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What's a good starting job to lead me to become a zookeeper!
I am a student in Rockhill South Carolina. I love animals and I really want to be a zookeeper.
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Michelle Matuszewski
Leader in a zoological institution/conservation biologist
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Orlando, Florida
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Michelle’s Answer
Hi Justin- Glad to here you have an interest in being a zookeeper. It is a very rewarding career. Most important thing to remember is that part of your job as a zoo keeper is to take daily care of your animals. This includes making sure they have a clean environment, are fed the proper food and are provided enrichment. You can get some basic experience at your local animal shelter. Although it is domestic animals, it is a good place to get started understanding the day to day care of animals. You can also look for volunteer opportunities at your local wildlife rehabilitation facility. They are often looking for folks to help with cleaning and preparing food for animals. Any wildlife conservation organization in local area is also a good way to get some hands on experience. Most local zoos and aquariums often have volunteer opportunities. You want to go to AZA.org This is the association of zoos and aquariums and will provide you some great insight on some of the wonderful work that zoos and aquariums are doing. You can also use this sight to find an zoo or aquarium in your area. You want to make sure the experience you can get is in top notch facility. Hope this helps a bit. Good luck!