Need honest opinions about age…

[dlsm]

Hi there.

This is my first post here. Looking for honest opinions from Aussies in the industry.

I’m a 52 year old female.

Am I too old to be a zookeeper?

It’s something I’ve always been interested in but got married and had a family…blah blah blah… so the idea has never gone anywhere.

I’ve done a Cert 2 in Animal Studies, ran my own pet sitting business for many years and have experience working at a kennel. I am about to start volunteering at a local wildlife facility.

I do know of a person in their 50s new to zookeeping so I’m guessing it’s not impossible.

I am happy to move, even interstate if necessary for work as I will soon be free to do so.

I might look 52 but don’t feel it! I understand you need to be fit for the job and I’m good with that. I’m not afraid of hard work and long days.

So what do you think? Please be kind

Thank you!

 

[Daktari JG]

Are you too old? Of course not
will you ever get a job as one? that is the question.
There are 4 main ways to become a zookeeper
1) nepotism, I'm assuming you are not related to the Irwins et al
2) experience and degrees- which you currently lack
3) for most its volunteer and or work at a facility (in some other manner such as selling food and beverage etc) beforehand and then get in that way
4) blind luck and perseverance-which seems to be your best shot.

volunteering at a wildlife facility will help. Do they have any paid positions there? From there probably showing up at a zoo within driving distance of where you live every couple weeks and begging and pleading is probably as good a way as any.

Being a zookeeper is a great job and has everything you would ever want in a job except money.
good luck.

PS not an Aussie but I assume its not too dissimilar to America

 

[Tiger91]

Are you too old? Of course not
will you ever get a job as one? that is the question.
There are 4 main ways to become a zookeeper
1) nepotism, I'm assuming you are not related to the Irwins et al
2) experience and degrees- which you currently lack
3) for most its volunteer and or work at a facility (in some other manner such as selling food and beverage etc) beforehand and then get in that way
4) blind luck and perseverance-which seems to be your best shot.

volunteering at a wildlife facility will help. Do they have any paid positions there? From there probably showing up at a zoo within driving distance of where you live every couple weeks and begging and pleading is probably as good a way as any.

Being a zookeeper is a great job and has everything you would ever want in a job except money.
good luck.

PS not an Aussie but I assume its not too dissimilar to America

The zoos don't always look for uni degrees like the states do.

To OP, you will most likely need a cert 3 in captive animals. which I think is like another year at TAFE ish. Some others here will be better to advise what you actually need as they are far more in the know. But in general you will need the right paper work alongside the experience of usually volunteering at a wildlife park and or zoo.

You will need to look into what paper work is required, when I wanted to be one I had my captive animal cert 2 but went to uni to study a double majour in science with one being animal and conservation science. During field trips to taronga it became very apparent me and a lot of others were then to over qualified for zoo keeping. When talking to staff and contacts from the uni lecturers on there recruitment teams. The big thing was always experience, relevant experience with animal care and wildlife species.

A few of my friends finished uni and had a partner that supported them financially or worked nights around there volunteer shifts. They volunteered at Taronga and western plains and finally got employed but it took a few years to get in.

 

[Jurek7]

Not, you are not too old, I know even older female keepers. Volunteering at a local zoo is a good idea. Not only you get contacts, but also you get to know reality of being a zookeeper. Many people think it is more attractive that it really is.

 

[CGSwans]

Not too old, but getting an opportunity might be a challenge. You will also need to consider whether the relatively low wage of an entry-level keeper (especially without advanced qualifications) is going to be liveable for you, and whether you are adequately set up for retirement if you do earn that low wage for the rest of your working life.