How to Start a Zoo Career

[sniffer]

Hello everyone! I don't know if this is the right place to put a topic like this, but I figured it can't hurt.

I live in the U.S., and I recently graduated college with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I have always had a passion for helping and studying people. I have also been obsessed with animals for as long as I can remember...and am realizing that I may have chose the wrong major.

Is there a way to go into a zoology career without a degree in biology? If so, what would be a typical entry-level position, and what would it entail? I do not have enough money right now to go back to school for biology/zoology, but I live about 20 minutes from a zoo, so if I were able to get an entry-level full-time position with tuition reimbursement, I could potentially work my way up...or so I hope.

If any zoo professionals here would private message me with some advice, or post it here, I would greatly appreciate it! This truly means a lot to me, and I would love to explore possible options. Thank you!

 

[gerenuk]

Psychology is an acceptable degree for zookeepers (assuming that is the type of work you would like to do). However a degree alone won't qualify you even for an entry-level position. In your position you have 3 basic options (all are considerably expensive):

1. Volunteer at a zoo to gain experience. This may help you get your foot in the door, receive face recognition, and gain some moderate animal experience. This option would take the longest. You could volunteer several years and still not get a keeper job.

2. Internships. Lots of zoos have them, few are paid internships. This would give you more animal experience and staff interactions than being a volunteer/docent.

3. Specialized 2-year zoo degrees. There are a handful of colleges in the US that offer specialized zookeeping degrees. All involve practical animal experience in an established zoo (either on or off campus). This would be your quickest way into the job market, but may also be the most costly up-front.