What do I need to do to be a zoo keeper?

Question

I'm trying to find out what kind of schooling I need to be a zoo keeper, can someone help?

Answer 1

you can study zoology and then do a course in animal behavior studying animal behavior will help a lot to deal with animals

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 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.

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

Many zoos want their keepers to have some education, along with experience and most prefer a degree...however many have volunteer or internship programs that you can participate in to work your way up to a paid position. Check with your local zoo to see what types of opportunities they offer.  Also, check out his site for actual job opening at zoos across the US and look at what type of requirements they are asking for:

http://www.aza.org/JobListings/

Answer 4

Become a zoologist, or specialize in animal behavior.

Answer 5

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

Is it easy getting a keeper position?

Like any other popular job, there are more applicants than open positions, especially when it comes to big zoos like the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. Competition is stiff, and one must be persistent and patient before a position may even open up. It's not unusual for our Human Resources Department to receive dozens of applicants—often from existing Zoo or Park employees—for one animal care job opening. And those applicants still have to compete with applicants who are already keepers at other zoos around the world.

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.aazk.org/zoo_career.php

The educational requirements for an entry level zoo keeper varies but is often a college degree in zoology, biology or an animal-related field. Some animal care experience such as zoo volunteer or intern, or veterinary hospital worker is also helpful. Some colleges offer specific programs oriented towards a career in zoos. The Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida, for example, has a Teaching Zoo, while Moorpark College in California offers an Exotic Animal Training Management Program.

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

A zookeeper also needs to have a college degree: Most hold degrees in biology or zoology and a Master’s degree if they want to advance in the field. Experience working with large populations of animals is also advisable, for example as a ranch worker or in a veterinary hospital.

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.

list of educational programs

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.moorparkcollege.edu/current_s...

4. Does the EATM program have any options or specializations? What kinds of certificates and/or degrees can I get?

There are 3 options available in the EATM program. Students can do one, two, or all three options at the same time. There are a few different/extra courses required for each option. These options are explained in the new Moorpark College catalog. The options are:

1. General EATM option - no specialization. By completing all the minimum required EATM courses, the student will earn this certificate and/or degree.

2. Animal Behavior Management option (Training option) - This is awarded to students who take a few extra animal training courses during their second year in the program.

3. Wildlife Education option. This is awarded to students who take an extra wildlife education course, also during their second year of the program.

5. Are there other college programs elsewhere, similar to the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program?

No. The EATM program at Moorpark College is really the only "hands-on" program that teaches you how to train exotic (and domestic) animals. There are other college programs elsewhere in the United States that have some type of animal-related programs. And, there are private companies (non-college) that do animal-training programs on a short-term basis. Click here to get a list of some of these programs.

7. What options are available to me, after I complete the EATM program?

There are many things you can do after completion of the EATM program. I will lump them into 2 broad categories:

1. Seek employment in the animal industry

(Movie/TV work, Zoos, Theme Parks, Wildlife Education/Outreach, plus more)

2. Continue your education....