Zookeeper
Oversee the care and feeding of animals in captivity for conservation and education.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Zookeeper?
- How to become a Zookeeper
- Latest Zookeeper jobs
- Top skills and experience for Zookeepers
- Is Zookeeper the right role for you?
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Zookeepers.Latest Zookeeper jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Zookeeper jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
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. Animal Care
Animal Training
Conservation
Welfare
Animal Husbandry
Zoology
Zookeeping
Public Speaking
Food Preparation
Working with Animals
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Zookeeper reviews
Dec 2024
Great places to learn and grow but difficult to have a career in with the cost of living and work/life balance.
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate III in Captive Animals
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationFarming, Animals & Conservation
The good thingsGreat working with such knowledgeable and passionate people. Always room to grow and learn personally.
The challengesIt’s very difficult to have a comfortable lifestyle in the wages
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Mar 2024
A hard industry to crack but very rewarding
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Environmental Science
Experience5 – 9 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationFarming, Animals & Conservation
The good thingsI 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 challengesThe job is wonderful but to have any sort of security in this field can take years.
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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
