Zookeeper
Look after all types of animals in zoos, safari parks, aquariums or in the wild.
Also known as: animal carer, zoo warden, zoo worker
About the job
A day in the life – Zookeeper
What it's like
Would you love a career where you look after lions? Or perhaps you see yourself mucking out the meerkat enclosure? As a zookeeper, you'll work with all types of animals.
This role comes with a lot of responsibility. Every animal in your care will count on you to make sure they’re well looked after and live a healthy, happy life.
You'll usually work with one type of animal, or in a particular section of the zoo. A good understanding of health and safety rules is very important.
Your tasks might include:
ordering and preparing the animals' food, water and bedding
cleaning out pens, enclosures and cages – checking for signs of wear or damage
assessing animals for signs of distress, disease or injury
helping the veterinary surgeon care for sick animals
answering visitors' questions or giving talks and lectures about animals within the zoo
monitoring conditions such as temperature or humidity, making adjustments to keep your animals comfortable
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums – learn more about careers where you'll work with animals
Lantra Scotland – find training for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental sector
The Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers – check out this membership organisation
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Zookeeper'
Select qualification level(s)
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- empathising
- social conscience
- supporting
- verbal communication
- listening
- attention to detail
- ethical
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Environmental Science
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Science
Entry to this career is competitive. Each employer could ask for different levels of qualification.
You can use the My World of Work course search to explore relevant qualifications in Scotland.
Let's check out the routes you can take to become a zookeeper.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Animal Biology
Zoology
Animal Science
Veterinary Biosciences
Wildlife Biology and Conservation
Biology
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Animal Care or Animal Management
Applied Animal Science
Zoological Conservation
Wildlife and Conservation Management
Work
You can start working as a keeper's assistant in a zoo or aquarium. Alongside your duties, you could take additional qualifications that may help you get into more senior roles in this area of work.
Keep in mind that there is often lots of competition for entry-level jobs in zoos and aquariums. Work experience and volunteering can help your application stand out from the crowd.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a zookeeper. For example, you could work on field survey trips or do lab research. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You may need a full, clean driving licence – particularly for a wildlife or safari park.
You need to be fit as there's a lot of standing, lifting and carrying in this role.
You must not be allergic to animals.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Zookeeper'
