“Zookeeping: An Introduction to the Science and the Technology is a collaborative effort, with 73 contributing authors and 7 contributing artists, a diverse group of experts from varying backgrounds and regions of the world. . . . The comprehensive array of content covers every aspect of successfully running a modern zoo. Ostensibly a handbook for new zookeepers, this book is in fact a resource which will prove useful to even the most seasoned zoo professional. . . . By producing this wealth of information covering hundreds of best practices unique to the zoo field, Irwin [, et al. have] filled a huge void in our profession. It seems fair to say that the future of zookeeping will be greatly improved by Irwin [, et al.’s] work.”

Norah Farnham | WAZA News

“Excellent. . . . There are very few books dedicated to zookeeping and many of them are actually institutional manuals which often do not get circulated to other zoos, particularly zoos in other lands.”

Sally Walker | ZOO’S PRINT: Magazine of Zoo Outreach Organization

“The editors set out to develop a comprehensive textbook to train new and aspiring professionals for work in zoos and aquaria, and they succeeded. . . . It not only covers care and husbandry issues in detail and breadth, but also goes far beyond science and technology in its detailed discussions of management, workplace professionalism, education, safety for animals and people, and the changing roles of zoos in society.”

Conservation Biology

"This new book . . . will certainly become the reference ’bible’ fo the zoo and aquarium professional."

Herpetological Review

"An impressive list of contributing authors, representing much of the western knowledge of the role of a zookeeper. . . . . The range . . . has allowed the production of a work of clear value to the zookeeping world."

Animal Welfare

“Zookeeping is destined to become the ‘must have’ comprehensive resource for the zoo industry. It offers an abundance of information and knowledge for the novice zookeeper and the seasoned veteran alike. From the history of zoos to animal welfare, training, husbandry, and beyond—to the future of the zoological institution—as we know it. Zookeeping coversit all, replacing dozens of single-subject books. The contributors are among the most respected and recognized zoo experts, and they include nearly every conceivable subject of interest to those in the field.”­

International Congress of Zookeepers

“Zoos and aquariums may vary in size and design, but what should always remain consistent is the quality of animal care.  Zookeeping will contribute greatly to the professional development of new animal care professionals by providing core information and best practices, helping to develop and enhance keeper knowledge at the entry level. Mark Irwin, his colleagues, and more than seventy contributors have made a great contribution to fundamental animal care. The American Association of Zoo Keepers is proud to include this volume as part of its standardized instruction for the professional development of animal care professionals.”

Bob Cisneros | American Association of Zoo Keepers

“Initially, Zookeeping was meant to be for zookeepers only. The final product, however, is probably the most comprehensive guide to what you should know about running a good zoo business ever published. Animals are at the center of this book: it is about their care and conservation. For that purpose, top experts from the zoo business provide insight into animal husbandry, diseases, behavior, taxonomy, the legal situation, conservation, and international cooperation—to name just a few subjects. All those issues make a modern zoo and help preserve biodiversity worldwide.”

Gerald Dick | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

“One of the first books that has endeavored to embrace all relevant practical aspects for the benefit of anyone aspiring to become a modern zoo professional, right down to the first challenge of getting one’s foot in the door.”

Neil Bemment | Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society