The Animal Care and Training Program (ANCT) is dedicated to providing outstanding Animal Care Education Programs designed to cultivate future leaders who will approach animal interaction with safety, compassion, and intelligence.
This comprehensive two-year program is meticulously crafted to equip students for diverse roles within both public and private animal facilities, such as parks, zoos, and oceanariums. It also opens doors to various careers centered around animal handling and training across the expansive animal care sector.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Certificate in Animal Care and Training. Furthermore, by fulfilling Moorpark College’s General Education requirements alongside the ANCT program, students become eligible to earn an Associate of Science Degree, enhancing their academic credentials and career prospects.
Established in 1974 at Moorpark College, the Animal Care and Training (ANCT) Program uniquely blends academic learning with practical, real-world experience. Professor Bill “Briz” Brisby pioneered the program, starting with a single animal, “Kiska” the wolf, and a vision for hands-on animal education. In 1990, the program expanded and relocated its animal facilities to a scenic 5-acre site overlooking the Moorpark College campus. This site is home to The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, a distinctive institution as one of only two college campus zoos in the United States, housing approximately 125 animals. The Teaching Zoo serves as an invaluable “living classroom” for ANCT students. This diverse animal collection provides a unique educational environment, enabling students to gain crucial insights into both domestic and non-domestic species and to master essential skills for thriving in facilities dedicated to animal care.
To discover more about the ANCT Program and its enriching opportunities, explore the Program Highlights. For any inquiries regarding the ANCT Program or the application process, please contact [email protected] or call 805-378-1441.
