How to Be Zoo Keeper - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Cause: The introduction of exotic animals to a zoo Effect: This can lead to an increase in visitors, as people are drawn to the unique and interesting creatures. Additionally, it can provide a valuable educational opportunity for people to learn more about the species, their natural habitats and behaviors. It can also create a boost in revenue for the zoo, as visitors often purchase food and souvenirs while they are exploring the animal enclosures. Finally, the presence of these animals can provide a conservation benefit, as zoos are able to house and breed species that may be endangered in the wild.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. This is the minimum educational requirement to become a Zoo Keeper.
2. Pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in zoology, animal science, wildlife biology, or a related field. While not required, this can provide an advantage when applying for positions as a Zoo Keeper.
3. Obtain relevant experience. This can include working with animals in a zoological setting, volunteering at a zoo, or working as an intern at a zoo.
4. Become certified. While not required, it is beneficial to become certified as a Keeper through a professional organization like the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).
5. Apply for jobs. Look for open positions as a Zoo Keeper by searching online job boards, attending job fairs, and networking with contacts in the zoological field.
6. Successfully complete an interview and background check. Once hired, you will need to successfully complete an interview process and background check before being offered the position.

Staying ahead and efficient as a zoo keeper requires dedication, knowledge, and a good organizational system. Proper training is essential to ensure the safety of both animals and staff. Scheduling regular maintenance and health checks is necessary to keep the animals healthy and to prevent potential issues from arising.

creating a detailed plan of action and sticking to it can help keep operations running smoothly in a timely fashion. Having an understanding of animal behavior and a commitment to follow safety protocols also helps zoo keepers stay ahead and efficient in their work. Finally, staying up to date on the latest advances in zookeeping technology can provide zoo keepers with the tools they need to remain efficient and successful.

You may want to check Conservation Zoologist, Marine Zoologist, and Fish and Game Warden for alternative.

Job Description

1. Animal Caretaker: Responsible for providing daily care and maintenance of animals, including feeding, cleaning, grooming, and observing their behavior.
2. Zookeeper: Responsible for the overall management of a zoo, including overseeing staff, setting policies, and ensuring animal safety and welfare.
3. Veterinary Technician: Assists veterinarians in diagnosing and treating animals at a zoo. Responsibilities may include collecting samples, administering medication and vaccinations, and performing laboratory tests.
4. Educator: Educates the public about animals and the importance of wildlife conservation. This may include giving presentations and tours, leading activities, and creating educational materials.
5. Animal Nutritionist: Responsible for designing, preparing, and monitoring nutritional plans for all animals in a zoo. Must have knowledge of animal nutrition and dietary needs.
6. Exhibit Designer/Builder: Designs and builds habitats for zoo animals, including naturalistic enclosures, ponds, and other interactive elements.
7. Groundskeeper: Responsible for maintaining the grounds of a zoo, including mowing grass, trimming hedges, raking leaves, and picking up debris.
8. Maintenance Technician: Performs maintenance and repair work on zoo equipment and facilities. This may include plumbing, electrical work, painting, and carpentry.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of animal behavior and care requirements
2. Ability to recognize signs of animal distress or illness
3. Ability to follow safety procedures when working with animals
4. Ability to work with a team
5. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
6. Ability to work in extreme temperatures
7. Ability to follow instructions
8. Excellent observational skills
9. Strong communication skills
10. Time management and organizational skills
11. Knowledge of animal safety regulations
12. Knowledge of medical treatments and first aid
13. Knowledge of nutrition and diet requirements
14. Experience handling animals

A successful Zoo Keeper must possess a wide range of skills in order to effectively care for the animals in their care. One of the most important skills for a Zoo Keeper to have is an understanding of animal behaviour. By having knowledge of how animals interact with one another and their environment, Zoo Keepers can create more comfortable and enriching environments for their animals.

having good interpersonal skills is important for Zoo Keepers to be able to effectively communicate with the other members of the zoo staff, as well as interacting with visitors. Furthermore, Zoo Keepers must be physically fit, as they may have to lift heavy objects or be on their feet for extended periods of time. Lastly, possessing problem-solving and critical thinking skills is essential for Zoo Keepers, as they need to be able to find solutions to various challenges they may face while caring for their animals.

Wildlife Technician, Biogeochemist, and Research Zoologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• Describe your experience working with animals.
• What is your knowledge of animal behavior and husbandry?
• How do you handle difficult or dangerous situations involving animals?
• What safety protocols do you follow when handling animals?
• How do you ensure the health and well-being of animals in your care?
• How do you interact with guests, staff and volunteers when working with animals?
• What strategies do you use to train animals?
• What methods do you use to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for animals?
• Are you comfortable working in all kinds of weather conditions?
• Do you have any ideas for new ways to interact with guests, staff, and animals?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Animal Identification System. Tracks animal information such as diet and medical history (e. g. Zookeeper Animal Database).
2. Animal Tracking System. Monitors the location, movement and interactions of animals (e. g. ZooTrac).
3. Cage Cleaning Tools. Provides efficient and effective cage cleaning, including brooms, dustpans and other tools (e. g. ZooKeeper Cage Cleaner).
4. Animal Care Software. Tracks animal behavior and health, monitors food and water intake, and provides analytics (e. g. Zootopia).
5. Animal Enrichment Toys. Provides toys and activities to stimulate animals, enriching their environment (e. g. ZooKeeper Enrichment Toy Box).
6. Veterinary Supplies. Provides medical supplies and equipment to treat sick or injured animals (e. g. ZooVet).
7. Educational Resources. Provides resources to educate zoo visitors about wildlife conservation and animal behavior (e. g. ZooKeeper Education Kit).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. The American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK)
2. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
3. The International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE)
4. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
5. The International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA)
6. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
7. Wild Animal Keepers Association (WAKA)
8. The American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians (AAWV)
9. The International Society for Zoo Educators (ISZE)
10. The International Society for Animal Professionals (ISAP)

We also have Genetics Counselor, Mammalogist, and Systematist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Animal Husbandry. The practice of breeding and caring for livestock animals, such as cattle, horses, sheep, and poultry.
2. Veterinary Science. The study of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in animals.
3. Animal Behavior. The study of how animals interact with their environment and with other animals.
4. Conservation Biology. The study of the management of natural resources and ecosystems to ensure their sustainability.
5. Wildlife Management. The practice of protecting and managing wildlife populations for the benefit of humans and the environment.
6. Animal Nutrition. The study of the nutrients required by animals for optimal health and growth.
7. Enrichment. Activities or objects that stimulate an animal’s natural behavior, helping to prevent boredom and stress.
8. Environmental Education. The process of educating people about the natural environment, including its conservation and sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zoo Keeper?

Zoo Keeper is a mobile game developed by Zynga, where players manage their own zoo by caring for and breeding animals, completing tasks and challenges, building habitats, and expanding their zoos.

How many animals are available in Zoo Keeper?

There are over 200 different species of animals available in Zoo Keeper.

What types of tasks can players complete?

Players can complete tasks such as breeding animals, expanding their zoo, caring for animals, collecting resources, and completing challenges.

How often are new animals released?

New animals are usually released every two weeks.

What rewards can players earn?

Players can earn rewards such as coins, XP, and special items by completing tasks and challenges.

What are jobs related with Zoo Keeper?

• Biology Professor
• Ornithologist
• Genetics Researcher
• Animal Behavior Zoologist
• Aquatic Zoologist
• Field Zoologist
• Animal Husbandry Worker
• Herpetologist
• Wildlife Rehabilitator
• Ichthyologist

Web Resources

• How to Become a Zookeeper – Biology biology.ufl.edu
• Become a Zookeeper - sfcollege.edu www.sfcollege.edu
• Zookeeper for a Day - Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo www.sfcollege.edu