Career Choice: Zookeeper

What do Zookeeper do?

Most people like animals, but it is hard work taking care of them. Animal caretakers feed, water, brush, bathe, and exercise animals. They also clean and fix their cages. They play with them and are their friends. They check to see if they are sick or hurt. Caretakers work wherever animals need shelter or help, including in zoos where they are called zookeepers.

Zookeepers prepare food, clean cages and check the behavior of animals. Sometimes they help study the animals they care for. They also answer questions from visitors about the animals. In large zoos, keepers may only take care of one kind of animal. In small zoos, keepers may care for many kinds.

People who love animals may enjoy working with them and helping them. Some of the work can be hard and not so nice. Keepers have to clean dirty animal cages. They must also lift heavy things like animals or bales of hay. Some animals make a lot of noise, and when an animal dies the zookeeper or animal caretaker may be very sad.

Sometimes an animal will bite, kick, or spread disease. Zookeepers and many animal caretakers may work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Animals must eat every day, so caretakers and keepers must work on weekends; most work about 40 hours a week.

How do I prepare to become a Zookeeper?

Most Zookeepers have a university degree in accounting. Public Zookeepers have to take a special test as well. Some employers want Zookeepers who have a master's degree in business or accounting. Most employers want Zookeepers who know quite a bit about computers.

People who want to be Zookeepers should be good at math. They also should be able to write well, so that they can tell others about their findings.

What are the earning potentials?

Weekly Earnings (full time and before tax)

• $TBA - All Ages
• $TBA - Ages 20-24

Source: ABS Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, August 2003.

What are the Job prospects for Zookeeper?

• Very Good TBA
• Good
• Average
• Below Average
• Limited