What Are The Duties Of A Zookeeper?

A zookeeper’s responsibilities usually include feeding, maintaining and cleaning the animals, diet preparation, behavioral observation, record keeping , exhibit maintenance and providing environmental enrichment for the animals in their care.

Do zookeepers get paid well?

Low Salaries

Zookeeper salary, with a degree or without one, averages ​$27,060​ per year, the BLS notes. Zookeeper salary per hour averages ​ $13.01 ​. Fifty percent of zookeepers earn somewhere between ​$21,200​ and ​$30,070​ per year, which is below the national average of ​$39,810​.

Are zookeepers vets?

Zookeepers are employed at all sizes of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife refuges throughout the country . They work alongside animal curators, veterinarians, and resident zoologists. Animal curators are scientists in charge of the animals. ... They encourage breeding, apply medicines, and study animal behavior.

What is a zoo keeper job?

A zookeeper is responsible for maintaining the health, safety and welfare of different types of animals . You are likely to work with a particular type of animal. ... Your day-to-day role will often include cleaning, feeding and medicating animals, checking enclosures and for any signs of damage, and keeping records.

What skills do you need to be a zookeeper?

You will need: confidence in approaching and handling animals of all sizes . scientific observation skills to monitor the wellbeing of animals in your care. a high level of fitness, good health and the ability to sustain physical work for long periods in all weathers.

Is a zookeeper a good job?

Zookeeping, and animal care in general, is a highly desirable field to work in . It seems obvious why, especially if you love animals.

Can you be a zookeeper without a degree?

Though there is not a minimum educational requirement to become a zookeeper , it would be advantageous to gain a bachelor’s degree in a biology or zoology field. ... Along with experience or education, many employers require you to pass a background check to ensure the safety of their animals.

Why are zookeepers paid so little?

Zoo vets, despite having to deal with a range of exotic creatures that their colleagues will probably never even see, get paid the least – probably because the zoos simply don’t have the kind of funds to pay more .

What animal kills the most zookeepers?

TIL Zebras are responsible for more injuries to US zookeepers than any other animal.

Where do zookeepers make the most money?

• Washington, DC. 8 salaries reported. $24.39. per hour.
• Brookfield, IL. 19 salaries reported. $16.93. per hour.
• Boston, MA. 8 salaries reported. $15.62. per hour.
• Palm Desert, CA. 6 salaries reported. $15.26. per hour.
• Little Rock, AR. 5 salaries reported. $14.38. per hour.

What is a zookeeper salary?

Estimates have been rounded and consequently some discrepancies may occur between sums of the component items and totals. Payscale.com lists the wage for a Zookeepers (in Sydney with 5 years’ experience) as being between an average of $62 000 per annum and $73 000 at the highest end of the market.

Are zookeepers zoologists?

Comparing Zoologist to Zookeeper

Zoologists are researchers who study wild animals and their relationship with their habitat . Zookeepers care for animals that live in zoos. Although these careers both involve working with animals, these professions differ considerably.

How much do zoo keepers get paid?

Do zookeepers get days off?

Zookeepers must work during all times the animals need care. ... Zookeepers may have to work the night shift or an early morning shift. In addition, zookeepers will have to work on major holidays and weekends. Getting preferred days off (such as Christmas or Saturdays) will require seniority at the place of employment .

How much do zookeepers get paid a week?

Is being a zookeeper stressful?

Being a zookeeper can be physically and emotionally demanding. Zookeepers are at risk of getting bitten , kicked or otherwise injured when handling or restraining animals. They might have to manage stressful or difficult situations such as animals becoming injured, sick or euthanized.