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What schooling do you need to become a zookeeper? What is recommended?

#animals #zoo #zoology #zookeeper # #zoologist

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Dr. James’s Answer

I believe the best way to answer yoru question would be to go your local zoo. There you can ask those who work in that field every day and can provide you the exact guidance you need. You may also find that they allow for volunteers to help out in some areas. Volunteering would give you a perfect opportunity to find out if that is the field for you. And who knows, with your volunteering and eventually obtaining the education, they would hire you down the road because they would already know you.
Thank you comment icon Thanks so much, I appreciate it! Unfortunately, my closest zoo is about two hours away. However, I do have an animal shelter that I volunteer at, which I am fortunate to have. I also must say, thank you for your service! Denki
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Corey’s Answer

Getting some kind of Bachelor's Degree is key, but which degree you pursue can vary. There are a few schools around the country that offer zoology degrees, and even a couple schools (one in California, one in Florida) that offer hands-on zookeeping degrees. But I know many zookeepers that have a wide variety of degrees. Zoology/biology or psychology tend to be the most common. Psychology can be especially valuable because the way zookeepers train and work with animals in their care has a lot of roots in human psychology. But I also know zookeepers with marketing degrees, education degrees, etc. What is more important that which degree you pursue is the type of experience you have. Almost all zookeeper jobs at accredited zoos require prior experience, so interning or volunteering at your local zoo or animal shelter is key to getting a job in the field.

Corey recommends the following next steps:

Volunteer or intern at a local zoo or animal shelter
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Colleen’s Answer

Hi Denki,

As a zookeeper, the best advice I can give is to start volunteering, and start NOW! You will need plenty of experience to get into this competitive, but extremely fulfilling, field. Volunteering at your local zoo, aquarium, or even animal shelter is a great place to start.
You also will need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, like zoology, biology, animal behavior, anthropology, etc. When in school, look for zookeeping internships- you'll need a few under your belt before you're able to apply to paid positions. Get ready for long hours and hard work, but it's all worth it in the end!
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Chris’s Answer

Hi Denki,

I second James' answer. I volunteered at my local zoo during my senior year of high school for a few months, where I learned so much! This said, I saw that your closest zoo is a few hours from your home. I believe that the zoo director studied zoology in college, but many of the zoo keepers actually started as volunteers and were hired with time!

A benefit of being a student is that people will be willing to speak with you, even if over zoom, for a conversation. The best thing that I could recommend is to look up several zoos, find their directors contact info (often of their websites), and send them an email introducing yourself and let them know that you'd like to become a zookeepeer one day. I've learned that most people are willing to help, if you ask.

I hope that this helps!

Best of luck,
Chris

Chris recommends the following next steps:

Research zoos
Find contact information of Zoo websites
Ask for a video conference letting Zookeeper/directors know that you'd like to be in "their shoes" one day
Thank you comment icon That is very helpful, and I never thought of a video conference! I will try to set up a few. Thanks so much! Denki
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TLAUREN’s Answer

Most animal specialists have a Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences, which incorporates science and zoology coursework, yet a few managers may acknowledge a partner degree with important experience. Each program can enable you to take specific classes identified with the sort of creatures you need to work with.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your response! I appreciate it. Denki
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Taylor’s Answer

Hi Denki
To answer your question, you would probably need a Zoology degree to become a Zookeeper. Denki, Oregon State University has a wonderful zoology program; the program is both on-campus and online. I have included a link down below. Denki, the school, is also currently offering virtual visits where you can find out about campus. I would encourage you to sign up for a visit.
link:
https://catalog.oregonstate.edu/college-departments/science/school-life-sciences/integrative-biology/zoology-bs-hbs/
I hope this Helps!
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robert’s Answer

hi im a student of zoology im hereto say this: Most zookeepers have a Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences, which includes biology and zoology coursework, but some employers may accept an associate degree with relevant experience. Each program can give you the ability to take specialized classes related to the type of animals you want to work with
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