Some Intro. about Conventional Pets...
Dog:
The domestic dog has been one of widely kept working and companion animal in human history, as well as food source in some cultures. There are estimated to be 400 million dogs in the world. Dogs are very social animals, but their personality and behavior varies with breeds.Dogs are employed in various roles across the globe providing invaluable assets in areas such as search and rescue; law enforcement; guards for livestock, people or property; herding; guiding the blind; acting as pair of ears for deaf; assisted with hunting, and great many other roles which they may be trained to assume.
House Cat:
Cats are also been kept as a companion animal. Cat gathers much more attention than a dog; as you can find a cat very commonly in the beds and on the sofas, in the bedrooms, guest rooms and common rooms. It has been studied that keeping a cat prevents undesirable rats to come in the homes as that may destroy stocks of books, clothes, silk, food and grains etc. As well as transferring many infectious and epidemic diseases in the areas. It also has an ability to hunt vermin, snakes and scorpions.People are also interested in the cats because it use a variety of vocalizations and body language for communication, including meowing, purring, hissing, growling, squeaking, chirping, clicking and grunting.
Gold Fish: (Carassus auratus)
Ornamental fish of the carp family, originally domesticated by the Chinese. More than 120 breeds are recognized, as well as the common goldfish. They vary in color and markings, and in conformation of the fin, tail and head. Their lifespan can range from 2 years to 25 years. Size may vary from 5cm to 30cm or more.
Budgerigars:
A bird specie, related to the group of canaries and parrots. It is a cage bird and may be found in aviaries.
Guinea pig:
Also known as a “Cavy”, the guinea-pig is technically a rodent, Cavia porcella, originating from South America; it is better known as children’s pet, a laboratory animal, and as an animal bred for show purposes.
Siamese fish:
This is very popular hobby mainly concentrates on tropical fish. Many of these are imported. The methods used for their capture may cause injury. The result of this and subsequent mishandling may not be apparent until the fish are in the possession of hobbyist. Deaths even then can still be due to the method of capturing.
Zebra Fish:
It is also a famous aquarium fish, usually sold by the name of zebra danio. More details are included under the heading of Siamese fish.
Syrian Hamsters:
Small brown rodents popular as domestic pets: the dwarf russian and the golden hamsters. The former also known as the striped, hairy-footed hamsters, comes from Siberia, Central Asia and Northern China.
Ferrets:
These attractive creatures are extremely popular as pets. They need crefull and expert handling; a bite to the finger can penetrate to the bone. Their females are called “jills” while males are “hobs”. The jills not used for breeding are spayed.
Gerbil:
A small burrowing rodent, originating in deserts, popular as pets. They live for 3-5 yrs; adults weigh 50-90g, the females being larger than males. Sexual maturity occurs at 10 weeks. The gestation period is 24-26 days and the young are weaned at 21-24 days. Rectal temperature is 37.4-39oC. They are naturally healthy animals; markedly free from infectious diseases.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND
HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND:
A mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well being of both; animals and humans.This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals and the environment. The veterinarian’s role in the human-animal bond is to maximize the potentials of this relationship between people and other animals.The Bond Between human and animals is an immeasurable thing, but only in those cases where a strong love is present between them. If its there we can observe the companions in every aspect of their life; from bed to their class rooms, from breakfast to dinner, and from parties to loneliness. . . .
Different Types of Human-Animal Bond:
Just Only as a Property:
Some people believe that owning a pet is like owning a car. They consider the pet property and typically you only see this animal when it is ill, and has been ill for a period of time. The owner has finally decided that they should bring the animal in, but they do not want to pay a lot of money to treat it. They feel like the pet is a nuisance and unworthy of them spending any amount of money on it. After all, they can just get a new one.
Keeping as a Commitment:
Other People understand that having a pet is a commitment. They come in regularly for vaccinations and they do bring in the animal if it appears ill. These owners are willing to pay for blood tests to try to diagnose the animals’ medical problem, but they may not be willing to take it to a specialist if recommended.
A Deep Friendship:
Some People has a so deep relation to their companion animal; so that the animals have become family members. In some cases, these pets even get Christmas presents from Santa and have their own Christmas stockings so that they do not feel left out.
A Family Member:
These owners do not believe that their pet is an animal at all. It is a mutated human who can comprehend everything, and the owner can understand what the animal says. These animals sleep with the owner, are in family portraits, and if they have a slight cough, the owner is racing in like it is a full-fledged emergency. They are willing to do whatever it takes to find out what is wrong with their “precious baby” and to treat it.
A mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well being of both; animals and humans.This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals and the environment. The veterinarian’s role in the human-animal bond is to maximize the potentials of this relationship between people and other animals.The Bond Between human and animals is an immeasurable thing, but only in those cases where a strong love is present between them. If its there we can observe the companions in every aspect of their life; from bed to their class rooms, from breakfast to dinner, and from parties to loneliness. . . .
Different Types of Human-Animal Bond:
Just Only as a Property:
Some people believe that owning a pet is like owning a car. They consider the pet property and typically you only see this animal when it is ill, and has been ill for a period of time. The owner has finally decided that they should bring the animal in, but they do not want to pay a lot of money to treat it. They feel like the pet is a nuisance and unworthy of them spending any amount of money on it. After all, they can just get a new one.
Keeping as a Commitment:
Other People understand that having a pet is a commitment. They come in regularly for vaccinations and they do bring in the animal if it appears ill. These owners are willing to pay for blood tests to try to diagnose the animals’ medical problem, but they may not be willing to take it to a specialist if recommended.
A Deep Friendship:
Some People has a so deep relation to their companion animal; so that the animals have become family members. In some cases, these pets even get Christmas presents from Santa and have their own Christmas stockings so that they do not feel left out.
A Family Member:
These owners do not believe that their pet is an animal at all. It is a mutated human who can comprehend everything, and the owner can understand what the animal says. These animals sleep with the owner, are in family portraits, and if they have a slight cough, the owner is racing in like it is a full-fledged emergency. They are willing to do whatever it takes to find out what is wrong with their “precious baby” and to treat it.
Your Pet is Your Doctor...
ANIMAL FACILITATED THERAPY:
Pets also generally seem to provide their owners with non-trivial health benefits; keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress to those who like having animals around. There is now a medically-approved class of "therapy animals," mostly dogs, who are brought to visit confined humans. Walking a dog can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction.
• “The companionship of animals decreases loneliness and stimulates conversation,”
• “By encouraging touch and giving humans a sentient creature to care for, interaction with animals stimulates physical reactions that are very necessary and important in humans.”
• “Many times, pets give attention to a person who otherwise might not receive as much,”
• “They stimulate exercise, encourage laughter, and facilitate social contact,”
• “These benefits add up to an improved sense of well being.”
Health benefits
So,
This shows that;
the pets have the ability to stimulate their caregivers, in particular the elderly, giving people someone to take care of, someone to exercise with, and someone to help them heal from a physically or psychologically troubled past. Having a pet may help people achieve health goals, such as lowered blood pressure, or mental goals, such as decreased stress. There appears to be strong evidence that having a pet can help a person lead a longer, healthier life. In a study of 92 people hospitalized for coronary ailments, within a year 11 of the 29 without pets had died, compared to only 3 of the 52 who had pets. A recent study concluded that owning a pet can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 2% and that pets are better than medication in reducing blood pressure. Dogs which are trained to be guide dogs can help people with visual impairments.Even pet owners residing in a long-term care facility, such as a hospice or nursing home, experience health benefits from pets.In the field of mental health, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been found to be a helpful treatment in the following areas:
Emotional safety:
The therapist may be viewed as more approachable if there is an animal present. The power structure has shifted and the environment is less threatening.
Relationships:
Clients who have difficulty developing a relationship with other human beings are able to relate to an animal. The animal can be a source of love and companionship and the client can direct feelings of love and concern for an animal when he or she may have difficulty with the expression of emotions in a human relationship.
Attachment:
An animal can offer the opportunity for uncomplicated attachment. Learning the skills of attachment from the relationship with an animal will help in developing a relationship with other human beings.
Grief and loss:
Many people have experienced the loss of a beloved animal. Processing that loss can assist the client in working through issues of loss and abandonment.
Socialization:
The presence of animals provides the opportunity for social interaction and interpersonal connection. Play and laughter--a client can learn how to play through interactions with an animal.
Anxiety:
The ability to focus on the animal rather than the internal feelings of anxiety can help the client to learn distraction skills in a non-threatening environment.
Pets also generally seem to provide their owners with non-trivial health benefits; keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress to those who like having animals around. There is now a medically-approved class of "therapy animals," mostly dogs, who are brought to visit confined humans. Walking a dog can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction.
• “The companionship of animals decreases loneliness and stimulates conversation,”
• “By encouraging touch and giving humans a sentient creature to care for, interaction with animals stimulates physical reactions that are very necessary and important in humans.”
• “Many times, pets give attention to a person who otherwise might not receive as much,”
• “They stimulate exercise, encourage laughter, and facilitate social contact,”
• “These benefits add up to an improved sense of well being.”
Health benefits
So,
This shows that;
the pets have the ability to stimulate their caregivers, in particular the elderly, giving people someone to take care of, someone to exercise with, and someone to help them heal from a physically or psychologically troubled past. Having a pet may help people achieve health goals, such as lowered blood pressure, or mental goals, such as decreased stress. There appears to be strong evidence that having a pet can help a person lead a longer, healthier life. In a study of 92 people hospitalized for coronary ailments, within a year 11 of the 29 without pets had died, compared to only 3 of the 52 who had pets. A recent study concluded that owning a pet can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 2% and that pets are better than medication in reducing blood pressure. Dogs which are trained to be guide dogs can help people with visual impairments.Even pet owners residing in a long-term care facility, such as a hospice or nursing home, experience health benefits from pets.In the field of mental health, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been found to be a helpful treatment in the following areas:
Emotional safety:
The therapist may be viewed as more approachable if there is an animal present. The power structure has shifted and the environment is less threatening.
Relationships:
Clients who have difficulty developing a relationship with other human beings are able to relate to an animal. The animal can be a source of love and companionship and the client can direct feelings of love and concern for an animal when he or she may have difficulty with the expression of emotions in a human relationship.
Attachment:
An animal can offer the opportunity for uncomplicated attachment. Learning the skills of attachment from the relationship with an animal will help in developing a relationship with other human beings.
Grief and loss:
Many people have experienced the loss of a beloved animal. Processing that loss can assist the client in working through issues of loss and abandonment.
Socialization:
The presence of animals provides the opportunity for social interaction and interpersonal connection. Play and laughter--a client can learn how to play through interactions with an animal.
Anxiety:
The ability to focus on the animal rather than the internal feelings of anxiety can help the client to learn distraction skills in a non-threatening environment.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Zoo Staff and Their Responsibilities
ZOO:
"Zoo" means an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the public and may include a circus and rescue centers.
ZOO STAFF:
Individuals, who care for animals in zoological parks or aquariums, are called as “Zoo-Staff”.Zoo staff offers an opportunity in the specialized and demanding profession of maintaining captive exotic animals for conservation, research, public education and recreation.Zoo staff cares for a diverse collection of animals from mammals and birds to reptiles and amphibians to fish and invertebrates. Some keepers become highly specialized, such as those who work in animal hospitals or who concentrate on a specific group of animals such as exotic birds, great apes, elephants or reptiles.
MEMBERS OF ZOO-STAFF:
Following are the positions at which members of staff in zoos and aquariums provide their everyday jobs; and a brief description of their duties. Not all positions are found in all zoos, and responsibilities may vary in different conditions.
1. Director/Chief Operating Officer: Executes policies as directed by the governing authority. He is responsible for the institution's operation and plans for future development. He may also be defined as the “Head Authority”, at the zoo.
2. Assistant Director: Assists the director and assumes charge in the director's absence. Helps in the routine tasks of the director or may even report about the matters, being operated in the department.
3. Finance Manager: Manages the institution's finances, including payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.
4. General Curator: Oversees the institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff. He is responsible for strategic collection planning.
5. Animal Curator: Manages a certain portion of an institution's animal collection. He may manage a specific category of animals in which he has to show his efficiency and full ability; i.e., mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, etc.
6. Veterinarian: A veterinarian is responsible for the health care program for the animals and the maintenance of health records.
7. Veterinary Technician: Assists the veterinarian and provides care to the animals under the supervision of the veterinarian.
8. Registrar: Maintains computer records on the animal collection and applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.
9. Director of Research: Supervises research projects, serves as link between the institution and the academic community, and publishes articles in scientific journals.
10. Director of Conservation: He oversees the institution's conservation activities, including field projects. He serves as link with government wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations.
11. Conservation Biologist/Zoologist: Provides scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assists in conducting various research or field conservation projects.
12. Head Keeper: Supervises a section or department of the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers.
13. Senior Keeper: Provides primary animal care for a department.
14. Keeper/Aquarist: Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping of animals and/or aquaculture.
15. Operations Director: Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment. He supervises the daily activities of the zoo.
16. Curator of Exhibits: Creates exhibits and assists in the design of graphics. May also give guidance in the matter of designing, style and arrangements of benches, stalls, paths etc.
17. Curator of Horticulture: Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.
18. Curator of Education: Plans and implements the institution's education programs.
19. Public Relations Manager: Promotes the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media. He may also assign sign boards, banners and other advertising activities even in the zoo. Deals with the problems and complains from the public during their visit at zoo.
20. Development Officer: Develops and manages fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.
21. Marketing Director: Creates advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.
22. Special Events Coordinator: Develops and implements events to attract visitors throughout the year, especially during the holidays and national celebrations.
23. Membership Director: Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only. He may also be in charge of "adopt-an-animal" programs to raise funds.
24. Shops Manager: Manages staff and all aspects of shops and canteens, from buying products to designing shops.
25. Visitor Services Manager: Supervises the staff and facilities that are provided to the visiting public; including concessions and restrooms.
26. Volunteer Coordinator: Responsible for recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers/docents. Duties include scheduling docents for on- and off-grounds activities and keeping docents abreast of new developments to relate to the public. He may also stimulate people to provide their services as volunteers.
27. Docent Volunteer: Duties may include diet preparation, small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading group tours, and staffing special events.
28. Junior Keeper: Some institutions offer a summer program for high school students who wish to volunteer in a zoo or aquarium setting. Duties are; often similar to those of other volunteers, but they are supervised much more closely.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ZOO-STAFF:
For the day-to-day management of the animal collection and the operation of the routine activities of a zoological park, each of the members of the zoo staff should contributes to future development and improvements to the zoo. They should communicate with other zoos, conservation organizations, and federal, state and local government agencies. So that; best service can be provided to the animals, visitors and as well as to the other members of the staff. For that; zoo staff should be:
1. Responsibly communicate effectively both orally and in writing with subordinates, staff members, and the general public.
2. Knowledge of principals and practices of supervision to direct large numbers of people. Ability to make decisions that affect all aspects in the operation of an accredited zoological park.
3. Ability to effectively use the Animal Record Keeping System (ARKS) and Single Population Animal Record Keeping System (SPARKS) animal record keeping systems. Ability to use computer processing and electronic mail systems.
4. Ability to be able to communicate effectively with all Zoo Sections, other Divisions within the Parks and Recreation Department, other City Departments, and other zoological facilities and colleagues.
5. Must have the ability to make decisions concerning animal husbandry standards and have the ability to communicate and coordinate veterinary activities with veterinarians.
6. Possess in depth knowledge of the standards and programs of the zoo and to actively participate in them.
7. Ability to oversee the day-to-day operation of the physical plant of the zoo and coordinate all work requests and projects with the maintenance department while considering budget constraints.
8. Possess knowledge of modern zoo exhibit design and the ability to convey that knowledge to support organizations, architects, staff and public.
9. Ability to solicit and establish service contracts with numerous manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and other businesses as needed.
10. Ability to operate high-powered firearms and tranquilizing equipment.
11. Serve as Zoo Administrator responsible for zoo operations exercising independent judgment in supervising staff on duty in absence of any other staff member.
12. Knowledge of animal behaviors, since close contact with potentially dangerous animals can occur daily.
13. Basic understanding of the transmission and prevention of zoonotic disease.
14. Manages the institution's finances, payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.
15. Oversee the institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff.
16. Maintain computer records on the animal collection and apply for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.
17. Supervise research projects, provide a link between the institution and the academic community, and publish articles in scientific journals.
18. To oversee the institution's conservation activities.
19. Provide scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assist in conducting various research or field conservation projects.
20. Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping of animals and/or aquaculture.
21. Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment.
22. Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.
23. Plan and implement the institution's education programs.
24. Promote the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media.
25. Develop and manage fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.
26. Create advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.
27. Develop and implement events to attract visitors throughout the year, especially during the holidays and national celebrations.
28. Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only.
29. Manage staff and all aspects of shops and canteens.
30. Recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers. Also to stimulate people to provide their services as volunteers.
OTHER ABILITIES:
Beside these responsibilities, each and every member of staff should also have following abilities. So that, in case of any emergency any one can manage the matter on the spot; without losing any time.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
Must possess knowledge of modern zoo, animal and personnel management. The ability to manage the day to day operation of the physical plant of a zoological park including contractual services, communication between city divisions and departments and the understanding of federal, state and local regulations. The ability to use computers and to communicate effectively in written form. Must possess skills to speak effectively to staff, media, public and civic groups. Must possess the organizational skills to maintain high standards of operation in a job requiring a myriad of skills. Possession a valid Driver's License.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:
Ø Some years progressive experience in an accredited zoological institution.
Ø Bachelor's degree in related field. Training in one or more related schools.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:
Ø Computer processing and records keeping.
Ø Electronic mail systems
Ø Knowledge of routine processes and organizational structure.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Ø Experience working in or with zoo conservation organizations, Species Survival Plans, Fauna Interest Groups.
Ø Ability to communicate, formulate plans and compromise with staff members from different departments.
MACHINES/EQUIPMENT USED:
Members should have an exposure to the following:
Ø Firearms/tranquilizing equipment
Ø Printers
Ø Motor vehicles
Ø Copiers
Ø Animal restraint devices
Ø Egg incubators
Ø Computer
Ø Calculator
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
Ø Ability to be able to handle/direct emergency situations to include: weather, animal escape, animal injury/illness, zoo guest injury/illness or burglary/robbery.
Ø Ability to be able to cope with potentially irate and/or defensive zoo guests.
Ø Ability to be able to exercise independent judgment in a wide variety of situations.
Ø On occasion must be able to work outdoors in weather extremes.
CONCLUSION:
Simply;Zoo management needs highly responsible and efficient staff. Which should be active 24 hrs a day & should remain ready for any emergency matter, at any time.
"Zoo" means an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the public and may include a circus and rescue centers.
ZOO STAFF:
Individuals, who care for animals in zoological parks or aquariums, are called as “Zoo-Staff”.Zoo staff offers an opportunity in the specialized and demanding profession of maintaining captive exotic animals for conservation, research, public education and recreation.Zoo staff cares for a diverse collection of animals from mammals and birds to reptiles and amphibians to fish and invertebrates. Some keepers become highly specialized, such as those who work in animal hospitals or who concentrate on a specific group of animals such as exotic birds, great apes, elephants or reptiles.
MEMBERS OF ZOO-STAFF:
Following are the positions at which members of staff in zoos and aquariums provide their everyday jobs; and a brief description of their duties. Not all positions are found in all zoos, and responsibilities may vary in different conditions.
1. Director/Chief Operating Officer: Executes policies as directed by the governing authority. He is responsible for the institution's operation and plans for future development. He may also be defined as the “Head Authority”, at the zoo.
2. Assistant Director: Assists the director and assumes charge in the director's absence. Helps in the routine tasks of the director or may even report about the matters, being operated in the department.
3. Finance Manager: Manages the institution's finances, including payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.
4. General Curator: Oversees the institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff. He is responsible for strategic collection planning.
5. Animal Curator: Manages a certain portion of an institution's animal collection. He may manage a specific category of animals in which he has to show his efficiency and full ability; i.e., mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, etc.
6. Veterinarian: A veterinarian is responsible for the health care program for the animals and the maintenance of health records.
7. Veterinary Technician: Assists the veterinarian and provides care to the animals under the supervision of the veterinarian.
8. Registrar: Maintains computer records on the animal collection and applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.
9. Director of Research: Supervises research projects, serves as link between the institution and the academic community, and publishes articles in scientific journals.
10. Director of Conservation: He oversees the institution's conservation activities, including field projects. He serves as link with government wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations.
11. Conservation Biologist/Zoologist: Provides scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assists in conducting various research or field conservation projects.
12. Head Keeper: Supervises a section or department of the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers.
13. Senior Keeper: Provides primary animal care for a department.
14. Keeper/Aquarist: Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping of animals and/or aquaculture.
15. Operations Director: Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment. He supervises the daily activities of the zoo.
16. Curator of Exhibits: Creates exhibits and assists in the design of graphics. May also give guidance in the matter of designing, style and arrangements of benches, stalls, paths etc.
17. Curator of Horticulture: Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.
18. Curator of Education: Plans and implements the institution's education programs.
19. Public Relations Manager: Promotes the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media. He may also assign sign boards, banners and other advertising activities even in the zoo. Deals with the problems and complains from the public during their visit at zoo.
20. Development Officer: Develops and manages fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.
21. Marketing Director: Creates advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.
22. Special Events Coordinator: Develops and implements events to attract visitors throughout the year, especially during the holidays and national celebrations.
23. Membership Director: Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only. He may also be in charge of "adopt-an-animal" programs to raise funds.
24. Shops Manager: Manages staff and all aspects of shops and canteens, from buying products to designing shops.
25. Visitor Services Manager: Supervises the staff and facilities that are provided to the visiting public; including concessions and restrooms.
26. Volunteer Coordinator: Responsible for recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers/docents. Duties include scheduling docents for on- and off-grounds activities and keeping docents abreast of new developments to relate to the public. He may also stimulate people to provide their services as volunteers.
27. Docent Volunteer: Duties may include diet preparation, small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading group tours, and staffing special events.
28. Junior Keeper: Some institutions offer a summer program for high school students who wish to volunteer in a zoo or aquarium setting. Duties are; often similar to those of other volunteers, but they are supervised much more closely.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ZOO-STAFF:
For the day-to-day management of the animal collection and the operation of the routine activities of a zoological park, each of the members of the zoo staff should contributes to future development and improvements to the zoo. They should communicate with other zoos, conservation organizations, and federal, state and local government agencies. So that; best service can be provided to the animals, visitors and as well as to the other members of the staff. For that; zoo staff should be:
1. Responsibly communicate effectively both orally and in writing with subordinates, staff members, and the general public.
2. Knowledge of principals and practices of supervision to direct large numbers of people. Ability to make decisions that affect all aspects in the operation of an accredited zoological park.
3. Ability to effectively use the Animal Record Keeping System (ARKS) and Single Population Animal Record Keeping System (SPARKS) animal record keeping systems. Ability to use computer processing and electronic mail systems.
4. Ability to be able to communicate effectively with all Zoo Sections, other Divisions within the Parks and Recreation Department, other City Departments, and other zoological facilities and colleagues.
5. Must have the ability to make decisions concerning animal husbandry standards and have the ability to communicate and coordinate veterinary activities with veterinarians.
6. Possess in depth knowledge of the standards and programs of the zoo and to actively participate in them.
7. Ability to oversee the day-to-day operation of the physical plant of the zoo and coordinate all work requests and projects with the maintenance department while considering budget constraints.
8. Possess knowledge of modern zoo exhibit design and the ability to convey that knowledge to support organizations, architects, staff and public.
9. Ability to solicit and establish service contracts with numerous manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and other businesses as needed.
10. Ability to operate high-powered firearms and tranquilizing equipment.
11. Serve as Zoo Administrator responsible for zoo operations exercising independent judgment in supervising staff on duty in absence of any other staff member.
12. Knowledge of animal behaviors, since close contact with potentially dangerous animals can occur daily.
13. Basic understanding of the transmission and prevention of zoonotic disease.
14. Manages the institution's finances, payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.
15. Oversee the institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff.
16. Maintain computer records on the animal collection and apply for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.
17. Supervise research projects, provide a link between the institution and the academic community, and publish articles in scientific journals.
18. To oversee the institution's conservation activities.
19. Provide scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assist in conducting various research or field conservation projects.
20. Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping of animals and/or aquaculture.
21. Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment.
22. Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.
23. Plan and implement the institution's education programs.
24. Promote the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media.
25. Develop and manage fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.
26. Create advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.
27. Develop and implement events to attract visitors throughout the year, especially during the holidays and national celebrations.
28. Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only.
29. Manage staff and all aspects of shops and canteens.
30. Recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers. Also to stimulate people to provide their services as volunteers.
OTHER ABILITIES:
Beside these responsibilities, each and every member of staff should also have following abilities. So that, in case of any emergency any one can manage the matter on the spot; without losing any time.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
Must possess knowledge of modern zoo, animal and personnel management. The ability to manage the day to day operation of the physical plant of a zoological park including contractual services, communication between city divisions and departments and the understanding of federal, state and local regulations. The ability to use computers and to communicate effectively in written form. Must possess skills to speak effectively to staff, media, public and civic groups. Must possess the organizational skills to maintain high standards of operation in a job requiring a myriad of skills. Possession a valid Driver's License.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:
Ø Some years progressive experience in an accredited zoological institution.
Ø Bachelor's degree in related field. Training in one or more related schools.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:
Ø Computer processing and records keeping.
Ø Electronic mail systems
Ø Knowledge of routine processes and organizational structure.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Ø Experience working in or with zoo conservation organizations, Species Survival Plans, Fauna Interest Groups.
Ø Ability to communicate, formulate plans and compromise with staff members from different departments.
MACHINES/EQUIPMENT USED:
Members should have an exposure to the following:
Ø Firearms/tranquilizing equipment
Ø Printers
Ø Motor vehicles
Ø Copiers
Ø Animal restraint devices
Ø Egg incubators
Ø Computer
Ø Calculator
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
Ø Ability to be able to handle/direct emergency situations to include: weather, animal escape, animal injury/illness, zoo guest injury/illness or burglary/robbery.
Ø Ability to be able to cope with potentially irate and/or defensive zoo guests.
Ø Ability to be able to exercise independent judgment in a wide variety of situations.
Ø On occasion must be able to work outdoors in weather extremes.
CONCLUSION:
Simply;Zoo management needs highly responsible and efficient staff. Which should be active 24 hrs a day & should remain ready for any emergency matter, at any time.
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