Zoo animals are a dream job for many people around the world.People don't understand the hard work that goes into an animal keeper's average day or the difficulty of obtaining a job.Obtaining a job as an animal keeper in a zoo requires a combination of education and internship that takes years to complete.
Step 1: There is a local animal shelter.
If you are doing tasks such as cleaning cages and helping care for animals, this will be valuable.It will appeal to zoos and show you are willing to perform the tedious roles that come with caring for animals.
Step 2: You can ask to help at a rehabilitation center.
You can get hands-on experience with wild creatures in less time than it would take at a zoo.Feeding baby birds and mammals can be done at a rehabilitation center.You can build up your experience working with animals by volunteering.If you don't have a wildlife rehabilitation in your area, there are many other places you can volunteer at.You should check if you can volunteer at local farms, horse stables, or veterinary offices.
Step 3: Work with a group of species.
Most of today's zoos don't display exotic animals for the purpose of showing them to the public.Zoos are a way to preserve species.There are groups that work to preserve animal habitat and educate the public about the plight of the animals.If you're interested in the particular species, volunteering with it is a great way to gain experience.If you are interested in working at a zoo, you should include work on your resume.
Step 4: Ask the animal keepers at your local zoo how they got their job.
Ask about their education and experience.Ask specific questions when you talk to them.Do you think this major helped you get your animal-keeper job, or would another have been more helpful?
Step 5: internship positions in animal collection departments at zoos
This is an excellent way to get hands-on experience in working with exotic animals and develop an understanding of the actual work involved in maintaining happy, healthy animals in a zoo setting.The departments will acquire animals, whether by purchasing them from other zoos or working with police to seize animals that are illegally owned.There is an illegal circus in a private residence.Volunteer and paid internship positions are available.If you can only afford to do a volunteer internship, you should take the chance.The experience will help in the future.Most entry level positions will not be paid.If you want to work your way up the chain, you need to start out working a job that doesn't provide compensation.
Step 6: You can take courses about animals or zoology.
You can study how zoos breed, train, raise, and care for their animals at any level of school.If the books relate to a specific type of animal that holds your interest or discuss zoos and the animals who live there, you should read them.
Step 7: Enroll in and complete a college program.
Most zoos require their exotic animal care specialists to have at least a Bachelor's of Science in Zoology or Animal Science.There are colleges that offer two-year Associate degrees in Animal Husbandry and other related fields.If you don't want to attend a two- or four-year college, you can still enroll in individual zoology courses at a community college.
Step 8: Outside of your major, take animal related classes.
You can still take classes that deal with animal-related topics, even if you already have a major in animal science.This will show on your resume that you know how to work with animals.Take courses about mammalogy, herpetology, etc.There is wildlife and forest.The topics of animal behavior are ecology and ethology.
Step 9: Prepare to interact with animals.
In an academic or volunteer setting, Familiarize yourself with the tasks frequently performed by zookeepers and, whenever possible, perform them yourself.Prepare the food for the animals and feed them often as a zookeeper.Keep their cages clean by shoveling and disposing of animal feces.In case of injury or illness, apply rudimentary veterinary knowledge to the animals.Visitors can ask questions about animals and see features of their habitat.
Step 10: Go to the website of your zoo.
This is an excellent resource.If you are qualified for a volunteer job, apply for it.Getting a foot in the door may help you get that coveted job later.The most common volunteer openings in a zoo are: Grounds-keeper assistant Gift shop attendant Special events or fundraiser assistant Children's zoo volunteer Maintenance worker
Step 11: Check other places for job postings.
Zookeepers are drawn from a relatively small group of people.These positions are advertised in publications related to animal science.The Zoo News Digest website has zoo-based job listings.International Zoo News magazine has a magazine about birds.
Step 12: Do you want to work in one of the positions?
Being a zookeeper isn't the only job that allows you to work closely with animals.Unless you want to be a zookeeper, consider working as a Veterinarian or animal-health technician.Field researchers or research assistants.An animal trainer is an animal behaviorist.