Sometimes called animal keepers, zookeepers are trained professionals who care for animals who are bred and kept in captivity. They monitor animal behavior, ensure animals are fed, and that their habitats are kept clean and safe. Zookeepers also assist veterinarians with their duties and report any health issues.
What is the role of zoo keeper?
A zookeeper’s responsibilities usually include feeding, maintaining and cleaning the animals, diet preparation, behavioral observation, record keeping, exhibit maintenance and providing environmental enrichment for the animals in their care.
What skills do you need to be a zoo keeper?
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.
Is zookeeper a good career?
Truth: The turnover rate for zookeepers is exceptionally low. Keepers are likely to stay in their chosen profession for the rest of their life. They’re a passionate bunch and love the work they do, despite how difficult it can be with education, cleaning, training, feeding and providing medical care.
How hard is it to become a ZooKeeper?
Although an associate degree may be adequate, employers usually require a bachelor’s degree in animal science, zoology, or any life science. Prior job experience may take the place of education, but positions at higher levels often require 1 to 5 years of job experience and a degree.
Does a ZooKeeper make good money?
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.
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.
Are zookeepers trained?
Most entry-level positions require at least an associate’s degree. Many zookeepers earn a four-year college degree. Animal management has become a highly technical and specialized field. Zookeepers do much more than care for animals’ bodily comforts: Many of today’s zookeepers are trained zoologists.
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.
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.
Do zookeepers work everyday?
As a zookeeper, you’ll need to be prepared to work year-round, and over weekends too. Animals require care and attention every day, including Christmas and other holidays.
What zoo pays zookeepers the most?
Top Paying Companies
| 1 | El Paso Zoo | |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Tulsa Zoo | 5 open jobs |
| 8 | Zoo Miami | |
| 9 | Austin Zoo | 3 open jobs |
| 10 | Wildlife Conservation Society | 84 open jobs |
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 age can you be a zookeeper?
Often, zoos welcome volunteers in their early teens, though jobs with more responsibility may be held for kids who are 16 years or older. Some facilities offer one week summer camps to train those who would like a career with animals.
What animal injures zookeepers the most?
“The elephant is the most dangerous,” says Dr. Keith Hinshaw, vice-president for animal health and senior veterinarian at the Philadelphia Zoo. “He’s the number one offender. More animal handlers have been killed by elephants than any other animal.”
What days do zookeepers get off?
And zookeepers work on weekends, holidays, rainy days, snow days, tornado days, hurricane days, fire days, kids’ free day… Yes, that’s all the days. That’s because, no matter what, animals need to be fed and have their homes cleaned everyday. Human made holidays don’t matter, proper care does.
What is the daily life of a zookeeper?
Zookeepers are like observant parents, watching over their animals’ behavior, health and demeanor. They make sure animals eat well, live in safe, clean conditions, enjoy fresh stimuli and develop new skills that keep their senses alert. If an animal needs help, it’s the zookeeper who’ll spot it first.
What are the disadvantages of being a zookeeper?
The Pros and Cons of Being a Zookeeper
- You’ll probably always work weekends.
- You don’t make much money.
- You smell within the first half hour of getting to work.
- Hay will end up everywhere. EVERYWHERE.
- Inevitably, you will get attached to animals that will either get sent somewhere else, get old or sick, and pass.
Which is better zoologist or zookeeper?
Pro’s Answer
A zookeeper for the most part has studied practical animal care while a zoologist has studied the biology, psychology, ecology, and behavior of animals in a lot more depth. Zookeepers are mostly caretakers; zoologists might also work on studying animals more.
Do zookeepers clean the animals?
Many people like animals, but taking care of them is hard work. Zookeepers take care of wild animals in zoos and animal parks. They feed the animals, clean their living spaces, and work to keep them healthy.
How many hours does a zookeeper work a week?
They may work alone, or in pairs or teams for some tasks. A zoo keeper’s typical working week is 37.5 to 40 hours, and overtime may be available. Part time and seasonal work may be available with some employers. Animals must be cared for every day of the year, so keepers work on a rota to cover all periods.