What does a Zookeeper do?

Zookeepers provide hands-on care for zoo animals. While they typically work at zoos, they might also work for safari parks, wildlife parks, petting zoos, aquariums and theme parks that have animal enclosures. In larger facilities, Zookeepers often work in a particular department or with certain types of animals. A Zookeeper might work with aquatic animals or small mammals, for instance. In larger zoos, they might work with only one species. This allows for better knowledge of the animals’ habits, diets and other needs.

Zookeepers ensure the animals are fed, healthy, safe, and engaged to maintain their overall well-being. They’re often the first to notice changes in the animals, which they report to staff Veterinarians. They document all of the care to keep a detailed record for each animal that can help with future care and health decisions. Zookeepers also interact with the public to educate them about the animals.

Zookeeper skills and qualifications

To handle the work duties successfully, Zookeeper candidates should have key skills and qualifications that match your job description. Some common skills and qualifications include:

• An understanding of animal behavior, nutrition and health
• The ability to perform physically demanding tasks, like lifting heavy objects and cleaning enclosures
• Keen observation skills to notice potential changes in an animal’s behavior, health or environment
• The ability to follow care routines and administer medications
• Comfort with technology, including software to document care and maintain records
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with colleagues or discuss animal health issues with veterinarians
• Comfort in giving educational talks and presentations to zoo visitors
• Customer service skills to engage with visitors
• Creativity to come up with unique enrichment activities

Zookeeper experience requirements

When writing a Zoo Keeper job description, including experience requirements helps candidates decide if they qualify. It’s common to expect some experience working with animals, either through work or volunteer experience. You might accept experience working in a veterinary clinic as an assistant, for instance. It’s also possible to gain experience through internships with zoos and other animal care organizations.

Zookeeper education and training requirements

Zookeepers aren’t universally required to achieve a particular degree. However, candidates may have a bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or similar life science fields. Some community colleges offer degree or certificate programs related to zoology or veterinary topics, which could also help prepare job candidates for Zookeeper positions. It’s also possible to gain training in animal care through an apprenticeship or volunteer opportunities with a zoo.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Zookeeper isn’t quite the position you need, try these additional job descriptions for similar careers:

• Veterinarian
• Aquatic Veterinarian
• Veterinary Assistant
• Veterinary Technician

Zookeeper job description FAQs

What is a typical day for a Zookeeper?

A Zookeeper’s day often starts with a meeting where the leadership team discusses any important news or updates that might affect animal care. They might then move on to inspecting the animal enclosure, ensuring security.. From there, they move into animal care, including feeding and engaging with the animals. As zoo guests arrive, the duties might shift toward engagement and education. Many zoos have scheduled keeper talks or demonstrations during the open hours. At the end of the shift, Zookeepers once again make sure the animals are safe and prepare them for bedtime, which might involve moving them indoors or to a different part of the enclosure.

What makes a good Zookeeper?

A successful Zookeeper is passionate about animal safety and care. They’re curious and enjoy learning more about the animals in their care and sharing that knowledge with others. Attention to detail allows them to notice small changes in the animals and observe safety processes. Flexibility is also important. Working with wild animals means anything can happen, which requires Zookeepers to adapt and respond safely to the situation.

How can you make your Zookeeper job description stand out?

Describing your facility and highlighting its unique qualities can help your Zookeeper job description gain attention. For instance, you might talk about a special breeding program or a partnership you have with another organization. Detail the types of animals the Zookeeper with care for and the specific care duties they’ll assume. You might also talk about the company culture and team dynamics to help job seekers decide if it’s an environment where they want to work.