What does a job as a zookeeper involve?

I'm thinking about careers related to animals and was curious about what working as a zookeeper entails. What skills are important, and what does a typical day look like for a zookeeper?

Being a zookeeper is a rewarding job, yet it can be quite demanding physically and emotionally. It typically requires a significant amount of hands-on work with a variety of animals.

A zookeeper's duties generally revolve around caring for animals within a zoo environment. This usually means feeding animals, cleaning their living spaces, monitoring their health, and sometimes training them for veterinary procedures or enrichment activities. A key part of their job is keen observation, as they need to notice and report any changes in animal behavior, diet intake, or physical appearance that could signify health concerns.

A zookeeper's day often starts very early in the morning, usually beginning with preparing food for the animals. Depending on the species and diet, this could require anything from chopping vegetables and fruits, preparing meat, or administering vitamins or medication. After morning feedings, zookeepers typically clean habitats and exhibits which may involve scrubbing surfaces, raking, and removing waste.

A large part of a zookeeper's role consists of monitoring the well-being of the animals they care for. This can involve physical examinations, observing behaviors, and assisting with medical procedures or treatments when necessary.

In terms of skills, a passion for animals and their well-being is essential, along with patience and an eye for detail to monitor any changes in animal behavior or health. Physical stamina is needed as the job can be labor-intensive, and some level of comfort with handling animals — from the small and docile to the large and potentially dangerous — is necessary. Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills are also useful, as unexpected scenarios can frequently come up in a zoo environment.

Educationally, most positions require a degree in a field like biology, animal science, or a related field. Hands-on experience, such as internships or volunteer work in a zoo, wildlife rehab center, or related setting, can also be extremely beneficial.

Remember, each day can be different as a zookeeper, bringing new experiences and challenges. The job can be difficult and tiring, but also highly rewarding for those who have a passion for animals and conservation.