How to Become an Aquarium Zookeeper

The job of an aquarium zookeeper involves a variety of duties such as feeding, cleaning and observing the health of animals. Some zookeepers conduct behavioral or breeding research on the animal species that they are responsible for and educate the public through talks or presentations on the animals and their environment. They also provide environmental enrichment for the animals in their care and maintain and clean enclosures each day. Zookeepers must be able to communicate with their staff and visitors and work well in a team.

A zookeeper also trains the animals, such as teaching an elephant to lift its feet so that a veterinarian can check them. This training is sometimes done for enrichment, bonding, exercise or to help the animal take part in their own health care. It is a common practice for keepers to train their animals to respond to vocal commands and reward them with food.

In addition to the physical labor involved, a zookeeper may be required to perform administrative work including record keeping and preparing diets for each animal. In some cases, a keeper may need to travel between zoos to attend conferences and meet with other zookeepers. Zookeepers must have the ability to work on the go, in varying weather conditions, while maintaining the safety and comfort of the animals that they are caring for.

It is common for a zookeeper to progress to positions of greater responsibility over time, taking charge of larger groups of animals or even whole sections within the zoo. However, this can be a slow process, particularly in smaller zoos.

There are a number of different pathways to becoming a zookeeper, depending on the type of animal you want to work with. Many zoos offer apprenticeship schemes, which allow you to gain hands-on experience while working towards a qualification. This can be an excellent way to learn about the role and find out whether it is for you.

Alternatively, some colleges will offer courses relating to zookeeping and animal welfare. These can include a range of qualifications from foundation degrees to higher national diplomas such as a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management or a Certificate in Zookeeping and Animal Welfare.

In order to work as an aquarium zookeeper, you will need a strong and confident observational skillset that allows you to monitor the wellbeing of your animals. In the course of your career you will also need good computer skills to log data and keep track of each animal’s records, medical information and behavior. You will also need to be in good health and a fit level of fitness to cope with the physical demands of this type of work, which can involve long periods of walking and standing in varying weather conditions. You should also be able to deal with the risk of being bitten, scratched or kicked by frightened or wild animals that are not accustomed to human contact. You must also be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays because zoo animals need care 24/7.