Zoo keeping advice?

Question

i wanna be a zoo keeper or do something in that field, do you have to have a degree to do it, even if i know about animal behavior, husbandry, anatomy etc. i was also wondering if the pay is at least decent. there isnt any programs around where i am at now, and i am stuck here till next june, but the nc zoo is right by me, is there anything i can do to help so when i move i could possibly get a job or towards a job

Answer 1

Yes, you do need a degree. I am interested in the same kind of job! Good luck on your research.

Answer 2

Most zoos do PREFER that you have a degree or at least some kind of animal related educational background.  However, most zoos do have volunteer or internship programs where you can work your way up to a paid position.  Most zoos do not pay that well..however zoos in large cites do pay more.  These jobs are usually very competitive and there will probably be a lot of people wanting the same position.  Look here for actual zoo job openings to see exactly what type of experience they are asking for so you can better prepare yourself.

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

Answer 3

well mostly all zoos have a

like volenteer job so somthing

i am volentering at the las vegas zoo

its fun and you get to learn alot of amazing things

ask to volenteer  or sumthing then they can like recomened you or somthing!

Answer 4

The requirement of a degree depends on what the zoo requires for you to work there.

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.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

Since you're stuck there till next June you could see about volunteering at the NC Zoo to start gaining some experience.

http://www.nczoo.org/becomingakeeper/

Becoming a Zookeeper

.....Being a zookeeper requires lots of hard work and dedication to provide the quality of care that animals need. Remember, animals need care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in all kinds of weather. Zookeepers are essential to the well being of our animals and to the success of the Zoo.

Unlike most zoos N.C. Zoo is a State owned and operated organization. As a State agency there are certain training and education requirements set by the state that a candidate must meet in order to be considered for a position. Criteria are different for each position......

Competitve & Rewarding

The Zoo receives between 600-800 applications for zookeepers each year. In order to be competitive, it is recommended that you have:

    * a minimum of a two year degree in zoo animal technology

    * directly related work experience

http://www.nczoo.org/becomingakeeper/Zoo...

Zookeeper I

Entry level position. Keepers at this level are expected to have a thorough knowledge of the basics of animal husbandry. They are responsible for learning a lot more about animal management and zoo operations in their first one or two years of employment and are also expected to become fully proficient in all tasks within that time frame.

Minimum Training & Experience: Associate degree in Zoo Animal Technology or related field; or High School and two years of animal care experience in a zoo or related facility.

http://www.nczoo.org/volunteer/

I don't know how far Lexington, NC is from where you live but you can see about getting a A.S. in Zoo & Aquarium Science at Davidson County Community College

http://www.davidsonccc.edu/academics/as-...

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

http://www.davidsonccc.edu/academics/as-...

How much does an entry level zookeeper earn?

Annual salary depends upon several factors such as the level of educational and professional experience, the type of animal facility and geographic location. In general, the salary range for entry level zookeepers is $18,000-$24,000.

*sigh* ....because of the link restriction I am unable to include all the links I normally do about zookeeping. 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.

Answer 5

I used to be a zookeeper, and I must point out that TV. shows about zoos paint a very unrealistic picture of what the job 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 deal 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.). 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.

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.

However, if you are prepared to work hard, get your hands dirty (and I mean REALLY dirty!), be asked the same question fifteen hundred times a day and so on, it can be very rewarding and enjoyable.

It can be quite difficult to get a job as a zookeeper as many people will apply for each position. Bear in mind that most zoos are more interested in experience with animals and the ability to work hard than in qualifications - I 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. Volunteering at a zoo or animal sanctuary is a good way of gaining experience.

Answer 6

No, you do not need a degree to be a zoo keeper.  Most the jobs at a zoo are held by people that do not have a college degree.  The people managing, administrators, biologist or zoologist do.  Some zoos have vets and animal nutritionist on staff.

Almost all zoos have volunteer or intern programs.  There are programs that hire high school and college students during a few of the summer months.  Some zoos are closely associated with a university.  So, check with your local zoo.