I want to be a zookeeper.?

Question

so do i juss go to college for zoology nd then apply at a zoo?

Answer 1

Most colleges don't offer a zoology major, sad to say.  If you can go to one that does, then certainly, go for it.  If you can't, then go for a major in biology.  The next most important thing for you to do is get experience.  Work or volunteer at a vet's office, animal sanctuary, kennel, zoo, etc... anything with animals.  Most jobs won't let you do anything directly with animals (except at a kennel), but anything is better than nothing.  It shows that you're truly interested in animals and that you've at least been around other people working with them.  Some zoos don't require a degree to be a keeper, but most do nowadays.  Good luck!

Answer 2

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 3

I don't know but that would be so awesome!!! Go to your local zoo and ask the zookeepers. They'll probably hire you as a helper while you going to college too! That'd be good experience.

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