ZOO 220 — Zoo Conservation
This course will explore conservation issues relating to zoos. Emphasis will be placed on endangered species population management and environmental stewardship. Topics will include history of conservation, conservation organizations, role of zoos in conservation, current initiatives, threats to habitat, breeding programs for endangered species, reintroduction programs, wildlife rehabilitation, captive population management, habitat preservation, wildlife rehabilitation and going green in the workplace. Students will examine the impact of conservation issues on human and wildlife populations and the active role that animal professionals can assume. Contemporary issues such as climate change, global biodiversity, extinction, terrestrial & aquatic ecosystem health, economics and policy will be discussed. Students will gain an appreciation and understanding of why conservation of endangered species is important and what is currently being done.
Prerequisites: BIO 217