Zoo Keeper

Introduction

Zoo keepers care for animals in zoos, safari parks and wildlife parks. The work includes cleaning pens and cages, preparing and giving food to the animals and monitoring their condition.

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Work Activities

Zoo keepers care for animals in zoos, safari parks, wildlife parks and similar places. Much of the work involves practical duties. Animal houses, pens and cages are mucked out and cleaned each day. Food has to be prepared and given to the animals and some may need hand feeding. Keepers also provide fresh water and bedding.

Keepers observe the animals' condition carefully, noting changes that may indicate ill health, injury or pregnancy. They keep records of health, diet and so on. When animals need treatment, keepers assist vets. They may also help to breed animals.

Some zoo keepers specialise, by taking responsibility for a particular section of the zoo or park or for certain types of animals.

Most jobs involve some contact with the public. Keepers answer visitors' questions and may give talks. They are also responsible for the safety of both visitors and animals. Therefore, they make sure that cages and fences are secure so that animals cannot escape.

In safari parks, where animals are free to roam, the keeper's work includes extra tasks, such as patrolling by vehicle to make sure that the public is safe.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must like and respect animals and have a genuine concern for their welfare. You must be confident and assured about dealing with all the animals in your care, both large and small.

You should be physically fit, and you must be prepared to do hard physical work, both indoors and outside, in all weather conditions. Some tasks, such as mucking out, can be dirty and unpleasant.

A pleasant manner and good communication skills are required for dealing with the public. Many of the animals in zoos and safari parks may be dangerous and a responsible attitude towards safety is essential.

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Pay and Opportunities

Rates of pay for zoo keepers vary with the employer and responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Zoo keepers earn in the range of £12,000 - £18,000 a year, rising to around £21,500 - £25,000 a year for head keepers.

Some employers provide low-cost accommodation for keepers.

Zoo keepers usually work a basic 40-hour week. However, it is usual to have early starts, late finishes, shift work and work at weekends and public holidays. Zoos are open for longer hours in the summer. They are generally open every day of the year, except Christmas Day in most cases.

Employers are zoological societies, trusts, local authorities and commercial organisations. These run zoos, safari and wildlife parks, bird gardens and aquaria, throughout the UK.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed relevant knowledge and skills through taking part in a zoo volunteer scheme. Others have gained knowledge and skills through relevant work experience, eg, in dog kennels, catteries or with farm livestock.

• 34% of people in occupations such as zoo keeper work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 5% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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