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You know that zookeepers take care of the animals, but what does
this mean? Here are just some of the tasks:
-
Feeding the
animals—animals
get special “diets.” You
have to prepare these everyday and you need to know how much
each animal gets, what nutrients or vitamins they need and
when to feed them.
- Cleaning—what goes in must come out and zookeepers spend
a lot of their day cleaning exhibits and holding areas. It’s
a messy part of the job, but it’s important for the health
and well-being of the animals.
- Putting animals
on exhibit—Zoo
animals don’t
stay in their exhibit area all the time. We shift animals into
their exhibits in the morning and off exhibit every night.
Some animals remain in holding areas to take a break from public
viewing.
- Basic health—zookeepers get
to know the animals in their care very well so they are the
best ones to monitor basic health and report unusual conditions
to the veterinarians.
- Enrichment and
training—zookeepers
provide enrichment
activities that stimulate and challenge
the animals. Most of these activities replicate natural animal
behaviors. They also use behavioral training to assist with
medical exams.
“It is so amazing to be in the water with dolphins. You realize how small
you are and how big and powerful they really are!”
Heather Heinemeyer, Dolphin Trainer
Read
more quotes |
“Not so great is cleaning the snow monkey sleeping quarters on a muggy
summer afternoon.”
Fred Schwengel, Zookeeper, Tropics Trail
Read
more quotes |
Most
zookeepers have four-year degrees in subjects like biology or
zoology, and take classes such as biology, chemistry, statistics
and animal management. When you apply for a zoo job, it's important
to have had some experience working with animals, so it's a good
idea to volunteer or get an entry-level position at a zoo, wildlife
rehabilitation center, veterinary office, animal shelter, or
other animal-oriented facility.
It's never too early to start!
If you know that you want to become a zookeeper and you're
still in high school, make sure you take those science courses
and begin volunteering now.
Want to Become a Zookeeper?
http://www.seaworld.org/infobooks/ZooCareers/zcgo.html
http://www.aza.org/ForEveryone/Careers/
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/employment/keeper_faq.html
http://www.interpnet.com/
Interested in becoming a Dolphin Trainer?
https://www.imata.org
http://www.marinecareers.net/
http://www.dolphintrainer.com/
Opportunities at the Zoo
Internships
Career Days
Volunteer
Current job openings at the Minnesota Zoo
School & University Programs
http://www.seaworld.org/infobooks/ZooCareers/zcschool.html
http://www.wonderferret.com/zooed/
Additional Resources
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133
Topeka, Kansas 66614-2054
http://www.aazk.org
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