Education Grant – Alastair – Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA)

Ali applied to the charity for an Educational Grant in order to complete the Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) at Sparsholt College. Alastair had a solid background in both primate care and also from the educational side of things having previously completed a 3 year BSc in Conservation Biology & Ecology and 1 year MSc in Conservation & Biodiversity at The University of Exeter. Alastair’s grant was approved and he’s ready to start his studies in September of this year.

Alastair says “The knowledge and skills I will gain from the DMZAA course will be invaluable. The modules in the first year of the course will provide an excellent grounding in animal care and management, covering subjects ranging from conservation and collection planning to horticulture or nutrition. Especially beneficial for the animals in my care at Monkey world will be the enclosure management module”.

“My second year will include modules on training and enrichment which will benefit the primates at Monkey World directly as will the optional modules allowing me to specialise in primate care. All of the skills and knowledge gained from the course will give me greater confidence in my abilities as a keeper, and I look forward to bringing you updates as I progress through the course, thank you to the Jim Cronin Memorial Fund for providing funding to cover the cost of the course fees, this is very much appreciated”.