“Zoos must ensure that their biosecurity is not compromised. The need for zoos to maintain a high level of biosecurity at all stages of food securing and preparation cannot be overstated. Measures should be in place to prevent the contamination of food during storage and preparation and reduce the risk that food stuffs becoming vectors for disease. Such measures should be an integrated part of good husbandry. Pest control in relation to food preparation and storage can be achieved throughout a variety of steps, all of which reduce the impact of pest species.”
– G. Hosey, V. Melfi and S. Pankhurst, Zoo Animals – Behaviour, Management, and Welfare, 2nd edn., 2013
Within this topic there are four competencies:
- Biosecurity: zookeepers are capable of following set precautions to minimise the risk of infection.
- Waste Management: zookeepers are able to manage and dispose of waste products using strict biosecurity practices.
- Storage Management: zookeepers are able to ensure that animal food is obtained and stored in ways that minimise biosecurity risks.
- Food Management: zookeepers are able to ensure that animal food is prepared and presented in ways that minimise biosecurity risks
| Zookeepers working at Competent level can: | Zookeepers working at Proficient level can: | Zookeepers working at Expert level can: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4.1 Biosecurity | State the principles and associated risks of biosecurity Perform routine biosecurity measures |
Discuss which factors affect zoo biosecurity for species under their care and appropriate control measures to maintain biosecurity | Evaluate existing biosecurity plans and develop appropriate improvements |
| 3.4.2 Waste Management | Identify various waste categories Separate, manage and dispose of waste products in an appropriate manner |
Discuss strategies for sustainable waste management and device recycling initiative | Supervise other staff in relation to waste management Develop strategies for sustainable waste management (links to 4.5.1 Zoo Management – Sustainable Practice) |
| 3.4.3 Storage Management | Identify and demonstrate affective practice of food materials storage Demonstrate appropriate pest control measures under supervision |
Monitor potential pathways by which of hazards could be introduced and make appropriate record and responses to supervisors | Coordinate record keeping systems and actions for development of storage safety procedures |
| 3.4.4 Food Management | Recognise food that has been inappropriately stored and is subject to spoilage Prepare food in accordance with recognised standards operating procedures |
Provide guidance to other colleagues while performing safe food practices Record the sources and delivery dates of food |
Coordinate recording and reporting of food spoilage and deterioration and incorporate this information into food inventories |
Resources
- A. Reiss and R. Woods (eds.), National Zoo Biosecurity Manual – ZAA
- G. Hosey, V. Melfi and S. Pankhurst, Zoo Animals – Behaviour, Management, and Welfare, 2nd edn., 2013
- The Modern Zoo: Foundations for Management and Development – EAZA
- D.A. Schmidt, D.A. Travis and J.J. Williams, ‘Guidelines for creating a food safety HACCP program in zoos or aquaria’, Zoo Biology, Vol. 25, Issue 2, pp 125-135
- EU Zoos Directive Good Practices Document (chapter 2.5) – European Commission
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Last updated: 25/04/2018