What kind of education do you need to be a zookeeper?

Education: A zookeeper typically has a degree in an animal-related field such as animal science, biology, or zoology. Coursework in animal behavior, anatomy and physiology, reproductive physiology, and biology is useful.

Do zookeepers make good money?

The average Zookeeper in the US makes $41,374. The average bonus for a Zookeeper is $575 which represents 1% of their salary, with 100% of people reporting that they receive a bonus each year. Zookeepers make the most in San Francisco, CA at $60,909, averaging total compensation 47% greater than the US average.

How much years does it take to be a zookeeper?

Students can often personalize their zookeeper education with special focuses, such as herpetology, animal behavior and other wildlife studies. The bachelor’s program takes an average of four years to complete and costs around $6,585 per academic year.

Do you need a zoology degree to be a zookeeper?

Most zookeepers have a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, which includes biology and zoology coursework, but some employers may accept an associate degree with relevant experience. Each program can give you the ability to take specialized classes related to the type of animals you want to work with.

Is Zookeeping a good career?

Truth: The turnover rate for zookeepers is exceptionally low. Keepers are likely to stay in their chosen profession for the rest of their life. They’re a passionate bunch and love the work they do, despite how difficult it can be with education, cleaning, training, feeding and providing medical care.

What do you need for a zoology degree?

Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need at least a master’s degree for higher level investigative or scientific work. A Ph. D. is necessary for most independent research and university research positions. Coursework in life and physical sciences often includes academic, laboratory, and field work.

Can I be a zookeeper with a psychology degree?

Zoo Keepers usually study Biology, Zoology or Psychology. 67% of Zoo Keepers hold a Bachelor’s Degree and 12% hold a Associate Degree.

What are the pros and cons of being a zookeeper?

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Zookeeper
  • Fascinating Animals. A conscientious zookeeper plays an important role in the health and well-being of animals, whether it’s at an urban zoo, aquatic center, safari park or a local petting zoo. …
  • Job Security. …
  • Low Salaries. …
  • Health and Safety Risks.

What is the difference between a zookeeper and a Zoologist?

What is the difference between a Zoologist and a Zookeeper? The difference between a Zoologist and a Zookeeper is their levels of seniority and respective job duties. For example, Zoologists usually need to earn a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in wildlife biology.

What is the highest degree in zoology?

Master’s Degree (optional)

Master’s programs in zoology consist of coursework that is similar in subject matter to that of a bachelor’s program; however, graduate-level studies are, of course, more advanced and they also offer a thesis or non-thesis option.

What is the highest paying job at a zoo?

Zoo Director

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track salaries for zoo directors specifically, but zoologists and biologists earn a median annual salary of $75,850, as of 2018.

What are the disadvantages of being a zookeeper?

Cons
  • You’ll probably always work weekends.
  • You don’t make much money.
  • You smell within the first half hour of getting to work.
  • Hay will end up everywhere. EVERYWHERE.
  • Inevitably, you will get attached to animals that will either get sent somewhere else, get old or sick, and pass.

Do zookeepers abuse animals?

The show reports that the zookeepers use the instruments to coerce the young animals to do tricks. In one instance caught on film, Report Mainz said that one zookeeper can be seen dragging a baby elephant up by the neck, causing the young animal to cry out.

What is the highest paying job with animals?

Veterinarian. A veterinarian is one of the highest-paying animal careers. There are many different types of veterinary jobs. Mixed practice veterinarians work with both small and large animals, domestic or exotic.