Types of Zoo and Wildlife Careers

Published on: January 3, 2024

Many animal lovers feel that there is no place in the world they would rather work than the zoo. Jobs involving animals allow you to spend your days with the creatures you connect with and pursue your passion in a professional setting. Knowing the types of zoo and wildlife careers that exist can help you personalize your educational path and pursue an animal care position that is right for you.

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The Need for Zoo and Wildlife Professionals

As many of the most experienced professionals in the zoo and wildlife care industry are expected to retire in the coming years, the demand for animal science experts is increasing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the anticipated job growth rate for the zoo and wildlife field is about 3 percent between 2022 and 2032, with about 1,500 job openings expected each year over the next decade.

Types of Jobs at the Zoo

Initially, the zoo may appear to be a family-friendly attraction that is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. In reality, zoos are complex conservation centers, in which professionals work to care for animals and breed species to ensure their survival. As a result, many types of jobs at the zoo are available, allowing you to consider a vast range of wildlife careers.

Zookeeper

Zookeepers are animal care experts, and they work to maintain the exhibits and care for the animals that reside in them. The primary responsibilities of a zookeeper include feeding the animals and providing them with water, offering enrichment activities, administering basic veterinary care, cleaning and maintaining the enclosure, and observing and reporting on the animals’ well-being. Zookeepers enjoy plenty of hands-on time with their animals, making this one of the most rewarding jobs at the zoo.

Researcher

Zoo researchers participate in research projects that take place at the facility. According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, researchers often report to the Director of Research, who is in charge of designing and implementing research projects that connect the zoo to the larger academic community. Researchers often play a hands-on role in the development and growth of the zoo.

Animal Trainer

Animal trainers work with animals at the zoo to teach them how to adapt to and behave in an enclosed environment. Depending on the size of the zoo and its mission, animal trainers may work with rescue animals now living in zoo exhibits and habitats or with young animals that were born as part of the zoo's breeding program.

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife biologists are researchers who work at the zoo and study the animals living in the exhibits. Their primary role is to study the animals in their habitats and evaluate their interactions with the ecosystem that has been created. Their research may fuel progress at the zoo and provide insight into potential improvements.

Zoo Curator

According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, zoo curators maintain the collection of animals at the zoo. A small zoo may have one curator in charge of acquiring new species, whereas a larger zoo may have multiple curators, each focused on a subset of species, such as Arctic animals or insects.

What Does Working in a Zoo Involve?

Working at a zoo or aquarium provides animal science professionals with plenty of opportunities to interact with the animals who live there, but there's also a lot more involved with these positions.

For starters, people who work at the zoo rarely have a traditional business schedule. Zoos may only be open to the public during certain hours of the day, but operations continue 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. As a result, those with jobs at the zoo are required to work non-traditional hours, including overnights, weekends and holidays.

Many of these animal care positions also require physical strength and endurance. Animals of all shapes, sizes and species reside at the zoo, and they require constant care in all weather conditions. Most zoo employees are on their feet and providing hands-on care, which can be physically taxing.

While these positions are incredibly rewarding, particularly for those who love animals, it is important to know the job requirements before pursuing zoo and wildlife careers.

Other Jobs Involving Working With Animals

The zoo may be the first place that you think of when it comes to beginning your wildlife career, but there are jobs available in different areas that allow you to work with animals.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Wildlife rehabilitators are animal care experts who care for injured animals and return them to their natural habitats. The field of wildlife rehabilitation relies on animal husbandry, animal science and veterinary medicine to effectively meet the needs of ill and injured wild animals.

Veterinarian

Veterinarians are doctors who care for animals, and they may work in a variety of settings, such as zoos, clinics, hospitals and farms. While some veterinarians care for small breeds, such as dogs, cats, rabbits and other household pets, others focus on large or exotic animals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for qualified veterinarians is expected to climb by 20 percent through 2032.

Wildlife Advocate

Wildlife advocates play an important role in conservation and animal protection. They often work for non-profit organizations or government organizations to advocate for the needs of wild animals in an area. Their work may involve providing the public with important information about sustainability efforts that could protect and preserve the local environment, or they may actively participate in the recovery and care of wild animals.

Requirements for Zoo and Wildlife Careers

According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, most wildlife careers require four-year degrees in a related field. Many pursue a bachelor's degree in zoology, but an animal science degree is also applicable. Most facilities prefer applicants with hands-on experience working directly with animals, which can be acquired through volunteer opportunities and internships.

Why Choose a Career in Wildlife?

Are you wondering if a career in zoology and wildlife is right for you? Consider the following benefits:

Jobs involving animals are highly gratifying, as they allow you to forge connections with many beautiful creatures.
There are many opportunities to advance and specialize within the field.
No two days are the same, so you may not suffer from the same level of burnout as people who work in standard desk jobs.

Customize Your Animal Science Career at Husson University

At Husson University, we have a new and innovative Captive Wildlife Care certificate program that is ideal for those interested in combining the field of animal science with their passion for animal care. It is just one of many online degree and certificate programs we offer designed to enhance and elevate your career.

Request more information about our online degree and certificate programs today.