Zookeeper
Oversee the care and feeding of animals in captivity for conservation and education.
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Zookeeper?
- How to become a Zookeeper
- Zookeeper courses
- Top skills and experience for Zookeepers
- Zookeeper role reviews
What's it like to be a Zookeeper?
A Zookeeper is a person who cares for zoo animals that are kept in captivity for conservation, education and to be displayed to the public. They are responsible for the daily care and feeding of the animals, and the maintenance of their enclosures.
![Zookeeper](https://cdn.seeklearning.com.au/media/images/career-guide/module/zookeeper.jpg)
Tasks and duties
- Cleaning out and maintaining enclosures.
- Feeding animals and managing their dietary needs.
- Replenishing fresh water throughout the day.
- Training animals to respond to commands.
- Caring for sick, injured or unhappy animals.
- Providing Veterinarians with observations or reports.
- Presenting information to the public through animal shows, during school excursion tours or through answering questions from zoo visitors.
Zookeepers work to ensure captive animals are happy, healthy and thriving. They provide enrichment activities, train and condition the animals to accept human contact, take care of their nutrition and present information to the public. Zookeepers are observant, empathic, physically fit and, passionate about animals!
How to become a Zookeeper
Qualifications are not required for entry-level Zookeeper positions, but may be looked on favourably due to the high volume of applications zoos receive every year. If you intend to undertake study, you’ll require completion of year 10 for certificate courses, and year 12 or alternative entry requirements for a tertiary degree.
- 1.Ensure you have the minimum physical fitness required to become a Zookeeper. You will be required to take a fitness test, which can include the beep test, push-ups, planks, grip strength and lower back strength, among other tests.
- 2.Enrol in and complete a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (ACM30321). Alternatively, complete a Bachelor of Zoology, a Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation.
- 3.Consider postgraduate entry by completing a bachelor degree of your choice, then going on to study a Master of Science or a Master of Science in Agriculture.
- 4.If you’d like to get involved in a professional development group, consider joining the International Society of Zoological Sciences or a local group in your state.
Latest Zookeeper jobs on SEEK
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Zookeeper employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Zookeeper reviews
5.0Mar 2024
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Environmental Science
Experience
5 – 9 years
Organisation size
Large (200+ employees)
Specialisation
Farming, Animals & Conservation
The good things
I love that I can be a part of change that our wildlife need to survive. To create relationships with people and animals for better education and life for those in captive care is something that’s rea...
The challenges
The job is wonderful but to have any sort of security in this field can take years.
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4.0Jan 2024
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Applied Science
Experience
5 – 9 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Farming, Animals & Conservation
The good things
My role is rewarding in working with unique and fascinating animals in a captive environment. I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of the animals, and also to the people that are able to ...
The challenges
The hours out in the weather - the heat of summer, the rain and storms. The animals need to be cared for no matter the weather. The role is physically demanding and can take a toll on the body.
Read more
Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
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