Zookeepers or nature conservationists in a zoo are responsible for the welfare of animals. This includes monitoring their physical health and managing their breeding together with the zoo veterinarian, and keeping their cages and enclosures clean, tidy, attractive and visitor-friendly. They also educate the public about animals and conservation.
The most important task of zookeepers is the physical care of the animals. This includes feeding the animals and ensuring they stay healthy. Caged animals are at the mercy of their keepers and it takes someone with a kind heart to understand their needs. They may also be responsible for supervising other keepers and workers.
They must also detect and immediately report diseases and injuries to the veterinarian, and help immobilize, capture and transport animals when necessary. They must ensure that breeding programs are scientifically sound. They may also be required to continuously research their subjects, gathering data and monitoring the animals, and to keep up to date with the latest advances.
The zookeeper works indoors and outdoors and must be willing to work long and irregular hours.
Zookeeper: what do they do?
Feed animals in accordance with schedules and feeding instructions.90%
Mix foods, liquid formulas, medications or dietary supplements according to instructions, prescriptions and knowledge of animal species.90%
Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, ailment or injury.89%
Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians for treatment.86%
Clean, organize, maintain and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.86%
Collect and record information about animals, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications administered and food intake.84%
Perform animal grooming tasks such as washing, brushing, trimming and clipping coats, cutting nails and cleaning ears.81%
Answer phones and schedule appointments.81%
Answer customer questions and provide information about animals, such as their behavior, habitat, breeding habits or facility activities.74%
Order, unload and store food and supplies.56%
What knowledge do you need?
Customer and personal service64%
Language42%
Biology41%
Education and training35%
Mechanical34%
Mathematics31%
Administration and Management27%
Administrative26%
Personnel and Human Resources26%
Public safety and security25%
What education level does it require?
34%
Incomplete High School
is what most people who work in this career have
High School24%
No degree / Incomplete19%
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