Is it hard to become a zookeeper?

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.

Is being a zoo keeper hard?

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.

How long does it take to become a zoo keeper?

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 being a zookeeper pay well?

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 it hard to get hired at the zoo?

Since most of these jobs are popular, there are often more applicants than positions. You should expect strong competition and salaries considered low relative to the level of education necessary to perform them. And these jobs aren't easy. Caring for animals can require around-the-clock attention in some settings.

10 things you NEED to be a ZOOKEEPER



What makes a good zoo keeper?

scientific observation skills to monitor the wellbeing of animals in your care. 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.

How do I start working at a zoo?

How to get started working for a zoo
  1. Take a course on zoology or animal care. ...
  2. Research the different kinds of animal species at your new workplace. ...
  3. Find a mentorship figure in a coworker or supervisor. ...
  4. Familiarize yourself with zoo safety policies and procedures.


Is working at a zoo worth it?

If you are passionate about the idea of caring for all types of animals, including venomous snakes and hungry tigers, you may wish to consider in-demand zookeeper jobs. Landing a job with an ethical zoo that puts the well-being of animals over profits can be deeply rewarding.

What zoo pays zookeepers the most?

Top companies for Zookeepers in United States
  • Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. 4.0 $107per hour. 46 reviews7 salaries reported.
  • Woodland Park Zoo. 4.0 $27.50per hour. ...
  • Smithsonian Institution. 4.1 $26.12per hour. ...
  • City and County of Honolulu. 4.2 $25.96per hour. ...
  • Henry Vilas Zoo. 4.1 $25.48per hour. ...
  • Show more companies.


What are the disadvantages of being a zookeeper?

This is very important to have as a zookeeper because there is the possibility of having an accident, while cleaning cages, feeding animals or handling them. A major disadvantage is that full time zookeepers may have to be called in at any time of day if there are complications with the animals.

What skills does a zookeeper need?

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 should you study to be a zookeeper?

Bachelor degrees in Science, Zoology, Biology, Veterinary Nursing or other animal-related disciplines.

What qualifications do I need to be a zookeeper?

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.


How many hours does a zookeeper work?

Zookeeper Work Environment

In addition, zookeepers educate the public about the animals in their care and work to promote conservation of these animals in the wild. Zookeepers typically work 40 hours per week, but they may be required to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Do zookeepers work overnight?

Zookeepers must be prepared to work evenings, weekends, and holidays because zoo animals need care 24/7. About 40% of all nonfarm animal caretakers worked part-time in 2016, but those part-time hours were not necessarily normal business hours.

What is a day in the life of a zookeeper?

Part of the zookeeper's daily routine will include observing animals to check for any health or behavioural issues. For example, an animal might be refusing food, moving sluggishly, or acting aggressively towards others in the enclosure.

Do zookeepers get to play with the animals?

Apart from feeding, the zookeepers have to bathe and give them water. They also have to play with the animals and keep their enclosures neat and clean.

Why do people 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.

How do I become a zookeeper without a degree?

There are no specific qualifications or degree paths to becoming a zoo keeper, and requirements vary from zoo to zoo. However, the more education you have fields related to animals, wildlife, and biology the better.

How many jobs do zoos provide?

Approximately 198,000 jobs are provided by AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Zoos and aquariums employ professionals in the areas of animal care, maintenance and groundskeeping, education, guest services and more.

Do you need qualifications to work at a zoo?

Entry into a career as a zookeeper requires a relevant qualification, such as a degree in Zoology that covers important aspects of this career such as biology, science, psychology, and animal welfare and behaviour.

What's it like to work at a zoo?

However, many zoo keepers encounter similar conditions in their jobs that are difficult, repetitive and just not much fun. These include: working outside no matter what the conditions, cleaning up bodily fluids, cleaning and scrubbing animal holding areas and exhibits, and preparing animal diets.

How many zookeepers get injured a year?

According to CNN, animal advocacy group Born Free reports that there have been 256 injuries in zoos due to animal attacks over the past 26 years, resulting in 33 deaths.