My Wild Calling: Training Exotic Animals at a Premier School

Have you ever gazed at a majestic lion or been captivated by the playful antics of primates and wondered what it takes to care for these incredible creatures? Perhaps the thought of working alongside them has even danced in your dreams. Well, for those with a wild heart and a passion for the animal kingdom, there's a unique path to becoming a zookeeper and exotic animal trainer – and for me, that path led straight to the prestigious Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) program at Moorpark College.

Imagine a place where the vibrant calls of exotic birds echo through the air, where the powerful roars of carnivores resonate in your chest, and where every day is an immersive lesson in the intricate world of wildlife. This wasn't a zoo visit; it was life for 22 continuous months. The EATM program isn't just a school; it's a fully operational zoo environment where students, guided by experienced instructors and zoo staff, learn every facet of animal care and training, specializing in the fascinating realm of Exotic Animals.

The journey to even set foot on this extraordinary campus is a testament to dedication. With a mere 2.5-month application window and a lottery system that selects only 56 fortunate individuals each fall, the anticipation is palpable. I remember the day, seven long months after submitting my application, when the acceptance letter arrived. The words blurred through tears of pure joy – my wild calling was finally being answered.

August 10th, 2015, the first day, remains etched in my memory. Stepping onto the grounds felt like entering another world. The symphony of sounds emanating from Primate Gardens and the resonant songs of lions and coyotes from Carnivore Kingdom created an atmosphere of pure magic. It was an experience unlike any other, a sensory immersion into the heart of the wild.

The program's unique structure fosters a strong sense of community and mentorship. As a first-year student, you navigate this intense experience alongside the seasoned second-year cohorts. They become your mentors, sharing their hard-earned knowledge, and in turn, you prepare to guide the next wave of aspiring trainers. We were immediately paired with a second-year student who became our initial guide, leading us on a whirlwind tour. We walked the public pathways, envisioning ourselves engaging with visitors at the Wildlife Theater, where I would eventually MC educational shows and lead behind-the-scenes VIP tours on weekends. We were shown the areas that would become our second home – the animal enclosures, the commissary, the classrooms – the places where we would spend seven days a week for the next nearly two years.

The first semester was a true test of commitment. Balancing a demanding 17 units of coursework with the rigorous daily schedule at the zoo – 6:30 am to 5:00 pm – required unwavering dedication. We were responsible for the entire operation, from greeting visitors at the front gates to meticulously preparing animal diets in the commissary, from scrubbing enclosures to attending lectures, and, most importantly, dedicating hours to training our assigned animals. And looming over it all was the academic requirement: maintain a C average in every class or face dismissal.

Adding to the pressure were the practical animal handling criteria. The program pushed us beyond our comfort zones, requiring us to demonstrate proficiency in tasks like confidently holding a tarantula, tying a falconry knot, passing a nerve-wracking carnivore corridor safety test, and correctly handling rabbits and lizards. My biggest fear stared me down in the form of an eight-legged creature, but the burning desire to achieve my dream fueled my determination. Countless hours were spent studying, practicing training techniques, and preparing for exams. I won't sugarcoat it – the program was physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. Yet, it forged unbreakable bonds with fellow students, creating a support system that remains strong to this day.

As we progressed through the program, the animal assignments marked a significant step in our journey. We were entrusted with the direct care and training of specific animals, collaborating with co-trainers to manage feeding schedules, cleaning routines, and, most excitingly, training sessions. Every student had the invaluable opportunity to work with a primate for a full year, a bird (either a semester or a year), a carnivore for a semester, and a hoofstock animal, alongside exposure to a diverse array of other species. During my two transformative years, I had the incredible privilege of working with: the melodic New Guinea Singing Dogs, the agile White-Cheeked Gibbon, the inquisitive Capuchin Monkey, the talkative Double Yellow-Headed Amazon, the gentle Donkey, the industrious North American Beaver, the charming Pot-Bellied Pig, the majestic Red-Tailed Hawk, the ancient Galapagos Tortoise, the sleek African Serval, the curious Raccoon, the endearing Sugar Gliders, the powerful African Lion, the playful Squirrel Monkey, the docile Sheep, and a fascinating variety of reptiles, among others. Beyond basic care, a crucial component of the program was training specific behaviors for our training classes.

What kind of behaviors did we teach? Well, my remarkable Double Yellow-Headed Amazon, Barney, had a heart murmur. To minimize stress during veterinary check-ups, I trained her to calmly present her beak to my thumb, creating a stationary target that allowed the vets to easily place a stethoscope on her chest to monitor her heart. As I've shared in previous posts, our training philosophy centered on enabling animals to actively participate in their own husbandry, making health checks less invasive and more comfortable for everyone involved.

Another memorable training endeavor involved my Pot-Bellied Pig, Eleanor. I taught her a "Silent Pig" behavior, where she would freeze and hold a specific position on cue, allowing for clear digital radiographs. The only part of her allowed to move was her tail, which would wag incessantly, a clear indication of her anticipation for the tasty rewards that would follow her stillness. Witnessing the trust and understanding that develops through training is, in my opinion, one of the most profoundly rewarding aspects of working with exotic animals. Building that connection, where an animal willingly participates and trusts you, is an experience beyond words.

My time at EATM was a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, an immersive experience I wouldn't trade for the world. The program's emphasis on building global connections within the zoological community and the incredible opportunity to undertake three internships in locations of our choosing set students up for remarkable success. I'm eager to share more about my internship adventures in future blog posts, where I'll take you along on unforgettable journeys swimming with dolphins and beluga whales. Stay tuned for more tales from my formative days at the zoo and the extraordinary experiences that followed, working with some of the most intelligent and captivating animals on our planet.