Welcome to the Exotic Animal & Training Management Program
The mission of the Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program is to continually achieve excellence in the education of leaders to meet the future challenges of working safely, humanely, and intelligently with animals.
The 2 year program prepares students for a variety of positions in public and private animal parks, zoos and oceanariums and for careers in animal handling and training for the many facets within the animal care industry.
The successful completion of this program entitles the student to a Certificate in Exotic Animal Training and Management. If courses that satisfy Moorpark College's General Education requirements are also (or have been) taken, the student will earn an Associate of Science Degree.
The Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program was established as a major at Moorpark College in 1974. Combining classroom learning with hands-on, real life work experience; Bill "Briz" Brisby, a Professor at Moorpark College, started the program with one animal - "Kiska" the wolf. In 1990, the animals relocated to the current location of 5 acres overlooking all of the beautiful Moorpark College campus. This is America's Teaching Zoo (ATZ), one of only two zoos in the United States located on a college campus, and where a variety of about 125 animals live. America's Teaching Zoo serves as the “living classroom” for the students of the Exotic Animal Training & Management Program. This collection provides the student with a unique opportunity to learn about domestic and non-domestic animals and to develop the skills necessary to work in facilities caring for all types of animals.
View the Program Highlights above to learn more about the EATM Program. For Questions about the EATM Program and application process email EATMapplication@vcccd.edu or call 805-378-1441.