...So You Want To Be a Zookeeper?
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...So You Want To Be a Zookeeper? |
oday's zookeeper is an educated person.
Gone are the days when all you needed was a love for animals, a shovel
and a strong back. Now we are expected to know animal husbandry,
nutrition, operant conditioning, enrichment and conservation; we are
also expected to be able to lift 50 lbs., and to work weekends and
holidays. We do this job because we love it, not for the money. The
money is in upper management, which usually means less contact with the
animals. However, in the zoo field even being in the upper echelon does
not guarantee a substantial income. For us, knowing that we are saving
an animal species or maybe just making an animal feel as at home as
possible is enough.
or those of you who think this is
the
field for you,
click here. For more information, you may also visit the
websites for the
American Zoo and Aquarium Association and the
American Association of Zoo
Keepers directly. You may also be interested in books about animal
careers -- if so, Click Here!
he List: While this list deals
primarily
with schools that have programs geared toward zookeeping, keep in mind
that a degree in Wildlife Management or Wildlife Ecology is also
acceptable for most zoos, as are degrees in Zoology and Biology.
Remember, most zoos prefer hands-on experience, so while pursuing these
degrees, volunteer where you can! (I do not list Vet. Tech Schools or
those programs dealing with pure Animal Science.) There are both two
and four year programs listed. Some zoos require more education than
others and it is always a good idea to get a higher degree if you wish
to advance up the ranks. Because of this, I have also included on this
list a new program geared toward zoo and aquarium management. In
addition you will find information on the Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Trust and a list of international schools.|
High School Programs |
Listed here are current programs leading to a two-year higher education degree such as an Associate's degree or a technical degree. |
Listed here are current programs leading to a four-year degree such as a Bachelor's degree. |
This list provides information concerning higher education programs leading to degrees specific to leadership positions within the zoo field. |
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This list provides information on programs geared toward teaching environmental conservation techniques. |
This list provides information on programs outside the United States. |
Aquarium or Marine Mammal Focus Programs This list provides information on programs that focus on aquarium or marine mammal husbandry and/or training. |
Veterinary Schools with Exotic Animal Programs This list provides information for those who would like to become a veterinarian who specializes in exotic/zoo animals. |