How to become A Zookeeper

• Animal Keeper

• Animal Trainer

What do Zookeepers do?
A Zookeeper would typically need to:

• Care for the diverse needs of animals in animal attractions, such as zoos, and engage with visitors

• Prepare, clean, disinfect, maintain and repair the animals’ living spaces, cages and enclosures and any equipment within them

• Look after the animals’ food, water and overall nutritional requirements; plan their diet and adjust it as needed

• Observe and record the eating, drinking and behaviour patterns of animals; transport food and fill water troughs as per their individual needs

• Train animals to obey instructions and behave in a particular manner, particularly when faced with human contact

• Exercise the animals to keep them physically fit and play with them; raise young ones

• Lead or carry animals to transfer them between enclosures; groom them by bathing them and trimming their nails and hair

• Conduct pest control processes by dusting and spraying insecticides on the animals or immersing them in insecticide baths

• Examine animals for signs of illness or injury or unusual behaviour; treat minor matters and report major ones to supervisors or veterinarians

• Give medications to the animals and help with veterinary exams; maintain animal health records

• Ensure the overall well-being of the animals by enriching their environment with appropriate items and toys that keep boredom at bay 

• Answer the queries of visitors to inform and educate them; give talks and demonstrations

Zookeepers work indoors or outdoors, depending on the animal species under their care. You may be expected to work at kennels, zoos, stables, animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics and aquariums. You may also have to travel for work. 

Zookeepers typically work full time, up to 40 hours per week. As a Zookeeper, you are expected to work on evenings, weekends and holidays. Facilities that remain open all day and night need to be staffed around the clock, and you may work the night or the early morning shift. Zookeepers often have to work overtime without being paid and may need to be a part of a ‘call-out’ rota which means you will be expected to work outside working hours in case of emergencies, such as sick or birthing animals. Be prepared to work all year round.

Part-time work is common for trainers and animal caretakers, and you may work on a short-term or a contract basis. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Zookeepers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Zookeepers are generally employed by:

• Aquariums

• City Farms & Zoos

• Petting Zoos

• Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries

• Theme Parks with Animal Collections

• Game Reserves

• Private Animal Collections 

• Open-Range Countryside Zoos & Safari Parks   

• Bird Gardens

• Birds-of-Prey Centres 

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Congress of Zookeepers (ICZ), are crucial for Zookeepers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications. 

• Physical exertion due to strenuous tasks, such as lifting heavy feed scams, equipment and maintaining and repairing the animal enclosure

• The danger of being attacked, bitten, scratched or kicked when working with scared or aggressive animals 

• Working in uncomfortable conditions, such as wet, cold, dirty, muddy, smelly, hot or humid animal enclosures

• Allergy due to the fur of certain animals or some kinds of plants 

• The risk of contracting an animal-induced disease

• The need to euthanise rats and rabbits as a food source for carnivores in the zoo

• Carrying out the unpleasant task of clearing out the excretory products of the animals and cleaning their enclosures 

• Long and unusual working hours

• A highly competitive field

• The relatively slow pace of promotion to managerial positions

Any kind of hands-on experience working with animals is vital for aspiring Zookeepers and can be instrumental in launching their career. You may volunteer at a zoo, aquarium, farm, animal shelter or national park in your area and later get employed in the same work capacity. You can foster your practical skills by working with domestic animals on petting farms or in vet clinics, stables, kennels or catteries, and with native wildlife in sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitation facilities or wildlife parks. Animal charities often encourage animal welfare by offering opportunities directly to the public or online, or through social media campaigns. 

Choose academic programs that require a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. You may look for details of work placements, volunteer opportunities or internships on various zoo and animal attraction websites.

Interacting with visitors to the animal attraction and educating them during your internships or voluntary work will help you develop interpersonal and communication skills that will be handy on the job when you begin working formally.

Once you acquire a driving license, you may volunteer to drive a wildlife hospital ambulance. You will learn to manage wild animals under challenging conditions in the bargain. Another option is to undertake “voluntourism”, a vacation on which you volunteer to work with wildlife.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in zookeeping to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Zookeepers typically require a high school diploma or an equivalent. Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree. 

A degree in zoology is a direct path to becoming a Zookeeper. You may also hold a degree in biology, zoology, conservation biology, psychology, anthropology, environmental studies, or animal-related subjects, such as animal science, animal behaviour or animal welfare.

Some core academic courses, such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology (including molecular biology, cellular biology, developmental biology and biochemistry), physics, and calculus, are typically compulsory. Courses in animal behaviour, anatomy and physiology, and reproductive physiology are helpful.

You may also acquire a master’s degree in subjects such as zoo conservation or zoo biology. Attaining a PhD requires students to undertake extensive research to become experts in their chosen specialisation. 

Aspiring Zookeepers may take high school courses in the sciences and mathematics. 

Certification demonstrates a Zookeeper’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Voluntary certification in areas such as behaviour husbandry or management and operations may be helpful to establish your credentials, improve your skills and increase your employability. You may also acquire SCUBA certification (an underwater diving certification that includes coursework and a confined and open-water dive). CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid certification, often through online or in-person courses by the Red Cross, may be mandatory at some zoos.

Some locations require self-employed Zookeepers to hold a business license. A driving license is typically mandatory if you work in a large zoo or a safari park.  

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

With significant experience, you may assume roles of greater responsibility, taking charge of larger groups of animals or whole sections. You could advance to the positions of Senior Keeper, Head of Section, Head Keeper, Senior Head Keeper and other managerial roles in the zoo.

The pace of progression depends on the size of the zoo, although it is often slower than in other occupations due to low staff turnover and infrequent vacancies. It may speed up when you seek opportunities at other zoos. 

Some Zookeepers may opt to become Specialist Animal Trainers. With additional training, you may become a Veterinarian or Veterinary Assistant/Technician. You may work in animal breeding programs or as a Conservationist. Working as an Animal Trainer, Biologist, Microbiologist, or Ecologist may also help you advance your career. Another avenue of progress is to enter education or conservation research.

Candidates with a master's degree, the necessary skills and adequate experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Zookeeper build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. 

Most Zookeepers learn through on-field experience and training. You learn from an experienced trainer how to use various equipment such as shovels, brooms, hoses, animal restraint equipment and vehicles. Most importantly, you receive thorough safety training before you can interact independently with dangerous animals. Safety courses, designed to teach you how to assess and minimise risk, help reduce the probability of mishaps. 

Employers may provide opportunities to acquire educational qualifications in the management of zoo and aquarium animals. Relevant programs would typically cover the restraint and transport of animals, farming, nutrition, conservation, zoo legislation, and enclosure management.

You may engage with scientific research, breeding programmes and in-situ conservation. Contributing to scientific papers could allow you to present at events conducted by relevant organisations. 

Safety First

Knowing how to use and maintain personal protective equipment is necessary for Zookeepers to supplement their safety training. You can tackle dangerous animals only if you don the necessary boots, gloves, upper and lower body gear and know how to use catch poles, nets, tranquiliser guns, and radios. Safety protocols, locks and checks are a must and the correct communication and interaction procedures and strategies facilitate both human and animal safety. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Zookeepers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and may select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Zookeeper has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Zookeepers invest considerable time and energy in keeping captive animals happy, healthy and engaged by giving them toys, games and scents to prevent zoochosis or behavioural disorders.

You may have begun by taking care of your pet at home or walking the neighbour’s dog. However, transitioning into the formal career of a Zookeeper is a much deeper and broader responsibility that needs you to be in top form physically, sharp in observation, and passionate about animals, regardless of their species. Your versatility will manifest itself in the diverse duties you perform daily to ensure that the animals you care for thrive in every way.

Be aware that zookeeping entails hard work, and you will need to get your hands dirty. However, your love for animals and a burning curiosity to study them and their behaviour may see you through to becoming a successful and reliable Zookeeper. With advances in the human knowledge of animals and the growing role of technology, the role of Zookeepers is likely to evolve as well. Keep in mind that ethical and conservation issues may drive change in how care is provided to animals in captivity.