How to become a zookeeper?

[Javan Rhino]

Thanks for the support guys, and thanks for the links SMR .

I will certainly try my hardest - I know when I start driving I am going to do a lot more volunteer work. My girlfriend volunteers in the local reptile shop as and when she has a few hours spare from work, if I can get a car then that is one MASSIVE hurdle sorted because I'm known in there, and they may be able to offer.

I do live very near Reaseheath (well, Nantwich is one of the next towns on [from Winsford]) - I'm thinking of looking at grants at the start of the next acedemic year. Until then, I shall see about volunteering opps.

Thanks again, I was just feeling a little discouraged in general the other day (not because of anything said here, I've been feeling that way for a few months). This support is invaluable to me, thanks again

 

[zelda]

I've
Having a degree is in no way a disadvantage. I can think off the top of my head of 5 keepers with degrees who I've personally known, no doubt there would be many more if I racked my brains and included my whole network. Just the lowliest education jobs had 3 graduates (and damn good ones) plus an undergraduate working in them.

The "lowliest education job" eh?
How on earth can a job educating people and fielding all sorts of questions about animals need fewer qualifications then shovelling **** (yes I know keepers do more then that, but come on)

And I'd like to reiterate what panthera said to javan rhino, animal care qualification doesn't mean a degree, lots of local colleges do animal care courses at all different levels. It's no different to going to sixth form in terms of costs and the bursaries available.

 

[Panthera Puss]

The "lowliest education job" eh?
How on earth can a job educating people and fielding all sorts of questions about animals need fewer qualifications then shovelling **** (yes I know keepers do more then that, but come on)

Ha Ha, you're preaching to the converted, believe me

I meant more 'low down in the department, doing not strictly animal-related education stuff'.

 

[Edie]

Wow, really interesting replies. I did not see them until today!

I am in the UK.

After reading this I think I need to do the Zoology degree for education's sake and forget about zookeeping. I have a long-term illness and am unable to work or study full time. I can't afford to drop any hours in my paid job, and I can't manage to work any voluntary hours in addition to it. So I'm a bit stuck really.

Last year I did one of these "zookeeper for a day" things at Chessington zoo. I know they will give you the more fun jobs since you are paying to be there, but I shovelled poo, cut up chunks of meat, shifted heavy logs in the lion cage, cleaned the tigers' floor and got splashed with watered-down tiger wee. I loved every minute of it. But it took me a week to recover from it. Given the dedication needed to be a proper zookeeper, I don't think there is such thing as a part-time zookeeper job.

I had looked round at zookeeping job adverts, and they all asked for at least 5 GCSEs at A-C. So the requirements were relatively low really. In reality though, I found that everyone I spoke to at Chessington was studying for a postgraduate qualification alongside their job as a zookeeper. They said I should work there as a volunteer and that might be a good way to start out, but it didn't look realistic compared to their qualifications.

And a special thank you to whoever it was who referred to me as "he." You are thinking of Eddie.