Expert: Sharon Reed Abboud - 5/26/2008

Question
I want to be someone who helps Siberian Tigers when I grow up. I know I need to take zoology and biology in college. What other classes should I take?

Answer
Sydney,

Thanks for your question. According to the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) website, to prepare for a wildlife career, most animal-related degree granting programs suggest or require college coursework in: biology, microbiology, physics, zoology, botany, anthropology, organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics. You should look for a college that has a good reputation in these subjects. Explore the possibility of college internship opportunities at zoos, too.

Here are two links to Internet articles about zoo careers:

1. "Types of Jobs in Zoos and Aquariums," Association of Zoos and Aquariums: http://www.aza.org/ForEveryone/Careers/
2. "Preparing for a Wildlife Career," Smithsonian National Zoological Park: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Education/WildlifeCareers/

You might also like to read this article about a man who has a career as a tiger researcher for the Wildlife Conservation Society:

"Tiger Researcher," International Zoo Educators Foundation:
http://www.izea.net/education/careers_tigerresearcher.htm

Good luck to you!