You are handed a rake and asked to clean a koala enclosure. Easy! There’s no way you can stuff up raking, right? Wrong! Any seasoned zookeeper will agree that raking an enclosure is an art form. You may think I’m joking, but I couldn’t be more serious. Many of the volunteers I’ve had the pleasure […]
Zoo volunteer applications–what you need to know
Volunteering is one of the best things you can do to kick-start your dream career as a zookeeper. It helps you get experience, it allows you to showcase your strong work ethic and it gives you the opportunity to start forming connections in the industry. If you’re still not convinced, read our post on what […]
Why you’re not getting that zookeeper job
Okay, so you’re not getting that zookeeper job but you’re doing all the right things: you’re volunteering at a zoo, you’re crushing it as a zoo volunteer and you’ve got qualifications or you’re currently studying. You’re working your ass off but you’re not getting offered a position and you’re at your wits end. The reason you […]
What is Environmental Enrichment?
Zoos have come a long way from the days of bars and concrete. Not only do we understand much more about the physical needs of the animals in our care, but we also have more insight into their psychological wellbeing. Captive wildlife need the opportunity to express their natural behaviors in order to stay both […]
Where to find Zookeeper Job Vacancies
It can be frustrating trying to find zookeeper job vacancies! Some zoos advertise on all the standard job vacancy websites, while others only advertise on their own website or a local zookeeping association site. But we’ve done the hard work for you. Check the links below for vacant zookeeping positions in your local area, or, […]
Zookeeper Position Description
Zookeeper job description If you want to be a zookeeper it’s important that you have realistic expectations of the sort of work involved. While every role will be a little different depending on what zoo you’re working in and what animals you’re working with, this generic zookeeper position description will give you a fair idea of […]
Ten Ways to Crush It as a Zoo Volunteer
Not only is zoo volunteer work a great way to learn and get experience in the zoo industry, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that because you’re working for free, you can afford to slack off. Treat your volunteer position with the same respect as a […]
Zookeeper Salaries
You may have already gotten the impression that zookeeping is a job you do for love, not money, but I bet you still want to know how much a zookeeper gets paid. Zookeeper salaries are a bit tricky to pin down, not just because they vary from zoo to zoo, but because workplaces generally aren’t that […]
Zoo Volunteer Work – What to expect
If your goal is to get a paid position as a zookeeper, we highly recommend you become a zoo volunteer first. Why volunteer at a zoo? There are plenty of reasons why giving up your free time now will be beneficial to your career in the future. Firstly, it gives you experience in the industry, […]
How to get relevant Zookeeping Experience
It’s no surprise zoos prefer to hire people who already have zookeeping experience, but how do you get that experience? Fortunately there are many ways to go about it, because experience with any sort of animals, not just wildlife, is highly valued, and the animal industry provides lots of opportunities for you to get involved […]