Zoo and Wildlife Career FAQs (2024)

FAQs

Why is it so hard to get a job at a 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.

Note that the average job tenure in zoos and wildlife parks is just over two years. Thus, if your zoo has 30 zookeeping positions open, about 15 of them will come up for hire yearly. While the field is competitive, positions are often available, and you don't have to wait too long to apply for zoo jobs.

Working at the local zoo is a dream job for most animal lovers. Not only do you have the opportunity to work directly with animals and provide them with much-needed enrichment, but you also will have an opportunity to have a positive impact on animal behavior and conservation efforts taking place at the zoo.

By closely observing and studying animals, researchers at zoos can collect valuable insights into their behavior, biology, and habitat requirements.

Zookeepers are extremely underpaid. It is a profession that pretty much requires a college education and yet you do not receive the salary of someone who has a college education. It is a tradesperson position which should be paid a similar salary as someone in a trade such as being a plumber, electrician, or carpenter.

As of Jun 15, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Zookeeper in California is $17.69 an hour.

Most zookeepers have a bachelor's degree in life sciences, which includes biology and zoology coursework. Some employers, however, may accept an associate degree with relevant experience. Each program can give you the ability to take specialized classes related to the type of animals you want to work with.

Challenges of the job:

Training of animals and introduction of new animals to one another can be a slow and frustrating process. It can be difficult when animals that we care for become sick, injured or die. The work can sometimes be boring, dirty and tiring.

What do you need to know to work at a zoo? ›

Although practical experience with animals may sometimes be substituted for academic training, most entry-level keeper positions now require a four-year college degree. Training in animal science, zoology, marine biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, and animal behavior is preferred.

Keepers (who work in zoos) and aquarists (who work in aquariums) provide direct care for animals including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, monitoring animal health, and educating the visitors are all part of their daily responsibilities.

One of the distinctive aspects of zoo financial management is the need to budget for the diverse needs of the animal inhabitants. Animal care budgets encompass various elements, including healthcare, nutrition, habitat maintenance, and enrichment programs.

Those who work with animals often demonstrate higher levels of confidence, and animals can help individuals to grow their self-confidence. Animals are great listeners as they are unable to talk back in the conventional sense, they offer unconditional love to those who care for them, and they do not criticise.

Although zookeeping is not a high-paying career, nor is there as much room for advancement as there might be in a corporation, there is stiff competition for zookeeping positions. Most zookeepers have put in many years of volunteer or low-wage work before obtaining full-time, permanent zookeeper positions.

Yes, zoo keeper jobs are in demand. Zoo keeper demand is projected to grow 28% from 2018 to 2028.

Animal care experience such as zoo volunteer, farm or ranch worker, or veterinary hospital worker is a must. Smaller zoos may hire keeper trainees, who receive on-the-job training to learn the responsibilities of the zookeeper.

For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States specifically sets 16 as the minimum working age for minors that are performing non-agricultural work.