ZooChat Keeper Survey

Are you a Keeper?

  • Total voters
    112
Zambar

Zambar

Well-Known Member
15+ year member
It'll be interesting to see what the results of this are. After various threads and discussions related to other member's asparations, I've decided to create this poll, which should hopefully prove a reference point too. If you vote any of the first three options, details would be appreciated. :)

I myself intend to seek a career in animal management. I've done my school work experience at a pet shop, and hope in between to get a job at my local aquatics shop or a dogs kennels before scanning for jobs in the zoo world once I can drive.
 
Just finished my ND in animal management, now looking for zoo jobs.
Simples :D
 
Just starting a degree in Animal Management so will hopefully be looking for vacancies in a few years ;)
 
Degree?! I thought you were younger than me Jimmy!
 
CZJimmy said:
i'm 18 Ashley

(although i don't know what that says about my posting style...;))
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So are you going to college or what? 18 is still younger than me (well, almost lol)
 
Nope, but I intend on being one. Right now I'm going to college to finish my degree in Zoology, then I will go to a zoo keeping school.
 
W ehave a few zookeeper here including Ungulate at Toronto Zoo, Rookykeeper (I think thats how you spell it :S) at Fort Wayne Zoo and Okapikpr at White Oak Conservation Center
 
Maybe you could also add the option, do you plan to have your own zoo!
 
Blackduiker

No, but did train for several months in the Los Angeles Zoo's keepers class. One of my most memorable experiences. To anyone of you out there seeking a job in animal husbandry, a few words of advice. Start as early as possible; I waited until the age of 30. Learn all you can; the field is very competitive, I first had to pass the process of elimination of over 600 individuals who initially came out to a series of lectures for several weeks given by then zoo director Dr. Warren Thomas. And then pass an exam to make it to the top 100. We then were given several hands on months working with various keepers each weekend; your choice of either Saturdays or Sundays. And then given a final exam, with only 6 or 7 positions available at the zoo.

After Dr. Thomas' departure a few years later, that class was not offered for several years, and still only comes along infrequently. If I were younger and not now suffering from certain physical ailments(sciatica and arthritis), I'd have seriously pursued it again. And lastly, remember, it's not all glamorous. There is a lot of physical and mental challenges to being a keeper. Cleaning animal enclosures, especially large animal enclosures, is a whole other experience in its self. And remember, you're always dealing with wild animals, one mistake could mean your life or the life of someone else. But overall, an extremely rewarding experience. If zoos are your lifetime love, and being a keeper is your dream, then go for it!!!
 
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I already work at a zoo but not as a keeper, I'm in the Ed. Department. I prefer my job to keeping but as it isn't full time I am also looking for casual keeping jobs at the zoo.
 
I'm not a keeper but do plan on being one in the future. I'm only 16 so I have a way to go yet =P
 
I don't really know what I want to do when I'm older, I think like most here I'm hoping to win the lottery and buy a zoo of my own (if anyone on here has a spare hundred million I could make a great zoo with it)! More realistically, however, I think I would enjoy being a keeper but am also exploring other options as I have many interests.
 
I have always wanted to be a Big Cat Keeper :)
But perhaps a small Big Cat and primate collection in about 20 years would be nice ;)
 
I became involved with the zoo as a volunteer in the spring of 1980. My husband and both children also volunteered at the same time--it was a family affair! After a few years of demonstrating animals I moved to the gift shop for a couple of years. In 1986 I was hired to fill in after the college students left in the fall and was only supposed to be here for 7 weeks. I just celebrated my 23-year anniversary a few weeks ago. No two days are ever the same. Though I don't do as much hands-on work as I used to, I'm still happy to come to work every day. Just a few minutes ago I went over to the African Journey and watched the 3 baby wildebeest experience their first day on the veldt, said good morning to the baby sitatunga, and watched the lions Bill and Ina survey their domain from the top of a hill. This was after opening my own area, sending the dingo out to play in the yard, hearing the kookaburras call, and looking in on a striped possum that preferred to sleep rather than let me have a look at her. I can't imagine a better way to start the day!
For those who want to be keepers--pursue your dreams! Work hard, take every chance to learn as much as you can, and do your very best!
 
Not a keeper, I would love to be, but the only thing is that you need to much math in order to do an animal science degree in Canada. I am excellent in the science feild though. However I am doing a coop at the Toronto Zoo or as other people might call it an unpaid internship for 5 months.
 
Became a keeper more or less straight from graduating 8 years ago, head keeper for past 2 years
 
Blackduiker

mstickmanp said:
Nope, but I intend on being one. Right now I'm going to college to finish my degree in Zoology, then I will go to a zoo keeping school.
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After receiving that degree in Zoology Mario, you may even shoot for a curator position one day. Or just imagine, maybe even the future Los Angeles Zoo Director! Wouldn't that be something? The sky's the limit!!!:cool:
 
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