LisaAnnOKane
Tampa, FL
Female, 32
During my zookeeping and environmental education career, I have interacted and worked with a variety of animals, including brown bears, wolverines, red foxes, moose, camels, mountain goats, dolphins, sea lions, raccoons, porcupines, snakes, raptors and ravens. I am also a young adult author, and my debut novel ESSENCE was released in June 2014 by Strange Chemistry Books. Ask me anything!
Hi Ellen, my experience is a little different than most, as I didn't originally go to school to become a zookeeper. My initial degree was more on the business side of things: a Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management with an Emphasis in Theme Park and Attraction Management from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
It was only after graduation that I went back and picked up a lot of the science knowledge I lacked. I also began volunteering at wildlife rescue organizations, and that's how I was able to initially get my foot in the door.
My way was obviously more roundabout than most, so I would recommend taking the straight route if you already know you want to be a zookeeper. Attend an accredited, four-year university and major in any number of science-related fields: biology, zoology, chemistry, environmental science, psychology, marine biology, natural resources, etc.
As far as math is concerned, you will obviously be required to complete math prerequisites in order to get a degree in science. However, you probably don't have to worry about pursuing any additional math beyond those basics!
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Great question, Melody. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums establishes many guidelines for the care of animals in accredited facilities, and these guidelines include ideal temperature conditions. This information helps regulate which animals should be housed in which geographical areas and climates.
The guidelines vary quite a bit in depth from species to species, of course, but here is an example of the depth of information given to polar bear care: "Though polar bears originate from an arctic environment, most are tolerant of fluctuating temperatures, as summers in Churchill, Manitoba can average 64°F (17.8°C), but can reach more than 79°F (26°C) degrees.
"... The orientation of and features within the exhibit can affect the range of temperatures the bears will experience. Hills, trees, shrubs, branches, rocks, and stumps are good pieces of habitat furniture that can be used to provide shade throughout the day. Institutions in warmer climates should consider how to provide cooler areas for their bears using approaches such as free-access to air-conditioned spaces, chilled water, or ice piles. Artificial shade structures that can also incorporate sprinklers and misters, and wind generating fans, are approaches that have also been used. It is important that several cooling areas be made available if multiple bears are on exhibit together. If these features are not available, access to temperature regulated indoor holding areas is recommended."
As you can see, the information presented is very specific. This ensures the polar bears receive the best care and housing possible.
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Hi Yolanda, and thanks for stopping by! Zoo funding actually varies considerably from zoo to zoo. Some facilities are private, non-profits, which means they receive all their funding from grants, sponsorships, memberships, admissions, etc. Some are funded partially or fully by local or state governments, and others are run by zoological societies. In tough financial times, zoos certainly feel the crunch. This is especially tough in areas with high seasonal variability, as many zoos make 80% or more of their yearly profit during in the summer months. A particularly bad summer may mean the organization needs to dip slightly into the red to make it through the quiet, cold, winter months. (Take-away lesson: PLEASE support your local zoos and aquariums! ;) )
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Hi Mira, and thank you so much for visiting my blog! My experience with animals definitely colors my young adult writing, and I very much enjoy emphasizing the bonds between animals and humans. I also enjoy giving readers a sneak peek into life "behind-the-scenes" at animal care and research centers, because there is so much training and bonding and husbandry going on that no one really even knows about. (I also enjoy using animals metaphorically. I'm working on a project right now that utilizes animal colors in a very visceral yet understated way, and I'm excited to see if any of my readers actually catch on to it.) That being said, I don't limit myself to just writing about animals, because I don't want to pigeonhole myself as an author. Instead my focus is nature, and I strive to inspire readers to care about the natural world by crafting stories that highlight the interconnectedness of humans and the world around us. Right now, I'm working on a YA Adventure called ESSENCE. It takes place in Yosemite National Park, and it was inspired by the summer I spent living in a tent and working for the park's concessionaire. (You can check out the full pitch here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/lisa-ann-okane/essence-pitch/336341396445109 ) Thanks again for stopping by my blog!
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Hi Daniel! Specific species assignments vary widely from zoo to zoo, but entry-level keepers generally start by working shifts like the petting zoo, the free-flight aviary, and the easier-to-handle reptiles and amphibians.
More "glamorous" shifts like marine mammals, primates and big cats are generally much more competitive and harder to acquire. You will almost definitely need to "put in your time" and prove yourself as an entry-level keeper before you will be eligible for a promotion to these other species.
Best of luck to you!
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Hi Callie! Zookeepers have many duties besides cleaning and feeding--although these duties definitely take up a lot of their time!
Almost all keepers are trainers as well, and they often participate in formal training sessions, animal observations, environmental enrichment (research, design and implementation), guest interactions, formal and informal presentations, and medical procedures. Many also participate in research, and they prepare presentations for conferences and networking events with their colleagues.
As for your second question, yes, many animals do tend to bond with their keepers. This has always been my favorite part of the job: the moment when you realize some of your animals seem to have preferences and look forward to seeing you as much as you look forward to seeing them. An absolutely unbelievable experience that makes all that hard work worthwhile!
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Great question, Garcia. An unfortunate side effect of working in zoos is the fact that every animal has a finite lifespan--which makes death a sad reality of the job.
Almost every zoo follows the same procedure when an animal passes away: we do a necropsy (animal autopsy) to determine the cause of death, and then we contact researchers to see if they are interested in any of the parts. We sometimes collect tissue for research, and we sometimes harvest other important pieces (tusks, horns, skulls, etc.) for educational use. Once this is complete, we almost always send the remains off to be cremated.
Always a very sad day for everyone.
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