Kamloops Wildlife Park Logo The Kamloops Wildlife Park - Recipient of the Canadian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Thomas R. Baines award in Education Kamloops Wildlife Park Logo

Animal Health Technology

What is Animal Health Technology?

 Animal Health Technology is a two year technical diploma program that graduates highly skilled paraprofessionals in the field of animal care.  The University College of the Cariboo (UCC) is the only school in British Columbia that offers this course.

What do UCC Animal Health Technologists do for the Kamloops Wildlife Park?

Animal Health Technologists are qualified to do the following:

Cougar checkupKamloops Wildlife Park’s Animal Health Technologist, Dawn Brodie, works in close consultation with the zoo veterinarian, to provide quality care for all the animals at the Widlife Park.  Regular care includes vaccinations, deworming, daily monitoring for body condition, wild animal rehabilitation, and dietary adjustments of all resident animals.  Our AHT assesses animal behaviour, carries out most treatments, assists in surgeries, cares for the rehabilitated animals and minimizes stress for the animals through proper handling and by providing the best possible enclosures for all species.  She is the “on-site” person responsible for the overall care of the KWP animals.

Can any graduate work as an Animal Health Technologist at a zoo?

Most AHT graduates work in small animal clinics.  However, a percentage of AH Technicians are successfully employed at zoos around North America.  These people dedicate countless volunteer hours to enhance the quality of lives of the animals in their care.

This career is a way of life rather than a job.

Their skill acquired during the AHT program is often combined with previous skills such as volunteer work at zoo’s and rehabilitation centres, and experience on ranch or farm where they learn flock and herd management and the handling of large animals.
 
 

 
Animal Health Technology Dawn Brodie Animal Rehabilitation Affiliations with the University College of the Caribou
 
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The research team for this site was Elena Garde and Guillermo Pérez
Site design & implementation by Roger W. Smith