Zookeepers, also referred to as 'animal caretakers,' are entry–level employees at zoological parks around the globe.
These front–line workers get up close and personal with the animals in their care on a daily basis, feeding them and cleaning their enclosures.
If this sounds like a dream job for you, you're not alone. Zoos are inundated with applications for every zookeeper opening.
Read on to find out how to get your application to the top of the stack so you can start a fulfilling and exciting career as a zookeeper.
Becoming a Zookeeper
Zookeepers care for animals on a daily basis, building relationships with them, and watching them for behavior changes.
A good zookeeper develops a strong rapport with the animals in their care and helps them thrive in their captive environment.
Education and Training
Technically, most zoos don't require zookeepers to have anything more than a high school diploma or the equivalent.
But zookeeper positions are so highly sought–after, so it takes more than that for you to rise to the top of the pile of applications.
A bachelor's degree plus hands–on experience working with many different types of animals will be sure to get you noticed.
Volunteering or interning at a zoo you're interested in working at is a great way to get your foot in the door.
Networking with zoo professionals can also be valuable. You're more likely to get the job if you're recommended by someone they know.
Required Skills
While zookeepers do need to know a lot about animals, there are a lot of other personal and physical skills required for this job.
You need strength and stamina. Zookeepers are on their feet for hours and routinely lift things weighing 50 pounds or more.
Zookeepers also need good communication and customer service skills so they can interact with zoo guests.
Since zookeepers tend to have several urgent issues hitting them at once, strong time management and problem–solving skills are a must.
A strong constitution is another important attribute for a zookeeper because they frequently come in close contact with animal excrement.
Job Duties
A zookeeper spends a good portion of their day cleaning animal enclosures and fixing anything that's broken.
They also weigh food items and prepare meals for the animals in their care, as well as feeding those animals.
Most zoos have keeper chats, where a zookeeper talks to the public about the animals in their charge.
Zookeepers will also work with veterinarians to ensure that their animals are healthy and well–nourished.
Record–keeping and administrative duties also tend to take up a good portion of a zookeeper's time.
Average Pay
Animal care and service workers, including zookeepers, earn an average of $32,160 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This is considered an entry–level profession in the zoological world with plenty of room for advancement.
Larger zoos tend to have better funding and pay more. However, they're also going to attract more applicants, so hiring will be more competitive.
The top–paying states for animal caretakers include Washington, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, California, and New York.
Many of the top–paying metropolitan areas, including Seattle and San Diego, also have large zoological parks.
Career Outlook
Overall employment of animal care and service workers is expected to grow 29% from 2021 to 2031.
However, it's important to note that much of that growth is related to the increase in pets and companion animals, not zoos.
Zoo professionals note that they always receive hundreds of applications for a single zookeeper opening.
In short, this is a job that a lot of people would like to have, which means competition for these positions will always be stiff.
The best way to get a job as a zookeeper is to continually add education and experience so you stand out from the pack.
Steps to Becoming a Zookeeper
If you are interested in taking care of animals, learn more about the steps to becoming a zookeeper.
Step 1: Volunteer or Intern at a Zoo
Since the zookeeper position is considered an entry–level position, no experience is technically required.
However, competition is so stiff for these positions that you want as much experience as possible to set you apart from other applicants.
Volunteering is typically more flexible than interning, since you can usually set your own hours.
Be proactive as either a volunteer or an intern and make an effort to stand out. Your extra work will pay off.
Step 2: Get Certified in CPR and First Aid
Wild animals are dangerous and accidents happen every day at a zoo. And zookeepers tend to be first responders when an accident happens.
The Red Cross offers free and inexpensive CPR and first aid courses, typically at your local community center.
You can also take these types of courses from your local community college or trade school.
Once you get certified, renew it on time to keep your certification up to date so you're always ready.
Step 3: Earn an Associate or Bachelor's Degree
While a college degree isn't required, it will set you apart from other applicants. A degree in zoology is ideal.
Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of zoology programs available. If you can't find one that works for you, biology or life sciences also works.
The best programs also feature a clinical component that gives you hands–on experience working with many different animals.
Some of the best programs include America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, Santa Fe City College, and Friends University.
Step 4: Network with Zookeepers and Zoo Professionals
Attending industry conferences and events is a great way to build your network of zookeeping professionals from all over the world.
You can also make new connections through professional organizations or online zookeeping communities.
Remember that many openings are first advertised through word of mouth, so the more people you know, the better your chances.
Keep in touch with the connections you make and let them know when you find out about opportunities that would benefit them, as well.
Learn How to Become a Zookeeper Today
Contact Best Accredited Colleges today for more information on how to become a zookeeper.
