Can a Zoologist Work in an Aquarium?
Zoologists study all animals, their behavior and their evolution. While some zoologists work in zoos, many also work in aquariums, museums, animal theme parks, conservation groups, scientific research teams and private companies. Zoologists earn anywhere from $33,060 to $90,850, according to The US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The annual median wage for zoologists was around $55,000 in 2008.
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The Job
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Zoologists that work in aquariums study animal's behavior, keep them healthy and may also educate visitors about the fish, dolphins, sharks, or other animals in the aquarium that they study. Depending on the place they work, zoologists may be responsible for feeding, cleaning, training and studying the fish. Some zoologists that work in aquariums may also be called keepers or aquarists because they directly care for the animals, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Zoology Jobs In Zoological Theme Parks
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At SeaWorld, one of the largest zoological theme parks in the United States, a degree of zoology is preferred to work with all animals. SeaWorld is a theme park build around sea and ocean animals. Main attractions at the park are in very large aquariums or pools and include animals such as whales, dolphins, seals, otters, penguins and various species of fish. The scientists that monitor the species in the park must be certified in scuba diving to observe the environment animals are living in, monitor their health and feed the animals in the aquariums.
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Zoology Jobs in Aquariums
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The National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the largest aquariums in the U.S. along with the Shark Reef Aquarium at The Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. Both aquariums hire zoologists to work with the fish and animals in the tanks. Similar to SeaWorld, both companies require that the zoologists have scuba certification to feed, monitor the environment and health of the fish. A bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, marine biology or a related field is preferred to work at either of these organizations.
Renowned Zoologists
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Some of the most famous zoologists work in aquariums. Charles Haskins Townsend, a distinguished zoologist, worked as the director of the New York Aquarium and helped to build the aquarium's reputation by expanding the species of fish and facilities. He wrote many books on the observations of wildlife within the aquarium, according to The New York State Archives. Dr. Leighton Taylor, a world renowned expert on sharks, was director at the Waikiki Aquarium and introduced new exhibits, such as living corals, to the facility during his time there.
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