Home > Caring For Animals > Work in a Zoo

Work in a Zoo

By: Margaret Paxton - Updated: 27 Jun 2016 | comments*Discuss
 
Animals Animal Zoo Mammals Reptiles

Zoo work is a demanding and more specialist career than some other jobs with animals. It must be fully appreciated that the animals in the care of zookeepers and their assistants are wild animals; not domestic pets.

Why do we Have Zoos?

Zoos are supported for several reasons:
  • To aid the conservation of endangered species through study
  • To establish breeding programmes for animal species under threat
  • The management of captive populations assists their survival in natural habitats

Zoos give the public a chance to see animals in surroundings that are designed to be as close as possible to the animals’ natural habitats. This can help to educate people in the importance of conservation, our responsibility for the environment, and the real threat of extinction to some species. These issues are global as well as local.

What Background Does a Zookeeper Need?

For a 16-year-old to be considered for this type of work, experience in looking after animals is necessary, and the candidate would preferably be a student who has worked hard at school (particularly in Science and definitely in Biology!).

A proven record of voluntary work in animal care/conservation will improve their chances too, as this shows genuine commitment. If a person has already taken instruction and has qualifications in animal care/animal husbandry, their chance of being accepted are even better. This type of work is much sought after!

What Does a Zookeeper Do?

Although cleaning and feeding the animals are two of the most time-consuming duties involved, they are, by no means, what the job is all about. Zookeepers, and those who work with them, need to have high standards of personal hygiene-for the obvious reason that they might carry infections.

All the animals’ equipment and feeding/drinking utensils must be kept scrupulously clean and enclosures/bedding maintained to high standards...inall weathers! Animals need consistently good care all year round.

The normal behavioural patterns for each animal will be studied and known by their keepers. This is a very important factor in the psychological well-being of the animals. A good keeper can soon spot any out-of-the-ordinary behaviour and take the appropriate action-by informing the zoo manager or curator.

There are, necessarily, stringent Health and Safety regulations in place in zoos. Certain procedures must be followed at all times when dealing with the animals.

Keepers need to have a good attitude-especially to the animals they care for, but also when dealing with the public. In a zoo this is much of the time! Zookeepers are oftenexpected to give talks to the public and should be capable of answering questions posed.

As most zookeepers are there because of their dedication to animals (definitely not high wages) these sessions are something they actively encourage and usually enjoy. A lot can be learnt by listening to these talks and asking questions.

Prospects

Zookeepers can specialise by doing degrees in zoology and other animal-related subjects, whatever their preference. (Birds, reptiles, mammals). Once sufficient experience and relevant qualifications have been acquired, they may becomeauthorities on their chosen species and help to promote sustainable populations of species and their habitats.

Zoo vets may choose to specialise even more by studying the health, behaviour, genetics and breeding of animals of captive animals in order to help the survival of the remaining wild populations of endangered animals. Zoos carry out valuable conservation research, so there are varied openings for the committed worker.

Summary

Working in a zoo (as, or with, a zookeeper) is hard work and requires dedication to the animals. An interest in conservation helps in the understanding of how important it is toprotect all wildlife and their natural habitats because extinction means forever. This work isextremely rewarding.

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
My name is Jessica, I'm 15 turning 16 in September and I am starting to look for work experience with zoo animals but mostly with sea animals but am willing to work with any animals possible, I am a hard worker and will take on any job given to me without complaint, I am also a very sociable person, if there are any suggestions or help on what to do it would be very helpful
jessica - 27-Jun-16 @ 8:45 PM
hello my name is melissa, i am 16, just left school and looking for work experience, if you could help me that would be very helpful. i am willing to work with any type of animal and a hard worker
tinkerbell - 21-Jun-13 @ 5:20 PM
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice...
Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Latest Comments
  • Andrea
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hi Dani. That would be amazing. I will be looking for volunteers as soon as I am up and running. At the moment I am taking a 2 year…
    20 November 2023
  • Dani
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hi Andrea, I adopted a disabled do last year and have found it such a gratifying and amazing experience I would like to try and…
    8 November 2023
  • adm
    Re: What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
    How to perform therapy on turtles? Can it be done independently at home?
    25 October 2023
  • Andrea
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Can you please help. I have been working in jobs I hate for years and one of the joys in my life are my animals. I own 5 cats and 4…
    20 October 2023
  • Jemma hanwell
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hi im thinking of starting an animal sanctuary. I'm tired fo people buying dogs and discarding them that goes for all animals of…
    10 October 2023
  • Jsn
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hello I would like to get some help. On setting up a dog rescue shelter in Essex, I don't have lots of money but I would like to…
    16 September 2023
  • Vee
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hi. I'm looking to start an animal sanctuary in Bedfordshire/Buckinghamshire if anyone can help get me started. I'm thinking a CIC…
    16 September 2023
  • Vicky
    Re: Training to be a Police Dog Handler
    Hi I am currently studying hnd animal care in order to change career. I am interested in training police dogs. I would…
    12 September 2023
  • Lulu
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hi I would love to set up a small animal care centre . Somewhere in Wales . I have always cared for small animals mainly mice…
    9 September 2023
  • Ellie
    Re: Training to be a Police Dog Handler
    Hi, Iv always loved working with animals and grow up with animals all my life. completing my level 3 diploma in animals…
    31 August 2023