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How to become a Zookeeper

Zookeeper

Career progression and salary expectations for a Zookeeper

1

Trainee Zookeeper

| Up to £14,000
2

Zookeeper

| Up to £25,000
3

Head Keeper

| Up to £40,000

The role of a Zookeeper

Always wanted to be a Zookeeper when you grew up? Why not start now…Zookeepers care for a range of animals in zoos (just, you know, to make that clear), aquariums and even in the wild. However, just because this job is a childhood ambition for many, it’s far from easy. It means hard work and long days, and can involve conducting tours or scientific research as part of the day job.Typical duties for a Zookeeper could also include:
  • Preparing food and feeding the animals
  • Ensuring all enclosures are kept clean, and temperature/humidity levels are maintained
  • Observing animal behaviour and checking for injuries
  • Caring for sick animals
  • Providing information for guests, and answering questions and giving talks to visitors
To become a Zookeeper, you’ll need to be good with all creatures, great and/or otherwise. You have to have great confidence and be completely comfortable around all kinds of animals, something which can seem easier said than done when it’s your turn to clear out the lion enclosure.Warning: Those not willing to get their hands dirty need not apply...Other key skills include:
  • Self-determination and a motivational personality
  • A passion for conservation
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Patience
  • A good level of physical fitness
"I’ve wanted to work with animals pretty much as far back as I can remember. I used to watch the Really Wild show every day after school – and not just because I had a crush on Terry Nutkins. I never even knew becoming a Zookeeper was an option, but after some voluntary work at my local wildlife park, I started working as a trainee. It’s like a dream job. I get to spend time with Lions and Tigers all day, and get paid for it. Not bears though. Someone else does that."

Get qualified as a Zookeeper

A degree is not essential for this role. However, some experience working with animals will be necessary, and there are many specific qualifications which can be taken to help set yourself apart.

Recommended Zookeeper courses

  • Level 3 Animal Care, Animal Behaviour & Animal Nutrition Training - CPD Certified

    The Animal Care
    Super Deal Save 70% | UKRLP Recognised | 6 CPD Accredited Courses + FREE Hardcopy & PDF Certificates | Lifetime Access
    • 596 students
    • Online
    • 5 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 30 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Highly rated
    ...Understand the dietary requirements of various household pets Take steps to become a veterinary assistant, pet sitter, dog trainer, or zookeeper Train your puppy to heal, learn how to walk your puppy and teach your kitten to use the litter tray Understand how to care for ornamental …
    Save 70%
    £12 £40

  • Big Data & Hadoop Instructor-led Training

    Uplatz
    Free server access, Class recordings, Certification guidance, Job & Interview assistance, Course Completion Certificate
    • Online
    • 40 hours · Part-time
    • Certificate(s) included
    • Tutor support
    ...Applications Pig concepts Hive concepts Sqoop concepts Flume Concepts Oozie workflow concepts Impala Concepts Hue Concepts HBASE Concepts ZooKeeper Concepts Real Life Use Cases Anyone wanting to make a mark in the field of Big Data Analytics Passion and determination to achieve your …
    £899
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