Yes, it's true! You really can work "hands-on" with real live Lions and Tigers! Come to The Siberian Tiger Conservation Association where students get to do everything from feeding, grooming and brushing their teeth (they prefer chicken flavored toothpaste), to walking them and training them with voice command and hand signals. Working with our big cats is a unique experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Some of our qualifications:
Individual Associate Members of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).
Listed with the Ohio Department of Tourism.
Listed with the Ohio Division of Film.

The Siberian Tiger Conservation Association is a unique facility that specializes in training and education by the use of "hands-on" training. We are the only one of its kind in Ohio. We have students coming from all over the US and as far away as Italy.

You may have seen our cats on Television. They have been on Channel 10 in Columbus, Ohio many times. They have been featured on KNN "Kids News  Network" regularly. There have been front page features in The Columbus Dispatch, Mt. Vernon News and Animal Tracks Magazine. They have also been the featured attraction at the 1998 and 1999 Pet Expo at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Earth Day at the Columbus Zoo as well as numerous other events. Radio stations WNCI "Morning Zoo" , WWCD 101.1 and WCLT in Newark have special features on the radio. We have also been invited to be on Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures and The Maury Povitch show.

Those students entering into the Zoology, Biology, Veterinary or Animal fields will find The Siberian Tiger Conservation Association to be more than just educational. OSU students may earn 2 elective credits upon completion of training. And for non-college students as well, the confidence gained by working with the big cats will help expand ones abilities. As a bonus, it also looks great on a resume no matter which line of work one enters into. Ultimately, if enough people reach out, we will have achieved our goals of protecting the survival of the species.

Time Requirements:
Trainers must complete the training program. Scheduling is flexible according to students schedule. There is a $50 application fee for all levels.
 
Costs & Requirements:

What to wear: Jeans or cargo pants or shorts, tennis shoes or hiking boots, long hair must be pulled back.  No smoking on premises.  No pets, loose jewelry, bright reds or yellows, leather or down coats, jogging outfits, open toed shoes or sandles, dresses or skirts.

Students begin with safety and emergency protocol training required as an entry level trainer. Students will then learn basic information about tigers including species differentiation, orgin, natural habitat and distribution, basic anatomy, diet preparation, feeding, grooming, behavior observation, cleaning and maintenance of  enclosures and conservation strategies. This level is utilized by individuals interested in volunteer, docent or intern opportunities within the animal industry.

Big Cat Handler Trainer Certification

This Trainer program has three levels. All three must be completed to receive the Certification. We offer Open Enrollment and schedules are flexible to accommodate the learner's needs. All levels must be completed within twelve months of start date. Application Fee: $50

Level I: Safety 101
Learners begin with safety and emergency protocol training. Basic information about tigers including species differentiation, origin, natural habitat and distribution are covered.

Contact Hours: 4.5 hours
Time: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Date: To be scheduled on individual basis.
Tuition: $150

Level II: Trainer Basics 201 (prerequisite: Level I)
Learners continue the program with basic anatomy, diet preparation, feeding, grooming, behavior observation, cleaning and maintenance of enclosures and conservation strategies.

Contact Hours: 9 hours
Time: 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM (two days) Date: To be scheduled on individual basis.
Tuition: $300

Level III: Advanced Trainer 301 (prerequisite: Level II)
Advanced learning in husbandry, health maintenance, nutrition, conditioning and behavioral modification, species specific information, conservation and environmental issues are all covered. See "Goals of Training" link at bottom of page for full listing of program objectives.

Contact Hours: 81 hours
Time: 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM (18 days) Dates: To be scheduled on individual basis.
Tuition: $2,550

Sponsorships: Ask about our Sponsorship Program -- you can sponsor a friend or loved one. What a wonderful gift for a birthday, anniversary or Holiday giving!

*No refunds due to the flexible scheduling.

Call for payment arrangements. Call 740-668-9205 for more information day or evening. Click here for our document "Goals Of Training Program" ( in PDF format; you will need the FREE acrobat reader, available here).

Dani checking Nikita for proper hydration