Skills and qualities
- physical fitness.
- willingness to work outside in all types of weather.
- a pleasant manner and good communication skills for dealing with the public.
- to be polite but firm when enforcing rules, such as preventing people from feeding the animals.
What makes a good zoo keeper?
a high level of fitness, good health and the ability to sustain physical work for long periods in all weathers. great communication skills and the confidence to talk to visitors of all ages, often in large groups. a driving licence – this may be needed if you’re working in a large zoo or safari park.
What skills do you need to be a zookeeper UK?
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- animal or zoo management.
- animal behaviour and welfare.
- zoology or marine zoology.
- animal conservation and biodiversity.
- veterinary science.
- biology.
What should a zookeeper put on a resume?
A strong zookeeper resume should list impressive skills such as knowledge of animal behaviors, knowledge of animal physiology, advanced observation skills and effective communication skills.
What makes the job of a zoo keeper so important?
Zookeepers work to ensure captive animals are happy, healthy and thriving. They provide enrichment activities, train and condition the animals to accept human contact, take care of their nutrition and present information to the public.
Do you need to be good at math to be a zookeeper?
Zookeepers have to use math all the time! They have to weigh the animals, see how long they are, measure out the food they eat and much more. Meet some Erie Zoo animals and learn what tools and measurements are used to measure them.
Is being a zookeeper fun?
A sense of personal reward and satisfaction comes with getting to know animals and interacting with them on a daily basis. You might help raise rare animals born in the zoo or rehabilitate injured animals found in the wild. Zookeepers also spend time educating the public on conservation and animal adaptations.
Is being a zookeeper easy?
Zookeeper jobs are highly competitive because, let’s face it, it’s a dream job. You definitely need a degree. And even if you’re well-educated, you certainly need a ton of experience – think volunteer and intern hours. You need to be prepared, passionate, and willing to work long hours.
What skills do you need to work with animals?
You’ll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
- the ability to use your initiative.
- to be flexible and open to change.
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
- the ability to work well with others.
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure.
- customer service skills.
What GCSE do you need to work in a zoo?
Often there may not be academic entry requirement to start working as a zookeeper. However, some zoos may require five GCSEs at grade C or above (often including English and Maths) and an animal care qualification. You may also need a driving license, particularly in safari parks.
What should I wear to a zookeeper interview?
Wear an outfit that looks pretty nice, but don’t go too formal. You should be able to get muddy or hop a fence – just in case. Most of the time you’ll know if it’s a true working interview, but some interviews will involve a tour, meeting an animal, or other situations where you might get messy.
Is zookeeper a hard job?
Being a zookeeper means commitment to your animals, to the Zoo, and to public education. It involves long hours and hard work and over 95% of the time it isn’t really that glamorous.
Is being a zookeeper stressful?
Being a zookeeper can be physically and emotionally demanding. Zookeepers are at risk of getting bitten, kicked or otherwise injured when handling or restraining animals. They might have to manage stressful or difficult situations such as animals becoming injured, sick or euthanized.
Why do I want to be a zookeeper?
For example, you may want to work as a zookeeper because you have an interest in nurturing sick or injured animals, maintaining the well-being of healthy ones or protecting endangered species. You also might want to work as a zookeeper to apply your knowledge, experience, skills or physical abilities.
What are the 4 main functions of a zoo?
There are four main roles of zoos today. They are: conservation, research, education and recreation. breeding animals in captivity so they don’t become extinct.
What are zoo keepers called?
“Zoo keeper” is a term used to describe an individual who cares for animals in zoological parks or aquariums, but also encompasses other career titles such as Animal Trainer, Aquarist, Biologist, Aviculturist, Herpetologist, Mammalogist, to name a few.
How long is zookeeper training?
1-week
The Zookeeper qualification consists of theory and practical training. The theory is studied online from home, at your own pace and with full tutor support. The practical training consists of 1-week training at either: Dartmoor Zoo, Blackpool Zoo, Colchester Zoo, Jimmy’s Farm or Wildlife Park.
What to study to work in a zoo?
Although practical experience with animals may sometimes be substituted for academic training, most entry-level keeper positions now require a four-year college degree. Training in animal science, zoology, marine biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, and animal behavior is preferred.
Does zookeeper pay well?
Salary Ranges for Zookeepers
The salaries of Zookeepers in the US range from $10,240 to $209,552 , with a median salary of $37,730 . The middle 57% of Zookeepers makes between $37,730 and $94,998, with the top 86% making $209,552.
How long do zookeepers work a day?
Zookeepers typically work 40 hours per week, but they may be required to work weekends, holidays, and evenings. They also may be on call 24 hours a day in case of an emergency with an animal.
How many hours do zookeeper work?
Zoo keepers generally work eight-hour days and the bulk of the work involved is outside during all weather conditions. The physical tasks usually include lots of walking (up to 10km a day), raking enclosures, shovelling, using wheelbarrows and repetitive lifting.