subject: Working as a Zookeeper – An Overview [print this page] Working as a Zookeeper An Overview Working as a Zookeeper An Overview
The best sense of calm comes close to nature. In the same vein, animals offer solace like no other. Even when we enjoy our trip at the local zoo, we are clueless about what does a zookeeper actually do? Like the name suggests, he or she helps in taking care of the animals in question.
Talking in terms of a career, a zookeeper performs various duties and responsibilities with respect to the wellbeing of animals. A general structure of roles and responsibilities (job descriptions) for a zookeeper is as follows:A zookeeper feeds and is responsible for the daily care of the animals.Along with feeding, they form an important link in terms of diet preparation (adding medicines and supplements).
They need to report any health problems of these animals to the authorities or veterinary doctors. Checking animals' weight and nutrition diet log forms a part of the timely maintenance.They are required to maintain and clean the animals.Zookeepers are also required to perform functions of behavioral observations, reproductive research and to provide environment based enrichment to the animals.Record keeping also comes under their scope.They perform other miscellaneous work in nurturing the animals.
Education Based Requirements
In most countries, degree courses in the fields of zoology, wildlife studies & management, biology, animal sciences and many other upcoming animals' related fields of studies are required to be a zookeeper. In addition, programs and courses which provide impetus on training (with learning and studying animals related literature) are available via many universities and even private institutions.
Prerequisite
Some countries allow students to opt for diplomas in animal welfare courses directly after high schools. Experience is considered as the only way towards being a zoo-keeper in many developing countries.
Career Scope
After graduating in the necessary diploma/degree course, one can complete an animal health technician program available at schools and colleges. On the basis of this course, one can become a registered veterinary technician (RVT), which helps a lot to understand other job related aspects and for a wider career scope in the animal service industry.
After graduating in the necessary diploma/degree course, one can complete an animal health technician program available at schools and colleges. On the basis of this course, one can become a registered veterinary technician (RVT), which helps a lot to understand other job related aspects and for a wider career scope in the animal service industry.
