Zookeeper
What's it like to be a Zookeeper?
Zookeepers are responsible for the day-to-day care and welfare of animals within zoos and similar settings, ensuring their needs for shelter, food, water, and exercise are met with the utmost attention to health and safety standards. They engage in a variety of tasks including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment activities to stimulate the animals' natural behaviors and promote physical and mental well-being. Zookeepers also play a crucial role in educating the public about wildlife conservation, often participating in talks and demonstrations to raise awareness of the importance of protecting natural habitats and the species that reside within them. Working in zoos, wildlife parks, and aquariums, Zookeepers must have a strong passion for animal care and conservation, alongside a solid understanding of animal behavior and habitat requirements.
Tasks and duties
- Feeding and providing water to animals under their care, ensuring their dietary needs are met according to species-specific requirements.
- Monitoring the health and behaviour of animals, reporting any concerns or unusual behaviour to veterinary staff for further assessment.
- Assisting with the maintenance and repair of animal enclosures and facilities to provide safe and stimulating environments.
- Educating visitors about the animals, conservation efforts, and the zoo's role in wildlife preservation, often through talks or guided tours.
