The role of a zoo keeper is one of the most popular jobs involving animals. They have responsibility both to the animals in their care and to the general public. Working in an animal collection is a question of balancing the needs of the animals and the visitors' desire for information.
Work in a zoo or wildlife park is a demanding job that never stops. Animal keeping staff often work at weekends and, during the summer months, hours are long. Employers look for people with stamina and commitment, as well as an understanding and knowledge of animals.
Here are some of the important issues you should consider before embarking on a career in zoos.
- Be realistic - your ‘love of animals’ must not be sentimental. The work is often dirty and you may have to work with sick or injured animals. Also, working with animals is often very repetitive and physically demanding but if you are interested in animals, working with them can be very rewarding.
- Communication skills - dealing with people as well as animals is often part of the job as there is contact with zoo visitors and other professionals.
What do zoo keepers do?
Keepers provide daily care for a zoo's animals. Their routine involves cleaning enclosures, preparing food, providing fresh water and clean bedding and ensuring that animal enclosures are kept at the appropriate temperature and humidity. They also keep records on health, diet and the behaviour of the animals in their care and assist the vet when either preventive or curative treatment is needed.
Keepers also require good communication skills to be able to impart their enthusiasm, commitment and knowledge to the visitors. In the majority of zoos, keepers are an essential part of public education programmes, giving talks and participating and organising events and activities for school groups and other interested parties.
What do I need to become a zoo keeper?
Entry qualifications can vary from collection to collection. Many require five GCSEs, including a natural science. Biology is recommended to a high GCSE standard, with maths and English being desirable. Many zoo keepers now have a relevant university degree.
Initially, training is done on-the-job and given by other qualified members of staff. Having completed a six month probationary period, most zoos require keepers to study and obtain the Advanced National Certificate in the Management of Zoo Animals (ANCMZA) run by Sparsholt College
Where should I look for job opportunities?
There are various publications which carry job vacancies:
- The weekly newspaper Cage and Aviary Birds which is available through newsagents
- The ABWAK (Association of British Wild Animal Keepers) membership magazine advertises vacancies from time to time
- The BIAZA (British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) newsletter and website
- International Zoo News. This is available from IZN Subscription Department, 80 Cleveland Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 2HF or telephone 01243 782803
- This website in the jobs section
- Write to your choice of zoo, but to ensure a reply, enclose a stamped addressed envelope and preferably your CV.
- Gain volunteer experience in your chosen zoo by joining as a volunteer.
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