Mara Rodriguez speaks with Our Ventura TV host, Gary Butterworth, about the Moorpark Teaching Zoo.
Located at Moorpark College, this unique facility serves as a hands-on laboratory for students pursuing careers in animal care and training.
A Rare Educational Institution
The Moorpark Teaching Zoo is one of only two community college programs in the United States that features a fully functioning zoo on campus (the other is in Gainesville, Florida). Rodriguez, who began as a student in 1990 and never left, explains that the program allows students to gain direct experience in animal husbandry, training, and educational programming.
“The Creatures are the Teachers”
The zoo operates under the philosophy that the animals themselves are the primary educators. Students don’t just study from books; they build relationships with the animals by feeding, training, and caring for them 365 days a year. This holistic approach prepares students for professional roles in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries worldwide.
Addressing Animal Welfare
Rodriguez addresses common concerns about animals in captivity, noting that many of the zoo’s residents are rescues from the illegal pet trade or are non-releasable due to injuries. She emphasizes that staff and students spend hundreds of hours observing the animals’ behaviors to ensure their well-being. She encourages visitors to talk to staff about an animal’s history and personality rather than assuming they are “sad” based on a brief observation.
Clarence the Centenarian
One of the zoo’s most famous residents is Clarence, a 103-year-old Galapagos tortoise. Clarence has a storied history, having lived at the Dallas State Fair and the LA Zoo before moving to Moorpark 26 years ago. He was moved to the teaching zoo because he was being bullied by other tortoises and preferred a more individual setting, highlighting the importance of understanding each animal’s unique history.
Community Events and Involvement
- Wild Lights: An annual holiday event where the zoo is decorated with lights. Rodriguez notes that surprisingly, the tigers particularly enjoy the evening programming and remain active at their viewing windows throughout the event.
- Volunteer Program: The zoo maintains a highly trained volunteer team that assists with food preparation, animal handling for educational “meet and greets,” and hosting school field trips.
TV broadcast week beginning 05/10/26
Producer: George Alger
Sponsor: NONPROFIT FIRE, Google Ad Grants Community Building NonProfitFire.org
Sponsor: SKYWORKS MARKETING, Performance Advertising SkyworksMarketing.com