Animal behavior includes feeding behavior, maintenance behavior, responses to predators or prey, play and of course activity that leads to reproduction. Because a great part of the reproductive process involves behavior, we have included breeding with this course.

The entry-level zookeeper needs to be alert to the body language and posturing of animals. Everything from a greeting, to play, to aggression and fear can often be recognized by observing ear position and body posture. Thus, interpretation of animal behavior becomes a component of keeper safety. Observation permits keepers to be aware of hostilities between exhibit mates before wounding or serious injury results and gives keepers a chance to be proactive in preventing problems related to behavior.