AD2ZES: Zoo and Exotic Animal Science

Module code: AD2ZES

Module provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Mrs Rebecca Morgan , email: r.morgan@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Kate Johnson, email: k.f.johnson@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 14 July 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Why do zoos exist? What is the scientific understanding that underpins the management practices of exotic animal collections and animals kept as pets, to maintain animal health and welfare? What does the behaviour of a zoo animal or exotic animal kept as a pet tell us about its welfare? How can we use observations to understand and improve an animal’s health and welfare? To answer these questions you’ll:

• Understand the science underpinning management of various species of animals such as exotic mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish kept in zoos or domestic settings
• Develop skills in critical evaluation of animal management practices and the welfare of small exotic animals kept in zoos and as pets
• Carry out and write up a small-scale behavioural research project
• Consider the global and local context of zoos, animal establishments, and the trade in exotic animals

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Discuss and critically analyse underlying scientific concepts and principles for keeping exotic animals in captive settings, to propose solutions and improvements for welfare
2. Answer research questions through the analysis, interpretation and presentation of data from zoo animal behavioural observations
3. Critically discuss the local and global context of zoos, animal collections, and the exotic pet trade

Module content

The course contents will draw on a range of example species including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish, and will introduce and critically discuss topics such as:

• An introduction to zoological and domestic exotic animal collections, their function & management
• Legislation related to the trade, procurement and keeping of exotic species in both domestic and zoo environments
• Importance of studying behaviour and welfare of zoo and exotic animals and relationships between animal husbandry and behaviour, health and welfare
• Nutritional requirements and feeding methods/strategies for different species
• Environmental requirements and methods of accommodating these for different species
• The management of zoo and exotic animals to allow expression of normal behaviour
• Behavioural observation techniques
• Approaches to analysis of collected behavioural data
• Best practice for presenting scientific data

Where possible, guest speakers from zoos/exotic animal collections may be invited to take part. The practical content will cover:

• Visits to selected zoos/animal collections
• A zoo/exotic animal behavioural study providing practical experience of how to plan, conduct, and present a small-scale behavioural observation-based research project

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The course will be comprised of a range of lectures, seminars and tutorials, with visits to zoological collections and/or exotic small animal establishments/businesses, including practical experience of how to plan, conduct and present a small-scale behaviour observation-based research project.

Study hours

At least 48 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered