UT Tyler, Caldwell Zoo establishes Biology course

Tyler – The University of Texas at Tyler and Caldwell Zoo have established a partnership to offer a new biannual biology course in zoo science and conservation.

“We are extremely delighted to partner with Caldwell Zoo and offer this new biology course for our students,” said Dr. Neil Gray, UT Tyler College of Arts and Sciences Dean. “Students in the course gain real-world experience in our own backyard –– literally here in Tyler –– from our biology faculty and with Caldwell Zoo staff at the zoo.”

UT Tyler students in the course learn all aspects of zoo management and animal science from Caldwell Zoo’s staff including keepers, curators and managers. Focus areas include birds, reptiles, mammals, commissary, grounds and vet staff. The initial course held this past May was a great success according to officials, and the next course will be offered May 2026.

“One of the zoo’s strategic imperatives is to be recognized by regional higher education facilities as a trusted scientific resource and to be called upon to assist in furthering their initiatives along with ours,” said Hayes Caldwell, Caldwell Zoo President/CEO. “This UT Tyler biology course, along with our other ongoing partnerships, does just that. It is our daily goal to provide the very best care for every animal and to allow these students and our guests to discover and understand their connection to nature and the value of wildlife and wild spaces.”

Partnerships like this continue to enhance the zoo’s mission, according to Scott Maddox, Caldwell Zoo COO.

“Many of the animals that live at the zoo are threatened or endangered in the wild. So, visiting the zoo allows our guests to learn about the animals, the conservation programs we champion and how they can help,” Maddox said. “The absolute best professional and scientific animal management for our animals and our conservation efforts in Texas and globally are important to our guests.”

For more information, contact Jessica Coleman, UT Tyler distinguished teaching professor in biology, at jcoleman@uttyler.edu, or Marsha Williams, UT Tyler lecturer and biology research associate, at mwilliams@uttyler.edu.

Caldwell Zoo opened in 1953 and has been a respected cornerstone of the community in Tyler by providing excellent family entertainment, educational opportunities and world-class conservation. The zoo has been a long-standing member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and remains dedicated to providing best practices in animal husbandry and helping to save wildlife locally and around the globe. Caldwell Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals, many of which are endangered or threaten in the wild.

SOURCE: University of Texas at Tyler