Zoo Keeper Degree?

Question

I've read there are a couple of colleges in the United States which offer a degree in Zoo Keeping. I initially thought the degree was in Zoology.. but apparently there is an actual Zoo Keeper degree. Do any of you have any idea which colleges off the program in the United States?

Answer 1

U don't really need one, although I have a degree in Zoology, it wasn't a requirement of the job when I was a zoo-keeper. Try your local zoos. Some will hire voluntary zoo-keepers for 1 day a week, thats how i got into it.

Answer 2

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

Today's zookeeper is an educated person. Gone are the days when all you needed was a love for animals, a shovel and a strong back. Now we are expected to know animal husbandry, nutrition, operant conditioning, enrichment and conservation; we are also expected to be able to lift 50 lbs., and to work weekends and holidays. We do this job because we love it, not for the money. The money is in upper management, which usually means less contact with the animals. However, in the zoo field even being in the upper echelon does not guarantee a substantial income. For us, knowing that we are saving an animal species or maybe just making an animal feel as at home as possible is enough.

For those of you who think this is the field for you, click here.  For more information, you may also visit the websites for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and the American Association of Zoo Keepers directly. You may also be interested in books about animal careers -- if so, Click Here!

The List: While this list deals primarily with schools that have programs geared toward zookeeping, keep in mind that a degree in Wildlife Management or Wildlife Ecology is also acceptable for most zoos, as are degrees in Zoology and Biology. Remember, most zoos prefer hands-on experience, so while pursuing these degrees, volunteer where you can! (I do not list Vet. Tech Schools or those programs dealing with pure Animal Science.) There are both two and four year programs listed. Some zoos require more education than others and it is always a good idea to get a higher degree if you wish to advance up the ranks. Because of this, I have also included on this list a new program geared toward zoo and aquarium management. In addition you will find information on the Durrell Wildlife Conservation

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

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

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

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

Many 2-year and 4-year Colleges have Biology and Zoology Programs. These are often excellent programs! While most do not provide much (or any) hands-on animal experience, they prepare students for transfer or graduate work.

Some Colleges have Animal Science Departments or Programs. These vary in scope from College to College. Several are listed here, but you will need to do your own exploration to find the program that is right for you.

Other Colleges have programs with unique titles. Words such as; Agriculture, Environmental, Resource, Bioresource, Ecology, Farm, Forestry, Marine, Wildlife, Plant, Recreation, Landscape, and many, many others - may appear in the title of various programs.

Answer 3

No university offers a degree in zoo keeping.  Pretty simple, you don't need a college degree for the entry level jobs.  Most jobs at a zoo are service related or maintenance.  There are very few people that work at a zoo that have a college degree.  You don't need a degree for feeding and cleaning up after animals.

I went to the University of Florida.  There is a community college near Gainesville, Santa Fe CC.  It offers a training program in zoo keeping.  

http://www.santafe.cc.fl.us/

The only other alternative are programs in Animal Health.  These are usually community college and directed more at the vet tech.