Cross Breeds

Becoming a zoo keeper?

Okay, so I'd like to become a zoo keeper, I am a 19yr old married woman with lots of animal experience, horses, cows, lamas, alpaca, white tail deer, regular house pets such as dogs, cats, birds and snakes. But since I am 2 years out of high school i do not have a degree nor have I had a job working for anywhere related except a small ranch with 14 horses. Anyways I am not sure how I would express to a potential employer, in this case The Fort Worth Zoo, that I feel qualified to work there as a keeper. How should I fill out a resume? Or should I go there and talk to a person from human resources? HELP! :D

Public Comments

1. You have to get an education for any type of good paying job like a zoo keeper
2. You would have to check out your local zoos policies...most zoos want their keepers to have a degree, usually a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology, some will accept an Associates degree, and others have volunteer programs or internships to work you way up to a paid position. Check out this website below for actual zoo job listings to see some examples of what qualifications they are asking for. Getting a job at a zoo can be very competative as many people want to do this type of work..and many people applying will have degrees. http://www.aza.org/ click on job listings-there are actually some for the Fort Worth zoo listed.
3. They might hire you since it's a smaller zoo, you could always go talk to human recourses. Most likely they'll be looking for someone with more education though. Ask them if they promote from within, you might be able to work in another area and work on a degree while you wait for another opening. Here are some links. I hope they will help you. Good Luck. (sandiegozoo.org/jobs/keeper_faq.html) Is it easy getting a keeper position? Like any other popular job, there are more applicants than open positions, especially when it comes to big zoos like the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. Competition is stiff, and one must be persistent and patient before a position may even open up. It's not unusual for our Human Resources Department to receive dozens of applicants—often from existing Zoo or Park employees—for one animal care job opening. And those applicants still have to compete with applicants who are already keepers at other zoos around the world. How do I become an animal keeper? There is no single way to become a keeper, but the more education and hands-on experience you have, the better. Education– While you’re in school, learn as much as you can in your science classes. In college, choose a degree program in animal-related fields like biology, zoology, botany, ecology, conservation science, or animal behavior. Take as many different courses in those areas as you can, and graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in your chosen field. (Here’s a BIG hint: the competition for jobs caring for animals is so strong that you really HAVE to have a college degree these days to be considered.) Hands-on Experience– Find opportunities to work with animals. Some potential keepers have volunteered at our department of Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), assisting CRES scientists and technicians. Sometimes work-study opportunities are available for college students. What are some other ways to gain animal experience? Some places to look for volunteer jobs or internships might be: • Veterinary offices • Animal training classes (does your dog need obedience training?) • Local Humane Society • Local Park Service • Wildlife rehabilitation centers (like for wolves, bears, big cats, birds of prey, and even bats) • Animal shelters • Farms (for domestic animals, or even ostrich, llama, or butterfly farms) • Pet breeders (those that breed specific kinds of dogs, cats, or horses) • Horse stables and boarding facilities • 4-H Clubs Does it help to work in another capacity at the San Diego Zoo, such as an entry-level position? It certainly doesn't hurt. There are many instances of former employees of the Zoo's and Wild Animal Park's gift shops, food service stands, or tour guide operations moving into animal care positions. Just remember, these people also had the proper educational background and may have even obtained some animal care experience through our internal job loan program, or hands-on experience working with animals.