Framework

The framework is currently undergoing revisions; content is likely to change in the next few months. Please check back regularly for updates. Refer to the Guidance Section for information on how this framework can be used.

 

Knowledge/skill areas		Topics	Competences	Competent	Proficient	Expert
Transversal Skills	1. A zookeeper can: manage themselves appropriately and can work professionally with other people	1.1. Self-Management	1.1.1 Time Management
			1.1.2 Professional Development
			1.1.3 Professional Conduct
		1.2 Working with Others	1.2.1 Professional Networks
			1.2.2 Working Relationships
			1.2.3 Communicating with Others
		1.3 Management	1.3.1 Recruitment
			1.3.2 Team Management
			1.3.3 Setting and Achieving Objectives
		1.4 Communication Skills	1.4.1 Presentation and Public Speaking
			1.4.2 Language Proficiency
			1.4.3 Using Technology
Job-Specific Competencies	2. A zookeeper can: manage the animals under their care to promote positive welfare	2.1 Taxon-Specific Knowledge	2.1.1 Systematics and Taxonomy
			2.1.2 Characteristics of the Animal Kingdom
			2.1.3 Evolution vs. Domestication
			2.1.4 Hybridisation and Kinship
			2.1.5 Ecology
		2.2 Animal Behaviour	2.2.1 Behaviour Basics
			2.2.2 Innate and Learned Behaviour
			2.2.3 Observing and Data Sampling
			2.2.4 Abnormal Behaviour
			2.2.5 Behavioural Enrichment
		2.3 Animal Reproduction	2.3.1 The Biology of Reproduction
			2.3.2 Selection of Stock for Breeding Programmes
			2.3.3 Care of Breeding Animals and Young
			2.3.4 Breeding and Population Management
		2.4 Animal Feeding	2.4.1 Feed Recognition
			2.4.2 Feed Preparation
			2.4.3 Feed Presentation
			2.4.4 Feed Utilisation
			2.4.5 Waste food Disposal
		2.5 Nutrition	2.5.1 Digestion of Food
			2.5.2 Ration Design and Formulation
			2.5.3 Diet Supplementation
			2.5.4 Animal Condition Scoring
		2.6 Handling and Transport	2.6.1 Methods of Approach and Capture
			2.6.2 Equipment Used in Handling a Range of Taxa
			2.6.3 Transportation Systems and Procedures
			2.6.4 Relevant Legislation for Handling and Transport
		2.7 Training	2.7.1 Training Basics
			2.7.2 Training Methods and Techniques
			2.7.3 Training Programme
		2.8 Record Keeping	2.8.1 Recording Systems
			2.8.2 Husbandry Records
			2.8.3 Breeding & Behaviour Records
			2.8.4 Training Records
		2.9 Animal Health	2.9.1 Health Observations
			2.9.2 Administering Treatments
			2.9.3 Medical Procedures
		2.10 Animal Welfare	2.10.1 Theoretical Animal Welfare
			2.10.2 Applied Animal Welfare
			2.10.3 Animal Welfare Assessment
	3. A zookeeper can: manage their physical environment to create positive environments for animals and people	3.1 Enclosure Design	3.1.1 Stakeholders
			3.1.2 Enclosure Safety
			3.1.3 Habitat Design
		3.2 Health and Safety	3.2.1 Safety Issues and Procedures
			3.2.2 Risk Management
			3.2.3 Health Issues
			3.2.4 Accommodation Safety and Security
		3.3 Cleaning	3.3.1 Cleaning and cleanliness
			3.3.2 Cleaning Safety
			3.3.3 Cleaning and Biology
		3.4 Biosecurity	3.4.1 Biosecurity
			3.4.2 Waste Management
			3.4.3 Storage Management
			3.4.4 Food Management
		3.5 Enclosure maintenance	3.5.1 General Maintenance
			3.5.2 Use of Tools
	4. A zookeeper can: understand and apply the cultural values of their institution and the zoo community	4.1 Evolution of Zoos	4.1.1 History of Zoos
			4.1.2 The Current Role of a Modern Zoo
		4.2 Conservation	4.2.1 Conservation Role of Zoos
			4.2.2 Threats to Biodiversity
			4.2.3 IUCN Red-listing
			4.2.4 Translocations and Reintroduction
			4.2.5 Breeding Programmes
		4.3 Conservation Education	4.3.1 Importance of Conservation Education
4.3.2 Methods for Delivering Conservation Education
4.3.3 Delivering Keeper Talks
4.4 Applied Scientific Research		4.4.1 Importance of Scientific Research
		4.4.2 Research Practice
4.5 Zoo Management		4.5.1 Sustainable Practice
		4.5.2 Financing of Zoos
		4.5.3 Collection Planning
		4.5.4 Organisational Structure and Functions
		4.5.5 Ethics
		4.5.6 International Organisations
4.6 Legislation		4.6.1 Licensing Requirements
		4.6.2 EU Legislation
4.7 Marketing and Communication		4.7.1 Reputation of Zoos
		4.7.2 Market Research and Feedback
		4.7.3 Working with Donors and Supporters
		4.7.4 Media Interaction