Training Required to become a Zoo Keeper
Zoo keepers are a special bunch of people, they work with animals of all shapes and sizes, work long hours and get few weekends or holidays off. A minimum of care is required daily for each animal this includes cleaning of the animal pens or cages and their maintenance along with feeding the animals. These are just the basics of daily life but do not forget these activities are done on a daily basis seven days a week, 365 days a year.
You may be thinking that this does not sound like a hard job, but azoo keepermust be able to observe an animal for any slight habit or behavioral change that may be a physical problem. It is also extremely helpful to learn how to repair the animal pens or cages and even to know about the plants around the enclosures and how to care for them. Zoo keepers should also be highly personable as they are the ones that most often represent the “face” of the zoo and will need patience to deal with the visitors and the plethora of questions that will be asked on a daily basis.
The training required to become a zoo keeper will depend on the zoo you are applying as some require more specialized training then others. Most often your resume will need to include as much experience with animals as possible. Some zoos will offer intern positions during the busier months while some zoo have volunteer positions, this is definitely something you should look into, but you can also get experience volunteering at yourlocal humane shelteror a rescue shelter. Working for the local veterinarian also gives you valuable experience. There are also a few colleges that have teaching zoos so you not only get your education you can get experience to.
Some zoos may only require new hires to have a two-year degree, but then you have to have a lot of experience. Most zoos will require afour year degreein any of the following fields:
Even with a four year degree competition for a position will be stiff and this is not a profession you jump into without loving what you do as the pay offered is usually quite minimal compared to the educational requirements needed. This job requires a person whose utmost concern is going to be for an animal’s well-being as their lives will depend on you fulfilling their daily needs.
