Zoo Keeper Australia

Zoo keepers must manage the zoo activities and animals thriving in it. They must constantly work on nutritional requirements of the animals and keep a track of their comfort.

Australian Zoos Select Qualified and Enterprising Zoo Keepers to Maintain the Quality of the Zoos

Australia has some world’s finest zoos where hundreds of exotic animals, native species, and near extinct fauna thrive in peace. However, a lot of work goes in making zoos a perfect place for the animals to live in. If you are interested to work with animals in the zoos, you can get lucrative animal jobs that are immensely satisfying.

Some animal lovers, who want to work with animals, pick jobs in zoos. They work as research activists, animal caregivers, vets, education officers, conservationists, and zoo keepers. In Australia, zoo keeping is an important preoccupation, especially for those who have set their career goals in this aspect.

Job Profile of a Zoo Keeper
It is quite a challenging job to work as a zoo keeper. The animal job requires you to keep track of the animal welfare programs, address concerns of the visitors visiting the zoo, and keep animals in their suitable habitat.

You must also be able to ensure that the animals are well cared for. An efficient keeper will also promote breeding programs, and train animals to live comfortably in their respective areas. Each day you will be expected to:

  • Prepare animal diets
  • Feed and train animals
  • Keep a watch on the animals’ health and well being
  • Help in moving animals
  • Assist in animal collection management

It is expected that zoo keepers will come up with renovation plans, develop husbandry rules and tips, condition animals, implement infection control policies, and report diseases or epidemics attacking animals in the zoo.

Education in Zoo Keeping
Although, many institutes in Australia offer courses in animal studies, there cannot be a particular course on zoo keeping. One has to study short courses apart from the main course to get the required qualification for a particular zoo.

For instance, many study Certificate III in Captive Animals to get viable jobs in wildlife parks, theme parks, or aquarium. Such courses have regular workshops and practical sessions in various zoos. A short course in animal training or wildlife rescue tips can work wonders for a prospective zoo keeper.

Training and Volunteering
Once you have completed your main course or have some time to spare, you should look for voluntary work in zoos and parks. The idea is to get relevant experience in animal care. Some jobs are paid while many are unpaid ones. During your Gap Year or session breaks, take opportunities to work as a zoo helper.

Many courses offer project works that provide training on how to work with animals. Many earn hands-on work experience during their course; others look for study-cum-training as veterinary surgeon, the RSPCA worker, animal groomer, or breeder.

Interpersonal Skills
You need to also deal with visitors as a part of your job as a zoo keeper. Zoo keepers must inform visitors, direct them to various spots where they can thoroughly enjoy their trip to the zoo, update them on their responsibilities regarding animal conservation, and motivate them in taking part in animal welfare programs.

Training in public speaking helps aspiring zoo keepers to learn how to deal with customers. Initially, you can start by being Guest Service Officer who meets, guides, and updates customers entering zoos.

Write to us if you are looking for more information regarding various animal jobs required in zoos.