Zookeepers are responsible for the well being of the animals living in zoos. The job requires a keeper to routinely complete a number of tasks for the animals, such as bathing, feeding and exercising.
Zookeepers must follow very specific feeding instructions for each animal, and keepers are often expected to work weekends and holidays to ensure the animals are fed routinely. They must provide drinking water for the animals, keep their living spaces clean, and help train or entertain them.
Much of a zookeeper’s job involves monitoring the animals and making sure they do not become sick or injured. They keep notes on their eating habits, watch for odd behavior, and provide veterinarians with relevant information about their health.
Although there are no formal education requirements, many zookeepers are expected to have earned a college degree in a relevant field. Bachelor’s degree programs in zoology, biology, animal science and marine biology provide potential zookeepers with the knowledge and skills to work with animals. In these programs, students are taught a range of subjects including animal behavior, nutrition, genetics, microbiology, reproduction and physiology.
Other ways for potential zookeepers to prepare for careers include gaining entry-level work experience in veterinary offices, animal shelters or farms. Volunteering with a zoo will also give potential keepers a strong opportunity for advancement.
the salary range for zookeepers was $18,820-$39,996 per year
