What qualifications do you need to be a zookeeper

What does a zookeeper do?

A zookeeper is one of the most important roles at a zoo as they’re responsible for looking after the animals healthcare and wellbeing.

The day-to-day activities for a zookeeper can vary depending on which zoo they work in and which animals they look after. However, one things for sure; a zookeeper’s day is never boring!

A zookeeper will often focus their time primarily on:

• Keeping the animal enclosures clean and well maintained
• Support in building and repairing animal enclosures
• Preparing meals and feeding the animals
• Regular observations of the animals throughout the day
• Supporting with medical treatments and healthcare checks (including administering medications)
• Assist with breeding animals
• Keep the animals well stimulated and engaged
• Providing talks to zoo visitors
• Speaking to zoo visitors and engaging with the public

Find out more about what a zookeeper does.

What qualifications do you need to become a zookeeper?

Getting a job as a zookeeper doesn’t always require a qualification as it depends if you are looking for an entry-level role or a keeper position that requires more than just experience. 

Although it isn’t exclusively a position for graduates, there are advantages to having a qualification in a related field. Doing this can allow you to understand areas such as animal science, behaviour and welfare; all areas that are extremely important to a zookeeper!

Relevant areas that you can gain qualifications in include;

• Zoology
• Animal science
• Animal behaviour
• Animal welfare
• Animal management (zoo and wildlife conservation)
• Zoo management
• Biology

Any other life-science or animal-related subjects may also provide you with an advantage.

There are a number of different routes that you can take to gain a qualification that can help you secure your dream job as a zookeeper:

University degrees

There are a number of universities that will offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in zoo biology or zoo conservation; two highly relevant fields that can teach you a lot of things that can give you an edge when applying for your next keeper position.

Non-degree qualifications

Following the further education route and obtaining a university degree in an animal-related field isn’t the only higher education route that is available to you. There are a number of other degree-alternatives that can also provide you with a level of knowledge in animal-related areas. These can include:

• City & guilds qualifications
• Diplomas
• Level 3 qualifications
• Foundation degrees

And these can be obtained in a variety of relevant subjects, such as:

• Animal care
• Work-based animal care
• Animal management
• Zoo management

It’s important to understand what’s involved in a course or diploma before you begin, and to understand how and if it will benefit you in your application for a zookeeper role. Courses may cover more than just care and management of animals that you will find in a zoo, and so make sure to do your research before applying! 

Apprenticeships

For those not looking for extended education in either college or university courses, an apprenticeship might be the route for you. What’s available to you will depend largely on the areas that you are in, but you can find available apprenticeships here.

An apprenticeship can be an excellent way to gain valuable experience and skills in a zoo or animal-care environment that can translate well into an entry-level zookeeper position. Often lasting a minimum of 12 months, an apprenticeship will allow you to get hands-on experience to certain aspect of zoo life.

However, apprenticeships at zoos or wildlife parks will often have a high number of applicants and so it’s important to try to gain some experience prior to applying (see the option to volunteer below).

This route is a good choice for those looking for entry-level roles within a zoo or wildlife park.

Volunteering (gaining experience)

As apprenticeships can be hard to come by (and receive a lot of applicants) another route to gain hands-on experience is to volunteer with a local zoo, wildlife park or closely related animal-care organisation. A number of these organisations are usually for as much help and support as they can get. 

What to look for in a course?

It’s very important to make sure that the course, apprenticeship or volunteering opportunity that you choose is going to give you the right amount of hands-on experience and knowledge. We recommend researching into the modules provided for educational courses, and for apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities you should make sure that it is in a closely-related animal care environment.

Skills needed to be a zookeeper

Although education isn’t essential to begin your journey as a zookeeper, there are skills and personal traits that are an absolute must. These may not all be required when you begin (as you’ll learn a huge amount on the job), but they will become more and more important as you progress in your career.

Skills and attributes that you will need to be an effective zookeeper are:

• Great communication skills and the ability to talk and communicate well with your colleagues and members of the public. Part of your role as a zookeeper will be engaging with zoo visitors of all ages and sometimes in large groups. You may be required to deliver talks to zoo visitors, which can be a daunting task for some people!
• A good level of physical fitness is needed for keeping the animal enclosures and habitats clean and operational. Being a zookeeper can be a very physical job, and even demanding at times. You may need to help build an enclosure, move an enclosure (or parts of one) and move equipment relevant to the animals you care for.
• Confidence in dealing with and approaching animals of all shapes and sizes is essential. Much of this experience will come on the job, but to start with an open mind and an eagerness to learn will help you a lot.

Want to see what a day in the life of a zookeeper is like?

Our zookeeper experiences are the perfect opportunity to experience life as a zookeeper right here at Hertfordshire Zoo! Book your experience today.