Zookeeper
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.
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!
Latest Zookeeper jobs on SEEK
How to become a Zookeeper
- 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 Captive Animals (ACM30310). 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.
Explore related qualifications
SEEK users who have worked as a Zookeeper have studied these qualifications.
Certificate III in Captive Animals
This qualification provides foundation skills to prepare for entry level roles in captive animal facilities.
Bachelor of Science
Develop broad skills in science to prepare for opportunities in a range of industries with this qualification.