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 A farmer tills a field with his tractor

Major

Captive Wildlife Management

Bachelor of Wildlife Science

Zoos, wildlife sanctuaries and captive breeding programs play a critical role in global conservation.

Managing animals in these settings requires specialised expertise in animal husbandry, welfare, behaviour, reproduction and genetics that few undergraduate programs in Australia provide.

The Captive Wildlife Management major gives you that specialisation.

Drawing on the strengths of UQ's Gatton campus and its expertise in agriculture, veterinary technology and veterinary sciences, this major develops the practical, hands-on skills that captive wildlife employers look for in graduates.

Take advantage of UQ's teaching partnerships with organisations across South East Queensland, including:

  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Hidden Vale Research Station.

Internship opportunities will prepare you for the professional realities of the industry.

Highlights

1 in Australia for environmental sciences

QS World University Rankings 2026

18 in the world for environmental sciences

QS World University Rankings 2026

Watch Meet Angus, he studies Wildlife Science on YouTube.

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • National parks and wildlife officer
  • Zookeeper
  • Ranger
  • Animal research scientist
  • Land manager
  • Ecotourism guide
  • Conservation officer
  • Wildlife officer
  • Field researcher
  • Park ranger

Average annual salary range

Zoologist

$95K–$115K

seek.com.au

Average annual salary range

Ranger

$75K–$90K

seek.com.au

Next steps after graduation

Demand for graduates with specialist training in captive wildlife management is strong. You can find employment in:

  • zoos and aquariums
  • wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation
  • research and academia
  • ecotourism and wildlife parks.

Find out more about careers that started in science

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Work placements
  • Research experience
  • Laboratory work
  • Fieldwork
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

What you'll study

At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:

  • Animal Behaviour, Handling & Wellbeing [Core course]
  • Animal Breeding & Genetics [Core course]
  • Zoology [Core course]
  • Animal Reproduction [Elective]
  • Animal Ecophysiology [Elective]
  • Science Engagement in the Community [Elective]

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