What qualifications are needed to work in a zoo as a keeper?

Question

My niece is sure she doesn't want a traditional 'office job' and is not academic enough to be a vet but really wants to work with animals. She doesn't care about unsociable hours or getting dirty, just about animals and their well-being.

Answer 1

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.stlzoo.org/animals/soyouwantt...

So You Want to be a Zookeeper?

A lot of zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries, offer camps and/or teen volunteer opportunities. It would be a good idea for her to get a much experience working with animals, if possible at a zoo, as she can. There is a lot of competition for this field of work, and a lot of times experience if more important than the degree. Plus, volunteering at a zoo might give her an idea if this is the line of work she wants to pursue.

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

http://www.denverzoo.org/involved/teenVo...

http://www.kidszoo.org/support/teenvolun...

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/zoo_...

http://www.sazoo-aq.org/edzoocation/camp...

http://www.nczoo.org/education/daycamps....

http://www.seaworld.org/adventure-camps/...

some degrees she might want to look into are:

Zoology, Mammalogy, or other sub field of zoology

Animal Science

Zoo Science/Technology

Animal/Exotic/Wildlife Management and/or Training

Ethology/Animal Behavior

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

Psychology/Animal Psychology

Answer 2

The most important thing 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.

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.

Answer 3

to actually work with the animals in a zoo she will have to be academic. most zoo keepers are zoologists and/or qualified vets. captive or no they are still wild animals and in no way tame, plus they are expensive and valuable to the zoo, they aren't going to hire people who don't have the know how and the paperwork to back it up.