How do I Become a Zoo Administrator?

T

Trowaman

Well-Known Member
15+ year member
Edie got this started with a slightly different question regarding creature care. I'm looking at a slightly different path. I am looking at the administrative side of zoo management. I have a BA in Political Science and I'm currently pursuing a Masters in Public Administration, which specializes in the management of public entities and non-profits (which it seems most American zoos are these days).

I originally came into my major looking to work in the national legislature in some form, but I've been falling back in love with zoos lately (always have as a small child, used Playmobile to build my own zoo as a kid). I want to manage, create, and someday, run one of these flagships for conservation and education. Day to day animal care is not something I am really passionate about, but the management is.

So, here we go Zoo Chat, how do I get into Zoo Management?
 
In the USA, fewer and fewer zoo directors or COOs come from an animal care background, it seems. Skill at management is expected, but so is skill at fundraising (for directors).
The more you can learn of facility management and of animal care, the better director you will be, I think.

But that isn't what you asked, really.
The way to become a zoo administrator is to either
1. get a job in a zoo as anything administrative
2. Become a proven excellent business leader

Consider what aspect of zoo admin interests you: Development? Education? Finance? Operations? Director? You don't need to come up through the ranks of a zoo to become a zoo administrator.

I marvel at zoo directors. It is a grueling, demanding, difficult position. Long hours. They could get better paid doing something else. One wonders why anyone wants the job. But most seem to thrive off of it... until a major scandal puts them in the crosshairs of the public or their Board.
 
Zooplantman said:
In the USA, fewer and fewer zoo directors or COOs come from an animal care background, it seems. Skill at management is expected, but so is skill at fundraising (for directors).
The more you can learn of facility management and of animal care, the better director you will be, I think.

But that isn't what you asked, really.
The way to become a zoo administrator is to either
1. get a job in a zoo as anything administrative
2. Become a proven excellent business leader

Consider what aspect of zoo admin interests you: Development? Education? Finance? Operations? Director? You don't need to come up through the ranks of a zoo to become a zoo administrator.

I marvel at zoo directors. It is a grueling, demanding, difficult position. Long hours. They could get better paid doing something else. One wonders why anyone wants the job. But most seem to thrive off of it... until a major scandal puts them in the crosshairs of the public or their Board.
Click to expand...

Operations and Director is the area I'm looking at.

I've been working campaign politics off and on for the last 3 years. Trust me, nothing can be harder than that. I've done fund raising and direct appeals. There is no sleep and there is no tomorrow. This, this seems like a walk in the park by comparison.

So besides pursuing the Public Admin degree, what would you recommend doing next/in addition?
 
Zooplantman said:
I marvel at zoo directors. It is a grueling, demanding, difficult position. Long hours. They could get better paid doing something else. One wonders why anyone wants the job. But most seem to thrive off of it... until a major scandal puts them in the crosshairs of the public or their Board.
Click to expand...

@Trowaman, I mentioned to a zoo director today what I had written here. He laughed and agreed :D
 
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