Salary: Median—$14 per hour
Employment Outlook: Good
Zookeepers take care of some of the largest and smallest creatures in captivity, from African elephants to Amazonian frogs. Depending on the zoological park or aquarium in which they work, keepers may be assigned to care for a broad group of animals such as mammals, birds, or reptiles, or they may work with a more specific collection of animals such as primates or large cats.
Zookeepers prepare balanced diets for the animals in their care. Many animals, especially the more exotic breeds, eat only certain foods; for example, koalas eat only the leaves of eucalyptus trees. In addition to preparing the animals' meals, zookeepers feed the animals, which can be a complicated undertaking: some can be fed only in the daytime while others must be fed at night. The animals must be fed every day, so keepers frequently work on weekends and holidays. The responsibilities of zookeepers also include watering, bathing, and exercising the animals, and cleaning, disinfecting, and repairing their cages or tanks.
Because zookeepers spend so much time with the animals, they can provide zoo managers with valuable information on animal behavior, interactions, health concerns, environmental factors, and conservation efforts. Keepers must be well informed so they can answer questions from zoo visitors.
Zookeepers are employed at all sizes of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife refuges throughout the country. They work alongside animal curators, veterinarians, and resident zoologists.
Animal curators are scientists in charge of the animals. With the help of zookeepers, they shift animals from one location to another, moving tigers to winter quarters, placing an ape in a new home, or giving a lioness and her cubs the privacy they need. They encourage breeding, apply medicines, and study animal behavior.
To keep the animals healthy, zoo veterinarians spend a lot of time practicing preventive medicine. They are faced with very special challenges because little is known about the diseases of some species. Sometimes zoo vets have to develop their own treatments.
Resident zoologists are also animal scientists, and their work frequently overlaps with that of curators and veterinarians. Some zoologists are in charge of the educational aspects of the zoo such as preparing descriptions of animals or designing habitats that simulate those found in nature.
Education and Training Requirements
While many zookeepers get their start by volunteering at a zoo, the entry-level keeper position usually requires an associate's degree or, more often, a bachelor's degree. Training in animal science, zoology, conservation biology, wildlife management, or animal behavior is preferred. Caretakers for marine mammals such as seals may need a degree in animal science, biology, marine biology, zoology, psychology, or a related field, plus strong swimming skills and SCUBA certification. To work in zoos or aquariums that are operated by the local government, candidates may have to pass a civil service exam. Curators, zoologists, and veterinarians are expected to have advanced degrees.
Getting the Job
Interested candidates can gain valuable experience in the field by serving as a zoo volunteer, a humane society volunteer, or a veterinary worker. Prospective zookeepers should apply directly to the personnel departments of various zoos. School placement offices, online zoological Web sites, and professional journals also list job openings.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
According to the American Association of Zoo Keepers, some applicants for zookeeper jobs "may become frustrated over the initial difficulty in entering the animal care profession. [However,] the future for careers in zoo work continues to expand and is promising for both men and women." Chances for advancement to managerial positions is possible but rather limited. Zookeepers may be promoted to the post of senior keeper, assistant head keeper, head keeper, or assistant curator. With additional education zookeepers may become curators, veterinarians, or zoologists. A zookeeper may also advance by moving to a larger zoo. The number of zoos in the United States is not expected to increase greatly in the near future, so stiff competition will exist for all zoo positions.
Working Conditions
Zookeepers do not have glamorous, high-paying jobs; they enter the field because of their love for animals. Much of their work requires physical strength, patience with the animals, and the ability to make detailed observations and keep accurate records. Captive animals require attention twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, so the hours can be long and exhausting. A special kind of dedication is needed to stay at a zoo through the night nursing a sick animal, or to get up in the middle of the night to meet a pair of rhinos arriving at the airport.
Animal odors and the smell of cleaning fluids may be disagreeable to some people. Having to euthanize old or sick animals can be emotionally stressful. However, most people who enter the profession love animals and receive great satisfaction from helping and working with them. In some places caretakers wear uniforms. Employers may provide uniforms or an allowance for their purchase and cleaning.
Earnings and Benefits
Considering the rigorous academic qualifications required, zookeeping is not a particularly high-paying profession. Curators, veterinarians, and zoologists earn considerably more than zookeepers, but these positions require even more years of study and higher degrees. Zookeepers with limited education and experience may start at little more than minimum wage. Online salary surveys indicate that the median salary for zookeepers is $14 per hour or $28,000 per year. If they invest in additional training, experienced zookeepers can make more than $40,000 per year, depending on the size of their zoo and where it is located. Typically, zoos in metropolitan areas pay the most. Benefits for full-time zookeepers usually include paid vacations, accident and health insurance, and retirement plans.
User Comments Add a comment…
24 days ago
kabrina kabsmarch ((at)) gmail dot com
for the person who is trying to decid between a vet and a zookeeper but is struggling because 'luxuries' is an issue...here is my response. the article stated that people become zookeepers because they love animals. simple as that. you either want to work with aniamls in captivity and try to make them happy or you dont. no being a zookeeper is not luxurious. and if you ever thought that then your ignorant. this is one of the few careers that is an actual passion. so if 'luxuries' is your issue it seriously is not for you and you shouldnt waste your time.
2 months ago
MissyAnnMogles
i really love animals and would love a job with something to do with animals like a zoo keeper but the thing is, i dont think that the pay would be good enough for the lucturies i would like in life. also the hours are very long and i do like to take time off to see my family and friends. would that be a problem in zookeeping? and what classes should i take in university for the job as a zookeeper?
3 months ago
lara lararoxu ((at)) yahoo dot com
what are the hours? And is 30,000 really enough for a year?
4 months ago
jazmin jazm1n_293 ((at)) yahoo dot com
i know it takes a lot of your time being a zoo keeper, i really am planning on being one myself... my question was that do you get any days off at all? or are you working everyday of the year?
4 months ago
lotti lotti_401 ((at)) live dot co dot uk
i really want to be a zookeeper when i grow up, however i worry that i will not get a good salary and not be able to live life with the luxuries i want! therefore i am now struggling to choose between the life of a zookeeper or vet,,, but i know that zookeepin is something i would enjoy more and prefer to take as my career choice. do you think that zoo keepers get paid a lot,(what is there average salary?) and would u reccomend i go 4 tht job or the job of a vet tht i maybe dnt enjoy as much?
7 months ago
Shortie sunset_sweetheart ((at)) hotmail dot com
I've had a hard time deciding what to do after high school, but when I came across the idea of being a zookeeper I was immediately in love. I was just wondering what kind of high school classes are good to take before college if you want to go for a bachelor's degree in zoology or animal science. I'm already planning on taking psychology, chemistry, wildlife management, ecology, economy, and advanced biology, but I'm not sure exactly what is practical to take. Any suggestions?
7 months ago
gemmy elvisrox ((at)) yahoo dot com
I really think this is the job 4 me now thanks for the info
7 months ago
leona pinkteacake ((at)) hotmail dot com
i want to become a zoo keeper wwwwwwwwoooooooooopppppppppp
7 months ago
Katie sk8girl009179 ((at)) aol dot com
How does a zoo keeper use math in this profession?
7 months ago
schoolgirl boo626girl ((at)) gmail dot com
this id great info for a report thanks
7 months ago
alexandra adams adams4ever4261996 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I have always wanted to be a zoo keeper. It's been my dream ever since I can remenber.
7 months ago
Chance fergilicous03 ((at)) hotmail dot com
Thanks for the stie i am doing a report on this. It helped a lot!
8 months ago
Yolanda dare_love_hate ((at)) yahoo dot com
How many hours do you work? thanks
8 months ago
iluvanimals<32134 animalLUVR25 ((at)) aol dot com
ever since my dog piper died i got 2 other dogs one name is girly and the other spots I love animals my family calls me the Tree Hugger. i luv animals they are the bomb and cute this site rawks and is beassst! WEEEEEEEEEEEE!
8 months ago
milo cmouse13 ((at)) myspace dot com
this is exacly what i needed.thanks
8 months ago
gfsdka fhasdjfh ((at)) aol dot com
This website is awesome! thanks
9 months ago
Adam asmith1847 ((at)) msn dot com
I have always felt a passion for animals of every sort. I want to work with animals more than anything. Working with animals may be smelly, exhuasting, and dirty, but it's so gratifying! I want to specialize in anything to do with avians, because my heart soars with them when they take flight.
9 months ago
Kevin kevster012 ((at)) hotmail dot com
I really want to work with animals and being a zoo keeper sounds like something id like but I'm still not 100% sure wat other careers have to do with working with animals and the full details on them. I hope I can decide wat will work for me.
9 months ago
Siobhan saphire_magic ((at)) optusnet dot com dot au
The passion that I hold with potentially working alongside the world's most exotic and endangered animals runs right down to the core. I hope to one day work with Big Cats such as cheetah's and wish to become a member of the Cheetah De Wildt Program in Africa.
9 months ago
TB pvatki1593 ((at)) yahoo dot au dot com
I am currently a high school volunteer at my zoo and I love it. Working at the zoo is only for certain people. You pick up poop almost continuous, it smells, it is dirty and most of all it is completely satisfying! I can't express how much I want to work at a zoo some day but if you want to be a zoo keeper some day start volunteering. Be a good volunteer and show that you can be trusted, being trusted as a volunteer will help you when you want a job because you will have good references from the keepers you volunteered for and they will want you. Just try your hardest and you can make it, but not with out hard work.
10 months ago
Michaila gymnast82607 ((at)) aol dot com
I have wanted to work beside animals as long as i can remember. I have had a dog-sitting and cat-sitting service and i love so many animals. Whenever i go to the zoo with my friends or family i always look at how elegant or graceful all of the animals are. My favorite type of animals would have to be the catagory of large or big cats. I went to the Bronx Zoo over the summer and i got to see a siberian tiger up close and she was so beautiful and i wish i could work with animals like that and others.
11 months ago
Krystal mlebrant ((at)) gmail dot com
I have wanted to be a zookeeper or zoologist for as long as i can remember. It has been my dream and passion to work side by side with animals and dedicate my life to them. This page was incredibly usefull and helped me a lot. It is still hard for me to decide whether to be a zoologist or an elephant conservationist, because elephants are my main passion, but this page of information got me that much closer. Thank you.
about 1 year ago
Holly ny_giant_2006 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I love animals my family calls me the Tree Hugger. I want to be a zookeeper and watch the Penguins and learn more about them. Your page helped me to learn what i need to do to become a zookeeper. Thanks
about 1 year ago
radish Goat_herder911 ((at)) hotmail dot com
hey, i want to become a zoo keeper 2 but i want to know what math degrees you need. im great at my biology and english but im low down in the math department:( is math a major requirement for the job? i live on a farm (horses sheep etc) would this give me an advantage because i've worked with animals a lot or not??
about 1 year ago
kirsten horseluvr1354 ((at)) hotmail dot com
I had to do a report on 3 careers, I was interested in. Being a zookeeper was one and this site gave me all the perfect info. Thanks
about 1 year ago
kirsten horseluvr1354 ((at)) hotmail dot com
I had to do a report on a career I was interested in and this page was perfect for all the zookeeping info. Thanks
about 1 year ago
dominique nikiroxs! ((at)) gmail dot com
i luv animals they are the bomb and cute
about 1 year ago
teesha jadams ((at)) columbus dot rr dot com
i want to be a zookeeper when i grow up im doing a report on it nice info
about 1 year ago
billie fgfdawfgds ((at)) aol dot com
this site is the beast thanks so much
about 1 year ago
Ryan dspey ((at)) dhmh dot state dot md dot us
Dogs and cats are the best! I'm going to specialize in large cats and wolves and animals related to dogs. Can't wait to learn more.
about 1 year ago
LouLou imcrazy4disney ((at)) yahoo dot com
i like this website it tells me a lot about how to use a computer and a a technology person go computers u are fun!
about 1 year ago
Araya alwaysaraya ((at)) hotmail dot com
I love animals this site is amazing iv been looking around for good information for a career in zookeeping and i definatly foud it !
about 1 year ago
terra bob1 ((at)) bellsouth dot net
I love animals!!! i want to be a zookeeper... but I didnt relly know what the job was like. This site RAWKS!!!
about 1 year ago
ashleigh lil-ash-ice-cream-cone ((at)) hotmail dot com
scine i was 4 year old i have wanted to be a vet. now i have decided to become a zoo keeper and work with the conservation of chimpanzees. i am 14 and currently volentreeing at an animal pound once a week. and volentreeing at a zoo twice a week in the holidays. i love it and i wont give up no matter how hard it is. does anyone know if you need to go through to year 12 to become a zoo kepper though?
about 1 year ago
Morgan morgan dot t ((at)) elisd dot org
I have always loved animals now even more since my dog Piper died three days after Christmas. so now and then I always wanted this job. See ya guys later bye.
about 1 year ago
Morgan morgan dot t ((at)) elisd dot org
I will go to do this job, but I need nore information such as Job Skills, Talents and experience,Typical Day Aptitude. It is a very good website though. I will go into this career. Thank You for your time and have a good day.....:):):):):):):):):)
about 1 year ago
Frank d dot a dot f dot ((at)) myspace dot com
well the other day i ran over an animal and got out and tryed to save it. Blood was going all over me. so now i want to be a zookeeper.
about 1 year ago
Blakely pretty_sparkles ((at)) hotmail dot com
It takes alot more than a love of animals to succeed in the field. I have worked in the field for 6 years. You really do have to be good at science and have good reasoning skills. It is not just feeding and playing with animals. You have to know when to get them care and you have to deal with fecal matter. It is hard work and alot of times you will be called in during the middle of the night to take care of any situations. The pay is kind of middle of the road. But I will be honest, it is worth it, bt you have to be willing to get dirty and wake up in the night. And competition for the job is fierce. LOng gone are the days where volunteers can work their way to the top. I know people who have been working their way up for 15 years and they are blown out of the water by a 22 year old fresh out of college with a bio or zoology degree. It is really impressive and gives you a better cjance of landing the job if you have a degree, preferably a BS. But whatever you do, good luck. It is a really rewarding job. oh, and yes, biology is an excellent degree for zookeeping. zoology is just a more specific type of biology (animal biology). Oh, and you could really impress you employer by haveing a minor in something like animal science or wildlife management. There are numerous paths for this career. Good Luck!
about 1 year ago
courtney www dot crtnykline ((at)) yahoo dot com
i think i might be interested in this kind of job now
about 1 year ago
shaheer sabdali ((at)) hotmail dot com
i love animals
about 1 year ago
leah leahv23 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I love animals so much i have 2 dogs and ilove them so much because it is still puppyes and the first one is called girly and spots is that coolor what
about 1 year ago
leah leahv36 ((at)) yahoo dot com
iwant to work as a zookeeper
about 1 year ago
Tegan vanangelita ((at)) hotmail dot com
i have been searching for the specific job that is right for me, and i think that this might be the one. i've worked at a zoo before, and i think that it is something that i would love to do for the rest of my life.
about 1 year ago
I.C.U.P. www dot lovesucks ((at)) insightbb dot com
being a zookeeper sounds like alot of work! But hey! I love doing alot of work because I LOVE animals! I'll work at any zoo that is in great shape because then i'll know the animals are in great condition!!
about 1 year ago
till's bsdhgbd_13 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I think animals are great and im gonnna be a zookeeper, WEE!
about 1 year ago
Amy nmirdnt ((at)) gmail dot com
There are different majors that are recommended by different people (Biology and Zoology). Zoology's nice, but there's no college near me that has it. Is Biology still an acceptable degree for zookeeping?
about 1 year ago
aaron spongebob ((at)) yahoo dot com
.being a zookeeper seems alot of work but how do you do it?
about 1 year ago
turnup conner ((at)) yahoo dot com
I would like to be a zoo keeper but I don't know what types of animals I would want to help. If you become a zoo keeper do you get to chose your animals? Please reply by commet not email please. Thank you for your time.
over 2 years ago
Rebecca rlaforce58 ((at)) verizon dot net
Good honest introductory information!
over 2 years ago
emilio froggy_M_101 ((at)) hotmail dot com
what are the hours??? reply froggy_M_101@hotmail.com i just need to see the hours then i will probably accept the job!!YAY!!