ACMEXH301 — Work within a zoological facility

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• completed at least three daily section or enclosure routines or ‘rounds’, undertaking a total of at least four different work tasks commonly carried out in a zoological facility, selected from the following list: • preparing food for an individual animal or a group of animals • replenishing food stores or cleaning food storage areas • providing food and water to animals • cleaning bedding or housing areas • cleaning excrement from enclosure • maintaining or replacing enrichment items or activities • observing and recording indicators of animal health including presence of disease or injury • assisting with the administration of routine preventative health procedures or treatments • observing and recording specific animal behaviour for individual or social groups • taking and recording measurements, weights or other data relating to the animal • checking enclosure security for potential animal escapes or breaches in containment • checking for signs of entry of pest species
• communicated relevant information and completed required records for each task completed in the daily section routines or ‘rounds’ above
• identified two hazards and demonstrated risk controls related to animal interactions and security in the animal facility
• selected and used personal protective equipment
• participated in one response activity drill or simulation for escaped animal incident or emergency
• worked collaboratively with at least two team members undertaking routine tasks
• applied safe, low stress and humane handling or interaction procedures for two different animals
• identified at least two different animals accurately using species-specific information and knowledge of distinguishing features

Knowledge evidence

• principles and practices for working in a zoological facility
• routine tasks relating to working within a section or enclosure in a zoological facility including: • preparing food for an individual animal or a group of animals • replenishing food stores or cleaning food storage areas • providing food and water to animals • cleaning bedding or housing areas • cleaning excrement from enclosure • maintaining or replacing enrichment items or activities • observing and recording indicators of animal health including presence of disease or injury • assisting with the administration of routine preventative health procedures or treatments • observing and recording specific animal behaviour for individual or social groups • taking and recording measurements, weights or other data relating to the animal • checking enclosure security for potential animal escapes or breaches in containment • checking for signs of entry of pest species
• functions of zoological facilities (conservation, education, recreation, research, breeding) in the context of: • World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and World Zoo Conservation Strategy (WZCS) • role of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources • Conservation Planning Specialist Group • Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA)
• principles of animal welfare, including positive states for: • nutrition • environment • health • behaviour • wellbeing – mental/affective state
• key compliance requirements of: • relevant animal/wildlife state or territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice and international agreements and conventions • Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines
• animal taxonomy from species to family level
• characteristics and distinguishing features of animals housed in facility, including: • age, sex and size • coat or skin colours and texture • eye colour • markings, patterns and permanent scars • microchip, ear tags, tattoos and markings, and leg bands
• basic animal behaviour and the potential effects of captive care
• bodies and agencies that contribute to captive/exhibited animal care, including: • animal welfare and rescue groups • government departments and statutory bodies • industry associations, including Australian Society of Zoo Keeping (ASZK) • other animal facilities • research organisations
• personal protective equipment relevant to tasks and for infection control
• safe species-specific handling techniques for animals relevant to job role
• facility’s policies and procedures, including animal interaction, security and emergency procedures
• communication procedures and record-keeping systems, relevant to the facility and the individual’s work responsibilities

Foundation skills

• Writing: Complete workplace documentation using appropriate language and terminology
• Oral communication: Obtain information from others through active listening and questioning

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Questions about assessing ACMEXH301