About Zookeeper Training

Zookeepers need to know how to properly handle animals.

Zookeepers take care of animals in zoos and aquariums. Keepers are in charge of feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining their enclosures, and observing animal health, habits and behaviors. Zookeepers set up animal exhibits and help educate zoo guests about animals. Keepers may also help train animals in their care and aid in building or designing animal enclosures.

Educational Requirements

Entry-level zookeeping jobs require a college degree. An associates degree in animal training management can suffice, but bachelor's degrees are preferred. Bachelor's degrees can be obtained in zoology, wildlife management, conservation biology, animal behavior or animal science. Zookeepers who wish to specialize in marine life may need a degree in biology or marine biology and SCUBA certification. Select colleges such as The Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida, have a teaching zoo and offer programs specific to becoming a zookeeper.

Experience

Zoos prefer zookeeper candidates to have experience handling and working with animals. Experience can be acquired by volunteering at a zoo or humane society. Working in a veterinary hospital or clinic, pet store, wildlife rehabilitation center, farm, ranch or stables is also beneficial. A student in college or a recent college graduate may consider interning at a zoo or aquarium.

Skills

Zookeepers require certain job skills. Most importantly, they must have a love for animals and a desire to work with them; zookeepers are responsible for the health and well-being of the animals they care for. Zookeepers need to be patient; working with animals is unpredictable and can become frustrating. Generally, zookeepers need to be in good health; jobs often involve heavy lifting and working in poor weather conditions. Animal-related injury or disease can occur while on the job.

Working Conditions

Animals, especially those that are sick or in captivity, need consistent and daily care. This means that zookeepers are scheduled to work long hours, on weekends and on holidays. Zookeepers are required to keep accurate and detailed records of their animals for research purposes. Working with animals is messy; their smells need to be tolerated and their waste disposed of. There is a possibility zookeepers will have to euthanize old or sick animals.

Job Advancements and Outlook

Finding a position as a zookeeper may not be easy. Though there are plenty of zoos and animals that need care, zookeeper positions are not high in demand. Job advancement is limited to senior keeper, assistant head keeper, head keeper or assistant curator. Becoming a zoologist, curator or veterinarian entails further education. In order to attain job growth, keepers may want to expand their search to animal health clinics, kennels, shelters, circuses or amusement parks.

References

• State University: Zookeeper Job Description
• Education Atlas: Zookeeper Career Information, Training and Education
• American Association of Zoo Keepers: Zoo Keeping As A Career