Exotic Companion Animals
This type of animal has a carapace and plastron as parts of its body.
Turtle
The carapace is the top (dorsal) shell, the plasteron is the bottom (ventral) shell
Provides daily care to a zoo's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, exhibit maintenance, and record keeping
Zoo Keeper
Zoo keepers develop a tight bond with the animals they care for, and work hard to gain their trust.
This threat to wildlife forces animals to move elsewhere or can directly lead to their demise.
Habitat Loss
Fragmentation, Deforestation, Pollution, Development, Global warming (Ice and Coral lost)
This group of animals has about 11,000 species, making it the second largest group of vertebrates.
Birds!
This small mammal has spines covering most of its body.
Hedgehog
They will curl themselves into a ball and raise their spines to defend themselves
These professionals are responsible for creating and maintaining suitable habitats for various aquatic species.
Aquarist
There are some aquarists who focus primarily on the management and rescue of coral
This kind of standing indicates whether the group still exists and how likely the group is to become extinct in the near future.
Conservation Status
International Union for Conservation of Nature - IUCN Red List
This type of animal can have between 100–400 vertebrae and ribs.
Snakes
Snakes evolved to have excess vertebrae and ribs to protect the vital organs that run the length of their bodies.
These individuals will conduct observational or experimental studies to learn more about animals.
Researcher:
Wildlife biologist
Marine biologist
Behavior and welfare researcher
Ecologist
A network of people and organizations care for injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing them back to their natural habitat.
Rehabilitation
Animals who cannot be released back into the wild may find permanent homes in sanctuaries or zoos/aquariums, or may have to be humanely euthanized.
This common pet, also called fighting fish, is known for its flowing fins and variety of colors.
Betta fish
Betta fish can survive in poor quality water due to their special “labyrinth organ”, which allows them to extract oxygen from air.
These officers patrol protected areas, monitor wildlife, prevent poaching, and engage local communities in conservation.
Park Ranger
Can work in state or national parks.
Work with state or federal Fish and Wildlife agencies
This term encompasses the harvesting and selling of wildlife, and wildlife products (including pelts, ivory, plants, and furs) to be used as medicine, fashion, food, or pets sold to consumers.
Wildlife Trafficking
In addition to being harmful to animals and habitats, wildlife trafficking can spread zoonotic disease.
These mammals belong to the same family (Mustelidae) as otters, wolverines, badgers, weasels, and minks.
Ferret
Ferrets were likely domesticated from the European Polecat around 2,500 years ago to hunt rodents.
This field of veterinary medicine focuses on the healthcare and welfare of animals that participate in research, i.e. clinical trials.
Lab animal medicine
Work with a variety of animal species, including rodents, non-human primates, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and more!
This breeding program developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) seeks to ensure the survival and genetic diversity of endangered animals in captivity.
Species Survival Plan
There are 300 SSP Programs, each carefully managed by their corresponding Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) within the AZA.