Do you have a deep love for animals, a deep concern for the care of animals? Maybe you are considering a career as a zookeeper. This article will provide information about the requirements to become a zookeeper, what the job entails, and the steps you can take to achieve this career path.
Zoologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact within their ecosystems. A zoologist studies the physical characteristics of animals, animal behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.
Maybe you are naturally inclined towards zoo animals. Or maybe you’re just naturally good at working with animals. Either of these is traits you want when perusing a path to become a zookeeper. With a natural inclination towards animals (or just good skills), you will have a decent chance of gaining your footing when you begin your path as a zookeeper.
Here are some things that would be helpful to have under your toolbelt of interests and skills that would be helpful in pursuing a career as a zookeeper:
Do any of these (the more the better!) resonate with you? If so, a career as a zookeeper may be the right path for you! The sooner you start to explore the ins and outs of a career, the more prepared you will be to make the right decisions that lead you on the path you want.
Check out this video on 10 things you need to be a zookeeper.
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may work long or irregular hours, especially when doing fieldwork. Zoologists and wildlife biologists who work with nocturnal animals may need to work at night at least some of the time.
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may work long or irregular hours, especially when doing fieldwork. Zoologists who work with nocturnal animals may need to work at night at least some of the time. There are lots of careers that allow you to work with animals and one of those is that of a zookeeper. A zookeeper is an animal caretaker that works in a zoo. If you’re wondering how that compares to a zoologist, a zoologist is someone who observes animals in their natural habitat. And many zoologists become zookeepers too.
Here are a few things you can expect to do in your day-to-day life as a zookeeper:
Zookeeping offers a lot of unique opportunities within it. Including the opportunity to work with many different types of animals: fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and more!
The level of expertise you want to have in a type of animal or a specific animal is up to you.
You could spend your whole life learning about or caring for just one type of animal! And who knows – you may be THE expert on that animal and end up helping consult for a movie or wildlife documentary.
Here’s a great video on the day in the life of a zookeeper.
Job Requirements Of A Zookeeper
Zookeeping comes with lots of perks, however, there are also non-exciting parts to the job. Be sure to take the time to weigh the pros and cons before diving into this field. Let’s take a look at what the job requirements are to become a zookeeper.
Education:
Physical Aspects Of The Job:
How a High School Student Can Prepare for a Career as a Zookeeper?
If your child has the aspiration of achieving one of many zookeeper jobs available today, there are things they may do to
Want To Learn More?
This article serves as a good starting point to gauge your interest and possible commitment to working as a zookeeper. If you are ready to dig in more, here are some suggestions to do that:
BONUS:
Here are some careers that are similar to that of being a zookeeper. You may want to dig into these too!
If you follow your passion, there are many exciting opportunities that can be available in the future.