Anybody work in the Indianapolis Zoo?

Question

I want to work in the marine part of the zoo. What college degree should I have? I especially would love to work as a dolphin trainer. Would it help if I volenteered there? I live about three hours north of the zoo but if it helps Ill come down during the summer? Is there a certain age you have to be? Any info is apreciated thank ya

Answer 1

I don't work at a zoo, but from what I've seen volunteering there might help you get a job there.

Though not all zoos/aquariums/marine parks require degrees, it'd probably be a good to get one. These jobs are hard to get into. So it'd be good to get as much hands-on experience, training, and education as you can.

Talk with a trainer/keeper at the zoo for what's required to work there, colleges, what it's like to work there, etc.

Here are some sites, I hope the help. Good Luck.

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

Zoo Teen Program

Have you ever wanted to work in a zoo?  Would you like something "wild" to do next year?  The Indianapolis Zoo's Zoo Teen Program is an exciting way for students, ages 14* to 18 years, to explore career opportunities, meet new friends, gain customer service skills, and much more! .....

There are two exciting levels offered in the Zoo Teen Program - Explorers and Specialists.  For those just starting out in the program, we offer many Explorer opportunities to develop experience.  For those with previous Zoo Teen experience, they can become a Specialist in an Explorer  position or in two exciting additional positions specifically for Specialists.

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The following Explorer positions are for first year Zoo Teen Candidates. .......

Dolphin Demonstration Attendant- Develop public interaction skills while seating guests at our dynamic dolphin demonstrations.  Zoo Teens help to keep the Dolphin Pavilion clean before and after demonstrations by clearing splashed water from the public decks and viewing windows.  Zoo Teens will not have any direct contact with the dolphins.

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

Animal Care Internships

Marine Mammal Area- Filled for Summer 2008!  One of the most diverse marine mammal collections in the US, species in this area include the Atlantic bottlnose dolphin, California sea lion, Harbor seal, Pacific walrus, and Polar bear.  The newly renovated dolphin pavilion with its underwater walkthrough viewing tubes and Atlantic coastline demonstration area make it one of the most unique anywhere.   Conservation projects for this area include Project Dolphin and Project Walrus, SSPs for the Polar bear, as well as maintaining the SSP studbook for the Pacific Walrus.  Intern Applicants must be SCUBA Certified to qualify for the Marine Mammals Area.

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

Dolphin trainer/ Zookeeper

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

CATCH 22?

1. To get a job working with animals, you need experience with animals. This bit of truth seems to create a frustrating circle. You need experience to get a job, but you can't get experience unless you have a job, right? Well, yes and no.

VOLUNTEER

1. To begin a career caring for animals, you should be prepared to start with a volunteer or entry-level position. Call your nearest zoo or aquatic park and ask for details on becoming a volunteer (also called a docent or intern). Humane societies, animal rehabilitation clinics, and some veterinary clinics also welcome volunteers. Although your duties with a humane society or veterinary clinic will most likely involve working indirectly with animals (cleaning cages and preparing food), volunteer duties at a zoo or aquatic park range from filing or answering phones to being trained to make educational presentations or feed newly hatched birds.

Volunteering your time shows that you're serious about your commitment to animals. Develop a reputation for being an eager, cooperative, hard-working person, and your volunteer effort may help you get a job in the future. Supervisors are often asked to give character references for volunteers who've worked for them.

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

3.ANIMAL TRAINER

• Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred in psychology, biological sciences, or drama; in some cases, scuba certification

http://www.theswig.com/FAQ.htm

http://www.dolphintrainer.com/career_gui...

http://www.imata.org/index.php?option=co...

http://www.spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/tech...

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

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/kids/jobs_ani...

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.aazk.org/zoo_career.php

College

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

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

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

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

16. Will the EATM program give me an advantage over any other schools or programs?

.....Many of our students want to train marine mammals - we send graduates all over the world to do this. Especially to the Caribbean - a new Dolphin Program hired 4 graduates in the summer of 2001, and more in 2002, 2003 & 2004....... Others are with various Marine Mammal facilities in the U.S. and abroad. Graduates from the class of 2004 are working training Guide Dogs in California, with marine mammals at Sea World Orlando, Sea Life Marine Park in Hawaii, Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo, California - and many other facilities. Graduates from the class of 2008 have jobs at - Sea World San Diego, the U.S. Navy training sea lions, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, Universal Studios Hollywood - and many other places. EATM graduates get jobs everywhere.....

28. What are some helpful hints if I want to work with animals?

Do some research and explore the type of position you want. Some positions may need specialized training in certain areas. For example, if you want to work at Sea World, they will need you to pass a swim test, and be SCUBA certified. Anyone who wants to work with marine mammals, should plan on getting SCUBA certified. Most marine mammal facilities will not hire you unless you show them a SCUBA certification card (and be a decent swimmer).

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

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

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