Is anyone out there have information about Zoo ANimal Trainers?

Question

Hello I am interested in being an animal trainer at a zoo. I am going to be graduating high school next year, so I was interested in the salary and the education you will need in order to be an animal trainer at a zoo.

Answer 1

The type of degree program you should be looking into is in zoo science or wildlife care.  (For example:  http://www.unity.edu/Academic/Majors/Wil...

There are very few jobs as just animal trainers.  You will have to know how to care for animals and develop and maintain exhibits.  Salaries are not great because there is a lot of competition for these jobs.  But, you can increase your chances of getting a good job by doing many internships and volunteer hours to gain experience and references.

You can get a good idea of the type of education, experience, and salary involved by looking at the jobs that are available through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums:  http://www.aza.org/joblistings/

Answer 2

moorpark college !

Answer 3

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.bls.gov/k12/nature01.htm

How much does this job pay?

In 2006, half of all animal caretakers working in zoos earned more than $10.75 an hour and half earned less. Half of all animal trainers in zoos earned more than $11.89 an hour, and half earned less.

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=...

Median Hourly Rate by Years Experience - Job: Zookeeper (United States): $9.90 - $20.00

*sigh* ....because of the link restriction I am unable to include all the links I normally do. See the Y!A below for more links; including how to become a zookeeper, schools (including one video about Moorpark College's program), and some zoo inter/volunteer info.

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

What do you need to do to become a zoo keeper and how much will you get paid thanks?

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

http://www.indyzoo.com/content.aspx?cid=...

Answer 4

First off, not all zoos train animals, after all that is not why they exist.  Wildlife parks, like Busch Gardens do.  

One great way to learn about zoos is to become a volunteer. Almost all zoos have summer and intern programs for teenagers or young adults.  So, check out your nearest zoo, see what they offer.  Most zoos have web pages.

There are not any colleges that offer degrees in animal training or zoo keeping.  There are only a couple community colleges that offer these programs.  There are degrees in animal health, most are ag based.  You don't need a degree to be an animal trainer.  If you don;t have that innate ability to get along with animals, you wont be able to learn it, no matter what.

Answer 5

Moorpark College in California has a good Animal Training program