I'm out of school & want to be a zoo keeper; I studied agriculture at school, but not so much science &biology

Question

Does it really matter that much if I didn't study science? I'm going to study biology, but I was wondering whether it was still a necessity?

Answer 1

Most zoos are more interested in experience with animals and the ability to work hard than in qualifications - 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. Volunteering at a zoo or animal sanctuary is a good idea.

I would just point out that a zookeeper's pay is generally 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

Depends on the zoo..some have volunteer programs to work you way up to a paid position while others will want at least some sort of education in zoology.  Check out your local zoo to see what type of requirements they are asking for.