Lisa BeckerJuly 2024
Learned so much
This trip was very educational about animal welfare and conervation. It was also fun getting to know my peers and staff. I enjoyed getting to come up with enrichment to better help the animals at the sanctuary!
Online: Anatomy, Behavior & Conservation of African Big Cats
by Loop Abroad
Inquire HereSave Program
$900-1,250Program Costs
Verified ProviderLearn more
VerifiedProvider
4.8 / 5Overall Rating
4Reviews
2009Year established
$900-1,250Program Costs
Verified ProviderLearn more
VerifiedProvider
4.8 / 5Overall Rating
4Reviews
2009Year established
Program Overview
This 8-week course covers topics relating to anatomy, physiology, husbandry, conservation, and medical management of the three African Big Cats: lions, leopards, and cheetahs—each with unique characteristics and needs. Students learn real-life skills such as recognizing parasites and identifying white blood cells.
The pre-recorded lectures and assignments are self-guided and can be learned at your own pace. You are also expected to contribute an average of 3 times per week to message board discussions in the virtual classroom. While pre-recorded modules allow flexibility in your learning, the course also offers one-on-one mentorship with zoo and wildlife veterinarians.
The tuition includes a transcript from Iowa Wesleyan University and three credits. Ideally, participants have completed at least a semester of college-level biology and have an understanding of basic scientific terms for any of our online veterinary courses.
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Program Highlights
Study the anatomy, physiology, husbandry, and medical care of lions, leopards, and cheetahs in a structured online program.
Learn real-world veterinary concepts such as parasite identification and basic hematology, including white blood cell recognition.
Complete recorded lectures and assignments on your own schedule with weekly participation in online discussions.
Receive personalized guidance and support from experienced zoo and wildlife veterinarians throughout the course.
Earn three credits and receive an official transcript from Iowa Wesleyan University upon completion.
What's Included
Tuition & Fees
Transcript Fees
Course Materials
Academic Credit
Quick Details
Location
United States
Starts At$900-1,250
Availability
Year(s) Offered:Year Round
Terms Available:
- Fall
- Summer
Age Requirement18-30
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Conservation & Preservation
- Environmental Studies
- Public Health
- Veterinary Medicine & Science
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
Updated May 8, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Online
- United States
Fields & Subjects
- Biology
- Environmental Studies
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine & Science
- Conservation & Preservation
- Animal Science
- Public Health
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
- Terms Available
- Fall
- Summer
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Application Procedures
- Online Application
Age Requirement
18-30
Starts At
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about Loop Abroad
4.8
4 reviews
Rating breakdown
5
3
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
Top categories
Academics
4.8
Cultural Immersion
3.5
Living Situation
2.5
Program Administration
2.5
Health & Safety
2.5
Community
2.5
Participated in this program? Share your experience now.
Review this ProgramShowing 1-4 of 4 reviews
Katherine GravesJuly 2024
Above and beyond
Our leader went above and beyond to make sure every meal was sorted and evenings were very fun and made for great bonding. I'd love to apply for staff in the future! 10/10 for everything - I loved the tours, edissection, practicing blood smears, and making enrichment
Phoebe GrimwoodUnited States · August 2020
Awesome experience lead by amazing Veterinarians!
I really enjoyed attending the virtual Anatomy, Behavior and Conservation of African Big Cats course lead by Dr. Peter DiGeronimo (What a great last name!). I appreciated the extra information and articles, which allowed me to dig deeper into the material instead of taking notes from the lectures. I have never learned so much about a species in 8 weeks, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I like the self-paced aspect which allowed me to learn instead of cram. Overall, I enjoyed this course and can't wait to learn more with LoopAbroad!
Brie EvansUnited States · August 2020
Really interesting course
This course was very informative and interesting. I took it to gain some pre-professional hours for college and got a lot out of it. The lectures were put out to do at your own pace and discussions were free to post on daily. I learned so much about these big cats and how they are similar and different when compared to the domestic cats we have in our homes. The course had modules that covered big cat anesthesia, sedation, reproduction, nutrition, and many other interesting, important topics. If you're looking into zoo veterinary medicine, or simply just want to learn more about these big cats I'd recommend this course.
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Recognitions & Awards
Awards and accreditations earned by this provider
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