zoo at 13 through the YATZ youth program and has spent the last seven years as a zookeeper and animal trainer in the presentation and Australian fauna precincts. She has worked with penguins, seals, parrots, raptors, and reptiles, training both husbandry and presentation behaviours. Passionate about conservation and education, Emma holds a master’s degree in education and enjoys sharing her knowledge, believing that animals and children both thrive on positive reinforcement and strong relationships.

Prepare for your course

  • Participants must complete an online module prior to the workshop at Taronga Zoo. 
  • Each course will access the Zoo by foot therefore requires participants to have a moderate level of fitness and good mobility.  
  • Day courses are an all-weather experience so please come prepared for any inclement weather. Taronga reserves the right to cancel the course at any time due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or in the event of severe weather. In the unlikely chance that this situation should occur, Taronga will contact you prior to your participation date.

Gift this course

Purchase a gift voucher for one of our unique short courses and give someone in your life the the ultimate opportunity to be trained by Taronga’s best! Zoo Friends discount not applicable on course gift voucher purchases.

Buy a gift voucher

Booking terms and conditions

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