Is a zookeeper and a zoologist the same thing?

Question

I want to be a zookeeper but i don't know what kind of degree I need!

Answer 1

No. A zookeeper is someone who looks after animals in a zoo. A zoologist is someone who studies animals.

Most zoos do not require you to have a degree in order to become a zookeeper - they are generally more interested in experience with animals than in qualifications. 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. Volunteering at a zoo or animal sanctuary is a good way of gaining experience.

I should just point out that 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.

Also, 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.

To become a zookeeper you 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.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The simple answer is no:  A zookeeper tends animals (feeding/bathing/cleaning pens) while a zoologist is someone who studies animals (behavior/nutrition/environment) in a scientific manner.

If you wish to be a zookeeper, you need to volunteer with your local zoo/SPCA/anything that will get you animal handling experience from a young age.

Some colleges offer degrees in Animal Science/Zoology/Biology/Pre-veterinary medicine, which will increase your chances of landing a zookeeper position (although you NEED many years of volunteer experience before you'll even be considered, even with a degree)

Answer 3

No a zookeeper is someone who works at the zoo, and takes care of the animals at the zoo.

A zooligist is a biologist  that deals with animals, their life, structure, growth, classification, etc. He/She is an actual scientist studying animals.

Answer 4

No, not really. Though some zookeepers have degrees in zoology, some do not.

http://www.ns.msu.edu/acrc/career_explor...

Zoologists study life at the level of the organism, population, community, and/or ecosystem.....

Typical job titles for zoology graduates with a bachelors degree are:

Animal caretaker

Biology assistant

Computer specialist

Cytogenetic technician

Electron microscope technician

Energy analyst

Environmental educator

Laboratory technician

Maintenance technician

Museum collections manager

Parasitology specialist

Parks naturalist

Research technician

Sales representative

Veterinary technician

Zookeeper

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Some degrees you might want to look into are:

Zoology, Mammalogy

Zoo Science/Technology

Animal/Exotic/Wildlife Management and/or Training

Animal Science

Wildlife/Exotic/Zoo (biology, care, ecology, conservation, education, etc)

Ethology/Animal Behavior

imo, Moorpark College's EATM program is a great place to start, if you can get in. Then from there either see about getting a job or transfer and work on getting higher degree.

Start getting some experience with animals now, before college. The more experience you can get the better. Check your local zoo, see if they have a Jr zookeeper program. If not, see about other teen volunteer opportunity. Even being a zoo camp counselor will give you good experience.

Talk to your career counselor at school for advise. Mine gave me advise on places to volunteer (a local bird of prey rehab), colleges (the near by  Moorpark College and it's teaching zoo), and possible jobs to think about.

See the links below for more information. Including zoo requirements, colleges, and places to gain experience.

Good Luck.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Is anyone out there have information about Zoo ANimal Trainers?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

How do i get into zoology?

Answer 5

no

a zoologist is a scientist SPECIALIZING in ANIMALS.

a zookeper is a PERSON WORKING IN A ZOO

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