How do I become a cat keeper in a zoo?

Question

I am currently in school for a degree in Zoology. Is this degree necessary to become a keeper? Can you do this by just working your way up or getting into a program at a zoo? I'm having a lot of trouble with the chemisry and physics (most of which I do even see why its necessary for zoology) and want to make sure of the path I need to take so I'm spending all my time and money with something I don't necessarily need. Please help and be as detailed as possible. Thanks.

Answer 1

I used to be a zookeeper, and got the job without any qualifications other than GCSEs. Having higher qualifications is no guarantee of getting the job (my boss told me he's had people come in with degrees who didn't know which end an elephant craps out of!), and not having them is no guarantee you won't get the job. However, having experience with animals will definitely help, so volunteering at a zoo or animal sanctuary is a good idea.

I would just point out that in general the salary of a zookeeper is quite poor (I earned minimum wage). Many people want to work with animals, so they don't need to tempt workers with high pay. The hours are long and you may not be paid for any overtime worked - in the zoo I worked at, you were paid only between 8am and 5pm, even if you arrived at 6.30am and didn't leave til 7pm. You are also required to work weekends and public holidays without additional pay.

The work is physically very hard, and you will be dealing with people, in the shape of the public, as much as with animals. Indeed, there is often little interaction with the animals you care for - the majority of the job is cleaning (picking up faeces, sweeping up straw, window cleaning, etc.). Also, you often do not have a choice as to which animals you work with. Most zoos will simply take you on as a keeper and place you where you are needed, though you can request to work with certain animals if and when a position with them becomes available.

Answer 2

Zoos want more experience, a degree just helps you out.

Answer 3

Most zoos do want thier keepers to have a degree.  Others want lots of experience in place of a degree.  Some zoos do have volunteer or internship programs to work your way up to a paid position..check with your local zoo to see if they have a program like this.  Also, most zoos are going to place you where you are needed..not necessarily where you want to be.  LOTS of people want to work with the big cats so these positions do not come up often.  Take a look here for actual positions available at zoos to see what requirements they are asking for:

http://www.aza.org/JobListings/

Yes...the chemistry and physics are a pain...have you tried getting a tutor?  That is the only way I got through those classes when I took them.