As you would expect, being an animal lover is a must in order to become a zookeeper (don’t worry, there isn’t an exam for that though!). As your main focus will be on helping keep the animals healthy, stimulated and as happy as possible it’s really important to have a passion for animal wellbeing. You’ll work across a range of animals of all different shapes, sizes and species and so it’s important to be open to learning new facts & skills to keep the animals in safe hands.
Some zoos will require you to be educated in a relevant field to gain employment as a zookeeper. This can include a degree of foundation degree in a course such as:
For most entry level or trainee zookeeper roles this level of education won’t be required.
You could also prepare for a trainee zookeeper role by completing a relevant college course, such as:
But again, these may not be required for entry level or trainee roles.
If you are looking into an entry level of trainee role then one of the most important things that you can do is get as much experience as possible. It’s no surprise that apprenticeship zookeeper positions get a huge number of applications, and so it’s important to look for ways to gain the much-needed experience.
As we’ve mentioned, an apprenticeship is one option that will allow you to get hands on experience at a zoo and will allow you to learn the ropes of animal conservation and wellbeing from experienced keepers. However, apprenticeships aren’t always available. Another option is to look for volunteering opportunities at zoos or wildlife parks near you.
If you find yourself employed in a zoo then you may also have the opportunity to complete a Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) which will help you on your journey to becoming a keeper.
Although experience is very important, zoos may also require a minimum of 5 GCSEs and 1 A Level, or a Level 3/BTEC in Animal Management, Animal Science or similar.
Your day-to-day schedule will be varied, but will include a variety of activities such as:
As the animals need care each and every day, the working hours of a zookeeper aren’t as routine as your average office job! Zookeeper’s have to work weekends and over public holidays. The hours can also vary depending on what’s required to support the animals. It’s also important to note that you will often work outside throughout the year which means that you’ll be working in many different conditions from heat, rain and maybe even snow.
As there is a lot of responsibility in being a zookeeper it will also be a role that will help you develop (or improve) a really valuable skill set.
You’ll learn everything there is to know about the animals in your care and become a master of your profession, being able to care for them, understand their needs and how to provide them with the highest level of wellbeing. You’ll sharpen your organisational skills as good timekeeping is a must! You will learn a great number of hands-on skills as you maintain and repair animal habitats and you’ll become extremely comfortable and confident in dealing with animals of all shapes and sizes.
You will also be able to learn the nuances of the animals you look after and will be able to spot signs of ill health or other problems during your routine observations, and your communication skills will shine as you engage with the public and answer questions from zoo visitors (sometimes as a group talk).
The most important point of all! Being a zookeeper is an incredibly rewarding career. You will have the chance to build relationships with the animals and play a vital role in their conservation. The knowledge you will gain in your role will make you an expert in what you do and every day is a new opportunity to learn.
Our zookeeper experiences are the perfect opportunity to experience life as a zookeeper right here at Paradise Wildlife Park! Book your experience today.
