2 answers
zoey
Student
Newnan, Georgia
4
Questions
Asked
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So follow up on my career plan, I have made a decision to (probably won't happen) ATTEMPT to become a Zoo Director/owner and do SMALL projects in fashion on the side. I need help understanding how to do so(specifically the cost and how to get that money FOR ZOO DIRECTOR) Is there any zoo directors on here who can help me understand more?
Of course, i'm taking advice from anyone, but I pray this finds someone who works in the zoos as I really need the advice( I need to have everything down BEFORE I start dual enrollment and zoology which I'm planning to do next year).
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1325
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Zoey!
Wow, I am absolutely thrilled to see you back with such a bold and inspiring vision! Zoey, That's the kind of dream the world needs — and honestly, I can already see you making it happen.
First off, I just want to say how much I admire your dedication to planning everything out before you even start dual enrollment. That's such a powerful mindset — you're already thinking like a true visionary leader. Michelle gave some absolutely amazing advice (big shoutout to her for those thrift store and upcycling fashion tips — pure genius move!), and I want to expand even further to give you the whole blueprint — not just for how to become a Zoo Director, but how to build both dreams at the same time without ever having to choose between them.
The Zoo Director Journey
Okay, Zoey — let's break this down step by step because I know the whole idea of running your own zoo or sanctuary probably feels massive right now. But the truth is, every single Zoo Director out there started exactly where you are — with nothing but a dream and a whole lot of passion.
You're already on the right path by planning to study Zoology — that's the heartbeat of everything. But here's the secret a lot of people don't realize: being a Zoo Director isn't just about loving animals — it's about running a business, leading teams, and becoming a voice for conservation and education. The more you can blend science with business skills like fundraising, marketing, and leadership — the more unstoppable you're going to be.
While you're studying Zoology, try to sneak in some business or environmental management classes if possible — even if it's just free online certifications. Websites like WWF Academy, Conservation Careers, and Alison offer beginner-level conservation courses that will look amazing on your resume later on.
How to Get Experience Right Now
Zoos and wildlife organizations love hiring people who have hands-on experience — and the best part is, you don't have to wait until college to start building that experience.
right now so you can get started!
Volunteer at local animal shelters, wildlife rehab centers, or even veterinary clinics — anything that shows you're committed to working with animals.
Look up if any zoos near you offer Zoo Teen Volunteer Programs — a lot of zoos have summer programs where teens help with education tours or assist zookeepers.
Start a Wildlife Blog or Instagram Page documenting your journey — share everything you're learning about animals, conservation, and your dream of becoming a Zoo Director. You'd be surprised how many mentors and opportunities come your way just by showing your passion publicly.
DM or email small wildlife sanctuaries near you — even if they don't advertise volunteer programs, many of them would love extra help if you show how passionate you are.
How to Actually Start Your Own Zoo One Day, because you can!
I know owning your own zoo probably feels like this far-off dream — but girl, it's way more possible than you think. Most small zoos or wildlife sanctuaries actually start out as Wildlife Education Centers or Animal Rescue Projects before they ever grow into something bigger.
If I had say this is how your roadmap could look like:
Start small by offering Wildlife Education Workshops at schools or community centers — teaching kids about animals and conservation.
Create your own Mini Wildlife Sanctuary with small animals like reptiles, birds, or rescued farm animals — these don't require huge permits and can be a stepping stone toward something bigger.
Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign through sites like GoFundMe or Patreon where people can donate monthly to support your mission.
Apply for grants from conservation organizations — groups like The Pollination Project and The Born Free Foundation actually give grants to young conservationists starting projects like this.
A little spice...... Uhum... 💡
Follow small sanctuaries like Juniper Moon Farm or Save the Chimps on Instagram — these are real places that started as tiny rescue projects and grew into full-blown sanctuaries. You can reach out to them directly and ask for advice on how they got started.
The Fashion Boss Journey😎
Now let's talk about your fashion dreams — because honestly? Your fashion side hustle could be the key to funding your zoo one day. The best part is, you don't have to wait to start — you can literally launch your brand from your bedroom with nothing but a sewing kit, some thrifted clothes, and a little imagination.
Sustainable fashion is huge right now, and you're in the perfect position to ride that wave. What if your whole brand was about combining fashion with conservation? You could create clothes inspired by animals, use recycled fabrics, and donate part of your profits to wildlife projects.
Here’s how to start:
Design an "Animals + Fashion" Collection where each piece is inspired by different endangered species. Imagine a butterfly-embroidered denim jacket or zebra-print tote bags — people would eat that up!
Sell your pieces on Instagram, Etsy, or Depop — start small with custom accessories like tote bags, scrunchies, or hand-painted jackets.
Host a Pop-Up Thrift & Restyle Day where you take old clothes and turn them into brand new designs — that's not just fashion, that's activism.
Partner with local schools or conservation groups to create Wildlife-Inspired Merch that raises money for animal charities.
Money Game Plan 💸 Because you need to know that:
I know money feels like the biggest worry right now — but here's the truth: Dreams don't need to be fully funded all at once — they just need to get started.
Remmeber you can fund everything little by little, how? Well!
Apply for every scholarship and grant out there — not just in Zoology, but for women in STEM, conservation, and even small business grants.
Sell your fashion pieces online — even if it's just one or two designs at first.
Set up a Patreon Page where people can support your journey every month — especially if you're combining wildlife education + fashion in your brand.
Join Facebook Groups like Young Conservationists Network or Fashion Upcyclers Collective — these are packed with people chasing the exact same dreams as you.
The Truth Is...
Zoey, the world needs more people like you — people who refuse to fit into one box. You don't have to choose between animals and fashion. You can build a life where both worlds feed into each other. Your fashion brand could help fund animal conservation projects. Your future zoo could have its own sustainable fashion line. You could literally create a whole new lane that doesn't even exist yet — and that's what visionaries like you are born to do.
This journey won't happen overnight, but if you take it one small step at a time — volunteering, creating, sharing your story — I promise the universe will open doors you can't even see right now.
We're all rooting for you — both on the runway and in the wild!
All the best!
Start your Zoo + Fashion Instagram Page — share your journey, your designs, and your wildlife passion all in one place.
Research local zoos or wildlife centers — DM them or send an email asking if they offer any volunteer programs for teens.
Download apps like Depop or Poshmark to start selling your upcycled fashion pieces.
Look into youth conservation grants — a lot of organizations are actively looking for young leaders like you.
Create a vision board with both your zoo + fashion dreams combined — seeing it every day will remind you that you don't have to choose between them.
Wow, I am absolutely thrilled to see you back with such a bold and inspiring vision! Zoey, That's the kind of dream the world needs — and honestly, I can already see you making it happen.
First off, I just want to say how much I admire your dedication to planning everything out before you even start dual enrollment. That's such a powerful mindset — you're already thinking like a true visionary leader. Michelle gave some absolutely amazing advice (big shoutout to her for those thrift store and upcycling fashion tips — pure genius move!), and I want to expand even further to give you the whole blueprint — not just for how to become a Zoo Director, but how to build both dreams at the same time without ever having to choose between them.
The Zoo Director Journey
Okay, Zoey — let's break this down step by step because I know the whole idea of running your own zoo or sanctuary probably feels massive right now. But the truth is, every single Zoo Director out there started exactly where you are — with nothing but a dream and a whole lot of passion.
You're already on the right path by planning to study Zoology — that's the heartbeat of everything. But here's the secret a lot of people don't realize: being a Zoo Director isn't just about loving animals — it's about running a business, leading teams, and becoming a voice for conservation and education. The more you can blend science with business skills like fundraising, marketing, and leadership — the more unstoppable you're going to be.
While you're studying Zoology, try to sneak in some business or environmental management classes if possible — even if it's just free online certifications. Websites like WWF Academy, Conservation Careers, and Alison offer beginner-level conservation courses that will look amazing on your resume later on.
How to Get Experience Right Now
Zoos and wildlife organizations love hiring people who have hands-on experience — and the best part is, you don't have to wait until college to start building that experience.
right now so you can get started!
Volunteer at local animal shelters, wildlife rehab centers, or even veterinary clinics — anything that shows you're committed to working with animals.
Look up if any zoos near you offer Zoo Teen Volunteer Programs — a lot of zoos have summer programs where teens help with education tours or assist zookeepers.
Start a Wildlife Blog or Instagram Page documenting your journey — share everything you're learning about animals, conservation, and your dream of becoming a Zoo Director. You'd be surprised how many mentors and opportunities come your way just by showing your passion publicly.
DM or email small wildlife sanctuaries near you — even if they don't advertise volunteer programs, many of them would love extra help if you show how passionate you are.
How to Actually Start Your Own Zoo One Day, because you can!
I know owning your own zoo probably feels like this far-off dream — but girl, it's way more possible than you think. Most small zoos or wildlife sanctuaries actually start out as Wildlife Education Centers or Animal Rescue Projects before they ever grow into something bigger.
If I had say this is how your roadmap could look like:
Start small by offering Wildlife Education Workshops at schools or community centers — teaching kids about animals and conservation.
Create your own Mini Wildlife Sanctuary with small animals like reptiles, birds, or rescued farm animals — these don't require huge permits and can be a stepping stone toward something bigger.
Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign through sites like GoFundMe or Patreon where people can donate monthly to support your mission.
Apply for grants from conservation organizations — groups like The Pollination Project and The Born Free Foundation actually give grants to young conservationists starting projects like this.
A little spice...... Uhum... 💡
Follow small sanctuaries like Juniper Moon Farm or Save the Chimps on Instagram — these are real places that started as tiny rescue projects and grew into full-blown sanctuaries. You can reach out to them directly and ask for advice on how they got started.
The Fashion Boss Journey😎
Now let's talk about your fashion dreams — because honestly? Your fashion side hustle could be the key to funding your zoo one day. The best part is, you don't have to wait to start — you can literally launch your brand from your bedroom with nothing but a sewing kit, some thrifted clothes, and a little imagination.
Sustainable fashion is huge right now, and you're in the perfect position to ride that wave. What if your whole brand was about combining fashion with conservation? You could create clothes inspired by animals, use recycled fabrics, and donate part of your profits to wildlife projects.
Here’s how to start:
Design an "Animals + Fashion" Collection where each piece is inspired by different endangered species. Imagine a butterfly-embroidered denim jacket or zebra-print tote bags — people would eat that up!
Sell your pieces on Instagram, Etsy, or Depop — start small with custom accessories like tote bags, scrunchies, or hand-painted jackets.
Host a Pop-Up Thrift & Restyle Day where you take old clothes and turn them into brand new designs — that's not just fashion, that's activism.
Partner with local schools or conservation groups to create Wildlife-Inspired Merch that raises money for animal charities.
Money Game Plan 💸 Because you need to know that:
I know money feels like the biggest worry right now — but here's the truth: Dreams don't need to be fully funded all at once — they just need to get started.
Remmeber you can fund everything little by little, how? Well!
Apply for every scholarship and grant out there — not just in Zoology, but for women in STEM, conservation, and even small business grants.
Sell your fashion pieces online — even if it's just one or two designs at first.
Set up a Patreon Page where people can support your journey every month — especially if you're combining wildlife education + fashion in your brand.
Join Facebook Groups like Young Conservationists Network or Fashion Upcyclers Collective — these are packed with people chasing the exact same dreams as you.
The Truth Is...
Zoey, the world needs more people like you — people who refuse to fit into one box. You don't have to choose between animals and fashion. You can build a life where both worlds feed into each other. Your fashion brand could help fund animal conservation projects. Your future zoo could have its own sustainable fashion line. You could literally create a whole new lane that doesn't even exist yet — and that's what visionaries like you are born to do.
This journey won't happen overnight, but if you take it one small step at a time — volunteering, creating, sharing your story — I promise the universe will open doors you can't even see right now.
We're all rooting for you — both on the runway and in the wild!
All the best!
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
2216
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Oh, Hi Zoey -
Glad to see you have returned and it looks as though the advice I shared with you was helpful !
Your plans sound wonderful and I know that you will be a most successful Zoo manager and fashion designer ! Your heart is in it ! Are you asking about how to finance your college education for the major in Zoology ? That would be college costs and you don't need money to apply for a zoo job, so I assume that you are concerned about covering the costs of college. Advisors that are familiar with academic processes can help you with that and it doesn't need to be a Zoologist but it would be nice for you to hear from some. In what capacity will you be "doing" zoology next year, studying as a student ?
College costs are covered in a few ways, so you don't have to worry. There is Federal Student Financial Aid, the Work Study Program, Scholarships and Grants. Scholarships and Grants are listed online and the school that you attend now may know of some for entering college freshman. The college you will attend will also have scholarships offered so you'll have to call or make a visit to the financial aid office and science department to inquire about those.
You will do the things you want through your college experience. No one can tell you how it will go -it's your time for discovery. Believe that it will happen and it will. As you move along in college, opportunities will show themselves to you. It's worth waiting for. You'll already be taking zoology next year. You can see about getting a part time job for savings and to buy sewing supplies. Maybe your family members will help you out with money for fabric and supplies. Many thrift stores carry fabric or material that you can use to sew clothing and accessories.
Go to Michael's on Bullsboro Drive in Newnan. You can pick up items to make jewelry there. If you apply for a part time job at Michael's, you may be able to get a discount on the items. If it's not too far for you, you can even apply for a job at the Petco in Peachtree City. Don't discount this frugal idea: don't give away clothing that you don't want anymore. Use it for fabric or restyling. Ask your friends and family to gift you their old clothes that they don't want anymore to use for fabric. You can also find fabric sometimes at tag sales, too for a low price. Go to You Tube for videos that show you how to restyle clothing. It's truly an amazing art !
You will be building up to your dream careers. It's a gradual process that takes education, practice, experiences and lots of patience and I know you can do it. Just don't overthink this and take it a step at a time. You never know when something great will happen, but you must keep at it because you'll win !
If you have any more specific questions, do feel free to return. Even though people aren't zoologists we've all experienced processes for our careers that you can benefit from ! I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Glad to see you have returned and it looks as though the advice I shared with you was helpful !
Your plans sound wonderful and I know that you will be a most successful Zoo manager and fashion designer ! Your heart is in it ! Are you asking about how to finance your college education for the major in Zoology ? That would be college costs and you don't need money to apply for a zoo job, so I assume that you are concerned about covering the costs of college. Advisors that are familiar with academic processes can help you with that and it doesn't need to be a Zoologist but it would be nice for you to hear from some. In what capacity will you be "doing" zoology next year, studying as a student ?
College costs are covered in a few ways, so you don't have to worry. There is Federal Student Financial Aid, the Work Study Program, Scholarships and Grants. Scholarships and Grants are listed online and the school that you attend now may know of some for entering college freshman. The college you will attend will also have scholarships offered so you'll have to call or make a visit to the financial aid office and science department to inquire about those.
You will do the things you want through your college experience. No one can tell you how it will go -it's your time for discovery. Believe that it will happen and it will. As you move along in college, opportunities will show themselves to you. It's worth waiting for. You'll already be taking zoology next year. You can see about getting a part time job for savings and to buy sewing supplies. Maybe your family members will help you out with money for fabric and supplies. Many thrift stores carry fabric or material that you can use to sew clothing and accessories.
Go to Michael's on Bullsboro Drive in Newnan. You can pick up items to make jewelry there. If you apply for a part time job at Michael's, you may be able to get a discount on the items. If it's not too far for you, you can even apply for a job at the Petco in Peachtree City. Don't discount this frugal idea: don't give away clothing that you don't want anymore. Use it for fabric or restyling. Ask your friends and family to gift you their old clothes that they don't want anymore to use for fabric. You can also find fabric sometimes at tag sales, too for a low price. Go to You Tube for videos that show you how to restyle clothing. It's truly an amazing art !
You will be building up to your dream careers. It's a gradual process that takes education, practice, experiences and lots of patience and I know you can do it. Just don't overthink this and take it a step at a time. You never know when something great will happen, but you must keep at it because you'll win !
If you have any more specific questions, do feel free to return. Even though people aren't zoologists we've all experienced processes for our careers that you can benefit from ! I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle,
While your advice is encouraging, it’s important to provide more direct and actionable steps for Zoey. Instead of suggesting she "wait for opportunities to show themselves," she needs to take immediate action. Focus on clear, practical solutions, like securing scholarships, part-time jobs, and researching financial aid options, rather than general suggestions. This approach will give her a stronger sense of direction and urgency.
Sir Flyer