Are you passionate about wildlife, nature conservation, and sustainable zoo management? This minor offers you the unique opportunity to delve into the dynamic world of modern zoos and their role in conservation, education, and research. You'll gain valuable insights into animal welfare, zoo research and species preservation while collaborating with professionals in the field. Embark on this exciting journey to deepen your understanding and make a real impact in the world of zoo management and conservation!

The program is suitable for anyone with a passion for animals, conservation, and sustainability, provided they have a foundational knowledge of animal biology or related fields at an appropriate academic level.

The added value of this minor  lies in its ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application in a unique and highly specialized field.

- Managing animals in the non-production animal sector
- Providing animal health and welfare advice for the non-production animal sector
- Organizing and executing research on individual animals

This minor offers you the unique opportunity to develop skills for various key roles within a zoo, such as curator, welfare coordinator, breeding program coordinator, and research assistant.

In this program, you will not only gain theoretical knowledge but also work hands-on on your own research project in a Dutch zoo. Through this, you will learn how to effectively contribute to the welfare of animal populations and the conservation of endangered species. Additionally, you will conduct a welfare assessment, gaining valuable insights into behavior, housing and welfare criteria.

Admission conditions for all students (internal and external students): For admission, applicants must demonstrate that they have a foundational knowledge of animal biology or related fields at an appropriate academic level.

Application is submitted with a CV and a motivation letter in which you demonstrate, among other things, sufficient animal-related knowledge comparable to that of a third-year student in an animal-related study program.

Maximum of 32 students. In case of a waiting list, acceptance into the minor is based on enrollment date.

Recommended are:

1. De APA-richtlijnen uitgelegd: Een praktische handleiding voor bronvermelding in het hoger onderwijs. Werkgroep APA (2021). SURF 3e herziene editie.
2. Hazewinkel, F. (2018). Harpij Enrichment Book: Ideas for the enrichment of animals in zoos. Stichting Harpij.
3. Bishop, J., Hosey, G., Plowman, A. (2013). Handbook of Zoo & Aquarium Research; Guidelines for conducting research in zoos and aquariums. London. British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquaria.
4. Hosey, G., Melfi, V., Pankhurst, S. (2013). Zoo animals. Behaviour, Management and Welfare. Second edition. Oxford University Press.

This minor is based on a full-time study program that include lectures and training sessions on weekdays. During the minor, you will conduct research on-site, which may require you to spend several weeks in primitive conditions at the location (in a zoo).

The lessons are not mandatory, but attendance is highly recommended. Furthermore, being present at school enhances collaboration within the groups during group work. There are 10-20 hours of lessons per week which may be spread across all working days ; the remaining hours are dedicated to self-study and completion of assignments. During the field weeks, a 40-hour workweek in terms of attendance may be expected.

TOETS-01: Welfare assessment, Assignment
Group grade/ Groepscijfer, 10 EC 

TOETS-02: Student lecture, Presentation
Group grade/ Groepscijfer, 6 EC

TOETS-03: Small population management, Assignment
Individual grade/ Individueel, 2 EC

TOETS-04: Applied Zoo research, Assignment 
Group grade/ Groepscijfer, 10 EC

TOETS-05: Oral presentation
Individual grade/ Individueel, 2 EC

This minor involves additional costs, such as travel expenses and excursion fees. Please note that travel costs to locations such as Apenheul, Dierpark Amersfoort and Gaia Zoo are your own responsibility and cannot be reimbursed.