I would like to become a Zoo Keeper?

Question

Anyone know how to go about doing this?

Answer 1

Why not contact your local Zoo and see if you can do voluntary work there. You can then find out if you really like it and what you have to do to get a job.

Good Luck

Sounds like a nice job.

Answer 2

Lucky animals!  I wish I had someone Lovesexy to look after me!!!

Answer 3

How old are you?

Perhaps it would be good to go and do a levels in relevant subjects and then further your studys with higher education.

check out learn direct, it might be good to work out what types of animals you would be most happy working with too

Answer 4

This is hard to get into because a lot of people see it as a dream job, with few vacancies.

It is rarely going to be a graduate position (if you got a degree in zoology or vet degree then you can do better than be a zookeeper) - you are more likely to get this job through perseverence and by impressing the head keeper of a zoo, who won't be short of applications to consider.

Think about the possibility of offering to volunteer first, and getting to know the animals, as these days zoos like staff to know the animals needs and enough facts about them to entertain visitors with their knowledge.

Answer 5

Great choice! I would suggest contacting your local Zoo's Volunteer department and see what positions they have available in animal care.  Alot of Zookeepers are Union, and there are strict laws about what you would be allowed to do. (Animal care -wise) It's a very competitive field to get into, but with lots of volunteering logged in and the experience that comes with it- you'd have an edge on the others. At our Zoo, we have volunteer opportunities starting at age 16 and up. We also have a college intern program that runs throughout the year, you fill out an application and pick what department you would like to help out in. (Primates, Manatees, etc.) Usually there are about 40 or so interns during the Summer, less in the Fall/Winter and Spring. You must be enrolled in Biology/Zoology courses to qualify.

I started volunteering when I was 15 and have spent over 1/2 my life at our Zoo. It's a great job; and if you're dedicated and into hard work the benefits are wonderful. How awesome is it to do something you love and get paid for it? :)

Good luck!

Note: Somewhat offended by Ed's sentence:

"It is rarely going to be a graduate position (if you got a degree in zoology or vet degree then you can do better than be a zookeeper)"

Alot of Zoos now require degrees in Biology/Zoology for keeper positions. We actually have a woman with a Masters in reproductive physiology that works as a keeper with Veldt animals. I agree that if you're a Vet, you're not going to want to become a keeper obviously. But we do have 3 full time Vets and 1 Ph.d Zoo Nutritionist on staff, that work very closely with the keepers regarding the animals' health and care.

Answer 6

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/jobs/keeper_f...

How do I become an animal keeper?

There is no single way to become a keeper, but the more education and hands-on experience you have, the better.

Education– While you’re in school, learn as much as you can in your science classes. In college, choose a degree program in animal-related fields like biology, zoology, botany, ecology, conservation science, or animal behavior. Take as many different courses in those areas as you can, and graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in your chosen field. (Here’s a BIG hint: the competition for jobs caring for animals is so strong that you really HAVE to have a college degree these days to be considered.)

Hands-on Experience– Find opportunities to work with animals. Some potential keepers have volunteered at our department of Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), assisting CRES scientists and technicians. Sometimes work-study opportunities are available for college students.

What are some other ways to gain animal experience?

Some places to look for volunteer jobs or internships might be:

• Veterinary offices

• Animal training classes (does your dog need obedience training?)

• Local Humane Society

• Local Park Service

• Wildlife rehabilitation centers (like for wolves, bears, big cats, birds of prey, and even bats)

• Animal shelters

• Farms (for domestic animals, or even ostrich, llama, or butterfly farms)

• Pet breeders (those that breed specific kinds of dogs, cats, or horses)

• Horse stables and boarding facilities

• 4-H Clubs

http://www.aza.org/ForEveryone/Careers/

Requirements

The conservation and scientific programs in zoos and aquariums have become highly technical and specialized. Although practical experience with animals may sometimes be substituted for academic training, most entry-level keeper positions now require a four-year college degree. Training in animal science, zoology, marine biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, and animal behavior is preferred. Curatorial, research, and conservation positions typically require advanced academic degrees.

Students wishing to pursue animal-related careers are encouraged to carefully review the curriculum of the schools they wish to attend, as some programs focus more on a zoological application than others. Students who are interested in the business side of zoo and aquarium operations should concentrate on skills related to a particular area of expertise, such as accounting, public relations, marketing, personnel management, etc. Whatever your career goal, guidance counselors can offer assistance in determining the most appropriate course of study.

http://www.wonderferret.com/zooed/keeper...

Improving Your Chances of Getting a Keeper Job

Courtesy of A.A.Z.K.

Although most zoos will be looking for experienced and academically able staff you can improve your chances by amassing various other skills. If you already have keeping experience then so much the better, however the following will be a big help.

(a) Learn to drive a tractor or a bulldozer type vehicle. Many zoos use Bobcat, John Deere, and Cushman vehicles. Again this is something many keepers have to learn to do. If you are already versed in the art in reversing a trailer you get yourself an extra point.

(b) Learn First Aid. Any attraction which is open to the public needs someone accredited by the Red Cross in First Aid (including CPR). Zoos have to pay to train their own staff. This is costly in both time and money so if you have already got this potential, employers will look more favorably upon you.

(c) Learn to shoot. Get yourself a firearm certificate. Any zoo which holds large and/or dangerous animals will be required to have a procedure for dangerous animal escape. This will normally involve the use of firearms. If you already have a certificate this is another plus.

(d) Become computer literate. Although larger zoos will have their own records officer, the smaller zoos usually do not. Being familiar with a computer and the main software packages ARKS, SPARKS, MedARKS would stand you in good stead.

(e) Build up a range of useful skills. Take a look at the various short term courses advertised by zoos or other animal related organizations. Workshops on animal behavior, operant conditioning, enrichment, animal restraint, zoo record keeping and other subjects are often offered at professional conferences.

(f) If time and money are no object then some very useful courses are run by the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, i.e. The Jersey Summer School or their Certificate in Endangered Species Management (http://www.jerseyattractions.com/zoo). Demand for places is high so get your name down early.

(g) Get some experience in wildlife rehabilitation. Ask the Humane Society or State Fish and Wildlife Office for the address of nearest rehabber. These people could do with the help, so the benefits go both ways.

(h) Look at seasonal zoo employment and internships. Many of the larger zoos will take on temporary employees during the summer. Although there is no guarantee of you being kept on full time, it is possible, it has happened. Plus you will gain useful hands-on training to include on your resume for future job applications. Some zoos even work cooperatively to offer college level students academic credit for summer internships at a zoological facility.

(i) Become involved. If a particular species holds your interest, find out if there is a Taxon Advisory Group for it. Check out the chairperson and volunteer to do research on behalf of the TAG. Most of the people involved are overstretched and could do with the help. It is a toe on the ladder, and if you prove useful it may mean moving up a few rungs. TAG group coordinators are listed on the AZA website at www.aza.org

(j) While in school or on your own, hone your writing and public speaking skills. Zoo Keepers are often the "front-line" educators for the visiting public, and need to be able to express themselves (both written and orally) in a competent and professional manner.

http://aazk.org/zoo_career.php

http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/soyouwantt...

http://www.nczoo.org/becomingakeeper/

http://www.princetonreview.com/Careers.a...

http://www.schoolsintheusa.com/careerpro...

http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources...

http://www.wonderferret.com/zooed/

http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current_s...

http://animalscience.calpoly.edu/areas_o...

http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current_s...

http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets...

http://www.amazon.com/Kicked-Bitten-Scra...

...if you can get into Moorpark's Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program, it'd be a great way to get an "hands-on" experience as well as an education.

Answer 7

The most important thing for being a zookeeper is to gain experience with animals. Most zoos are more interested in this than in qualifications, and volunteering at a zoo or animal sanctuary is a good way of getting that experience. I used to be a zookeeper and got the job without any qualifications other than G.C.S.E.s. 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.



You also need to be able to work hard, not mind getting dirty (and I mean REALLY dirty!), and deal with people, in the shape of the public - this often requires a good deal of patience, as you will be asked the same question literally hundreds of times every day, and must always be polite however rude people are to you and however busy, tired and frustrated you are.

I should 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. It is definitely not a job you do for the money.

Also, TV. shows about zoos paint a very unrealistic picture of what the job of being a zookeeper entails, making it appear that things like hand-rearing baby animals and knocking animals out for medical procedures happen every day. In reality, these things happen only rarely. The work is physically very hard, and you must work outdoors in all seasons and weathers. 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.). You also 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.