Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was curious if anyone here works at a zoo, either as a keeper or in some other aspect. I was wondering what your job actually consists of how much income you make, if you don't mind my asking. I am very interested in this line of work and any information would be greatly appreciated.

Try the venomous forums, there are a few people in there that work at zoos. The one thing I can say is, most require a degree and don't pay very much.

it is defintly a labor of love, and not really compatible with a "traditional" family lifestyle. That said, I loved beign a zookeeper and were I single and where I was back then, I might still be doing it. You do need a degree (Animal Science or Zoology is probably ideal, but Bio is also common) and the pay is extremely low, especially since many zoos are located in metropolitan areas with super high costs of living. Hours are pretty regular (get in by 7 at the latest so animals and exhibits are prepped and cleaned by the time the public arrives and out by around 6ish - depending on when the zoo closes to the public and how many animals you need to put back in their holding/indoor pens and feed at night) Days are not rregular though in most zoos - you usually get two days off a week but they will vary from week to week so no one always has to work all weekend, etc. You will also have to work any and all holidays according to the same varying schedule. Pay is extremely low in the profession - starting at about 18K in major cities and topping out (e..g by the end of you career) in the 30's. I hope this gives you some info. Check out the AZA's website for lots more information.
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I volunteer at our zoo, so the pay for me is nothing. But as far as our keepers go, we have the zoo divided into 4 areas (its a small zoo) so there are 4 full-time keepers for each area, 2 relief keepers that work full-time split up between each area covering the main keeper's days off, and one part-time keeper. (One of our full time has the title of "head keeper". They do have set days off, but no one gets a full weekend (in other words someone gets Sun-Mon off and another gets Fri-Sat). I'm not sure on pay, but it is fairly low since we are a city run zoo. Privately or county funded zoos may be able to pay more, really depends. Our zoo is only closed to the public on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years day, so on those 3 days the keepers can put in a "short" day, only getting done what absolutely needs to be, which is still a good 5 hour day. Otherwise they work 8-5, taking lunch from 1230-130. Its definately a job you do out of love, and not for money. If you have any other questions, let me know, despite just being a volunteer, I have spent the last 2 years working with the keepers directly and have so much time and experience that they actually called me in when a keeper called in sick one day and no one else could come in. How sad is that??

Kati