Zookeeper

Zookeeping involves managing and maintaining zoo animals and their environment. A typical zookeeper has a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and earns around $30,000 a year.

Job Description

Zookeepers are responsible for the wellbeing of the animals living in zoos. The job requires a keeper to routinely complete a number of tasks for the animals, such as bathing, feeding, and exercising.

Zookeepers must follow specific feeding instructions for each animal and are often expected to work weekends and holidays to ensure the animals are fed routinely. They must provide drinking water for the animals, keep their living spaces clean, and help train or entertain them.

Much of a zookeeper's job involves monitoring the animals and making sure they do not become sick or injured. They keep notes on their eating habits, watch for odd behavior, and provide veterinarians with relevant information about their health.

Qualifications

For those who wish to become zookeepers, a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is strongly advisable as job competition is intense. Zookeepers must know how to handle different types of animals and their temperaments. Salaries vary depending on experience and the employer.