How to become a Zoo Keeper

Bat eared fox-Some infomation for you, hope this helps

Bat-eared fox-Otocyon megalotis

The bat-eared fox is the only canid to have largely abandoned mammalian prey in favour of insects.

Life span
Bat-eared foxes live for about six years in captivity.

Statistics
Body length: 50-60cm, Tail length: 30-35cm, Standing height: 35-40cm, Weight: 3-4.5kg.

Physical description
Bat-eared foxes have large, wide ears, a short narrow mouth, and long jackal-like legs.

Distribution
There are two main populations: one in South Africa and the other in East Africa. They can also be found in Namibia, Botswana, southern and western Zimbabwe and western parts of South Africa.

Habitat
Bat-eared foxes favour open woodland and grassy plains.

Diet
The majority of their diet is made up of insects, particularly termites and grasshoppers. A very small precentage of their diet includes lizards, small birds, eggs, small mammals and fruit.

Behaviour
Bat-eared foxes are nocturnal. They live in pairs, and both partners rear the cubs.

Reproduction
After a gestation period of two months, the female gives birth to 1-5 cubs.

Conservation status
Bat-eared foxes are not considered to be endangered, although they are hunted for their pelts.
 
I do a National Certificate in Animal Management at warkwickshire college.
 
Same, just not in the same place :)
I was told by a keeper in Whipsnade that you'd need that or something similar, such as a zoology degree, and a lot of experience to be a zookeeper.
 
KJ, DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once you do that National Certificate, go on to do another course in an animal related field. This is all experience and will help you to become a keeper, try getting a Saturday job or a volunteer job in a zoo or animal park near you (if there is one) or even a pet shop, all of that will help, dedication, and enthusiasm and a willing to learn is what you need. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Thanks mattie, im not giving up i have done two animal courses before, also i have done work ex at twycross going to blackpool soon as well. i will get there one day. I have applied to do a degree in animal mangment as well.
 
KJ, Sounds as if you are on the right track! remember, you can do it, you just need that foot in the door. Good luck if I can help in any way just ping me an e-mail.
 
Get the qualification/experience and apply there when they have a job vancancy, unless they only take volunteers...
 
Look back a page, we've already spoken about it.
 
I would go to a zoo and ask for a job for a volunteer on holidays. Best a long time - six weeks or so.

You get to be known, and you check if you like this job. I heard, many people get disillusioned - zoo animal care is hard, poorly paid and repetitive. Others get to be known as "good" and direction wants to keep them under any conditions. It's mostly job for entusiast.
 
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