A seasoned trainer and manager of exotic and native wildlife, Josh Ruffell possesses more than 20 years of experience working with animals. A graduate of Moorpark College in California, Josh Ruffell completed the Exotic Animal Training & Management (EATM) Program in 1999.
Established in 1974, the EATM program began with a single wolf and since has expanded to a five-acre site that is home to a tiger, a lioness, primates, birds, and a constantly growing collection of nearly 200 other animals. The following questions and answers offer more information about “America’s Teaching Zoo.”
- How long is the EATM program?
The program encompasses approximately 21 months. Participating students are expected to care for the animals every day - seven days a week - during this time.
- What are the advantages of choosing the EATM program over a similar program?
Some facilities seeking graduates trained in this field will contact Moorpark College first, giving EATM grads excellent career opportunities. Graduates of the EATM program have gone on to work for Sea World, Universal Studios, lion habitats, zoos, and many other prominent organizations.
- What are the highlights of the EATM education?
The EATM program provides two focuses: animal training and wildlife education. Students take training classes and gain practical experience by being assigned to specific animals. Students grades are based on how well their animals perform new behaviors.
Students also learn to perform educational shows in front of spectators, perfecting their public speaking and improvisation skills while passing on animal-related facts to their audiences.
Established in 1974, the EATM program began with a single wolf and since has expanded to a five-acre site that is home to a tiger, a lioness, primates, birds, and a constantly growing collection of nearly 200 other animals. The following questions and answers offer more information about “America’s Teaching Zoo.”
- How long is the EATM program?
The program encompasses approximately 21 months. Participating students are expected to care for the animals every day - seven days a week - during this time.
- What are the advantages of choosing the EATM program over a similar program?
Some facilities seeking graduates trained in this field will contact Moorpark College first, giving EATM grads excellent career opportunities. Graduates of the EATM program have gone on to work for Sea World, Universal Studios, lion habitats, zoos, and many other prominent organizations.
- What are the highlights of the EATM education?
The EATM program provides two focuses: animal training and wildlife education. Students take training classes and gain practical experience by being assigned to specific animals. Students grades are based on how well their animals perform new behaviors.
Students also learn to perform educational shows in front of spectators, perfecting their public speaking and improvisation skills while passing on animal-related facts to their audiences.
