Sparsholt’s Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) is more successful than ever, with latest recruitment numbers showing over 200 zookeepers are studying the College’s specialist course from zoos across the UK and all over the world.

The DMZAA training is a partnership between BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and Sparsholt College has been training the national and international experts for 15 years. It is a two-year distance learning programme specially designed for people working in a zoo or with an animal collection.

Of the 200 current students, over 50 of Sparsholt’s newest budding keepers came to the College to enjoy a residential week, travelling from zoos in East Anglia, Edinburgh and Dublin, as well as the course’s first ever recruits from France – Parc des Animals in Auvergne.

Director of Zoo Management Studies at the College, Andy Beer was delighted with the recent opportunity for DMZAA students, saying: “It was humbling to hear such positive feedback from students involved in the Sparsholt residential week. The programme contained specialist workshops including: ethics and welfare in zoos, conservation and reintroduction programmes for endangered species, co-ordination of conservation in zoos and the use of plants in enclosures. Also, it was a unique opportunity for zookeepers from far and wide to network and build industry connections for the future.”

For further information on the DMZAA course, please contact Course Director Andy Beer at Andy.Beer@Sparsholt.ac.uk. For further information on the full range of Animal Management courses, click here or register to our upcoming Open Day on Saturday 3 February 2018, 10am-2pm.