So You Think You Want to be a Zookeeper

Watercolor photo copyright by FrancesMary at http://www.francesmarywatercolors.com.

Maybe it has been a child long dream to become a zookeeper. Perhaps you want to make extra money by becoming a zookeeper. If you absolutely have your heart set on it, than make a go of it. Here are some up-to-date facts on becoming a zookeeper:

The average pay is between $10.75 and $11.89 per hour. This is not a big chunk of change when you will need to go to college for two years to become a zookeeper. If the wages do not make a difference to you, than start making your college plans!

Money is not everything. As long as you can survive with shelter, food and items you and your family need you are good to go. If you think you will love your job even if it is not a high paying job, go for it.

When you become a zookeeper you will take care of wild animals in zoos and/or animal parks. You will feed the animals, clean their living spaces, and work to keep them healthy. You will look for signs and symptoms to make sure the animals are not ill. You must keep a log on the animals so you can let the animal’s veterinarian know of any changes.

Some fun things zookeepers get to do with the animals is give them safe toys to play with. You can hide the toys and food so that the animals enjoy playing and move around more. Usually a zookeeper does not get to play or pet the wild animals as it is quite dangerous.

If you have been at the zoo and watched a show, that is another part of the zookeeper’s job. The zookeeper is the person that will also answer any questions guests may have. You may also have the task to train the animals. For example, you may teach the elephants to lift their large feet. In doing so, you will immensely help the veterinarian when it is check up time.

You may be required to work weekends and/or holidays as animals still need care. When a person enjoys their job a lot, this will not matter to you. You most likely will think of the animal’s as your second family as you will come to know and love them.

Although the pay is not that high, a lot of people want to become zookeepers. This makes competition stiff. I hope this has helped you make your decision on becoming a zookeeper.

For more information on how to become a zookeeper, please visit http://www.preparednessmentor.com/.