Do zoos actually hire zoology Ph.D.s?

Question

I am a senior in college majoring in Biology and Chemistry. I was previously planning on going to dental school, so my grades are high enough to get into almost any Ph.D. program. I want to work with animals for the rest of my life and I am looking for a new career path that includes animals. I can't be a Vet because I don't want to see sick animals (I can't even watch animal cops without crying). I love science, so I was thinking I could go into a Zoology Ph.D. program, but I don't want to JUST do research. I'd love research, but I want to be around animals, too. Another thing, money is important to an extent. I want to own a farm and have lots of animals, so I need a salary to support that dream. Could someone with a Zoology Ph.D. give me some insight on their career options?

Answer 1

Getting a PhD is unnecessary for most fields outside of academics and research.  While zoos do hire some PhD zoologists, they are generally hired for conservation/genetic research.  What zoos usually want is a person with experience and education in animal care, training, and handling.  The kind of thing you would get with a degree in wildlife care.

My suggestion is that you go to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums webpage of job listings (http://www.aza.org/joblistings/), find some jobs that you would be interested in, and look at what they expect applicants to have for credentials.  You can probably also get a good idea of what salaries are like so you can judge if you'll be able to support your farm plans.