Zookeeper jobs

We are asked by a lot of prospective students whether the Zoology Major at UF is the best way to be ready for a career as a zookeeper. Susan Danhauser, Director of Human Resources at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (opens in new tab), has very graciously shared the information that may be found below in order to assist you in finding an answer to this question.

At any one time, our zoo may get up to one hundred or more applications for each zookeeper position that we have available here at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. As a consequence of this, it is essential to understand how to differentiate oneself from the other candidates. Although there are numerous factors taken into account, it is often determined based on two fundamental aspects: education and experience.

Having prior experience is often the decisive factor. But how can you obtain experience if you have none? The answer to this question is rather simple: volunteer. Donate your time to a zoo in your area. That is by far the most beneficial action you could do. If there isn't a zoo in the area, you may volunteer at a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, humane society, or any of a number of other organizations that help animals. Your primary objective consists of two parts. You want to get experience dealing directly with a variety of animals, and at the same time, you are creating a record with someone who can subsequently speak for you as a hard worker who comes up on time, does a good job following orders, collaborates well with others, and so on. In the past, a significant number of zookeepers came from agricultural backgrounds. They have spent their whole lives tending to the needs of various animals. Because our society is transitioning away from its agricultural roots, there are a growing number of opportunities available to persons with a wide range of animal-related backgrounds. Regrettably, having pets alone does not, in the vast majority of circumstances, give the necessary relevant experience.

It is common practice for those interested in working in zoos to begin their careers as animal keepers since this is an essential role in the institution. The zookeepers are the first line of defense against any possible health or physical issues the animals may have. Many of the animals we keep in captivity do not exhibit any indications of sickness or illness until it is much too late for us to treat them successfully. A skilled keeper will get so familiar with their charges that they will be able to see even the most minute symptoms of disease that a specimen may be trying to conceal. Our veterinary personnel will be able to treat the specimen in a timely manner as a result of this.

Education: Although the only specified education requirement at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a high school diploma, a college degree is often required in order to have a closer look at the animals. If you don't have the time or money to get a degree in zoology or animal science, a bachelor's degree in any of the other life sciences will do the trick. There are only a few training programs for keepers that are associated with educational establishments of a higher level, although participation in one of these programs is not required. One institution that offers this kind of curriculum is located in Gainesville, Florida's Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo (link opens in new tab).

Being a zookeeper requires dedication, not just to the animals you care for but also to the institution you work for and the education of the general public. It is characterized by long hours and arduous labor, and more than ninety-five percent of the time, it is not very attractive. But if you have a passion for animals, if you want to work with species that very few people ever get the chance to see up close, and if you want to be there for those occasional moments when you have a direct impact on an endangered species or when you succeed in a special breeding or birth, then you will find that the job is very rewarding. In 2006, one of our zookeepers celebrated his silver jubilee as a member of the zookeeping staff here at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The website for the American Association of Zookeepers, which may be found at www.aazk.org, is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about zookeepers (opens in new tab).

Contact the Director of Human Resources at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, located at 370 Zoo Parkway, if you are interested in being a member of our Zoo family and if you would want to work with creatures that very few people ever have the opportunity to get close to.

Through participation in our volunteer program, students are given the chance to assist animal keepers with their day-to-day tasks. To be able to work with the animals, we do need a current tuberculosis test result. Before someone is allowed to work in any sectors that include animals, they are needed to attend the training sessions that we provide here. If you would like further information on the program, please get in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator, Ali Van Broekhoven, or visit our website at www.jacksonvillezoo.org (opens in a new tab).

In conclusion, the author Blythe Camenson's book "Opportunities in Zoo Careers" (which opens in a new tab) could be of some use. It discusses a wide range of occupations, such as those of keeper, curator, behaviorist, veterinarian staff member, and wildlife rehabilitation specialist.