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About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise the baby yourself. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience
I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Wild Animals > How to get into a field...

Wild Animals - How to get into a field...

Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 11/3/2009

Question
I don't know if you can help me but I ran by this website by chance trying to find information on how to get into a field that would allow me to study wild animals. I've always loved and had a passion for animals and it just seems fitting for my life to always be surrounded by them even with my future profession.

So what I am asking is, how, where do I start? I'm just starting with college. I'm not sure where to go, what major I should be shooting for, what are the best schools in my area, who do I get in contact with? I'm not asking for all of these to be answered by you, but maybe you could give me an insight, like where did you start? How did you get to where you are today? I want to learn animals, help animals, breath animals. I want to know them inside out and run with them. Photograph them, study them, watch them day after day and get an intense and indepth understanding about each and every creature on this earth.

Any information on anything would be helpful :)
Thank you.

Answer
Dear Justine,

There are so many fields in which one can work with animals that they'd be impossible to list here. But in any of them, a strong background in biology and/or zoology would be very helpful. I'd start out by being a biology major, and seek a university that has a strong *organismal* program, where you can take courses in animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology.

You don't tell me your geographic area, so I can't give you suggestions. But look for a school with a program in zoology, ecology, evolution, etc. more than cellular/molecular, neuroscience, or other foci. Many schools have both. You just have to go to their web sites and search around.

I started as a biology major, later added an English major, and then went to graduate school to get my Ph.D. in biology, working with tropical reptiles and amphibians and predatory birds. Undergraduate school is the time to make connections that will help you meet people to mentor you in graduate school. Get involved in ecological research, and you will be able to help with publications and attend scientific meetings where you can connect with others who share your passions and may take you on as a graduate student, if you have good grades and a strong science background.

If you are interested in working with animals in a more practical way (e.g., zoological gardens, other theme parks with animals), then the biology degree is still a good idea, as it will show prospective employers that you're smart and dedicated. Internships at such places may be available to college students, so you can find out if it's really the right thing for you.

You need to be good at math and science, but I'd recommend a biology or zoology undergraduate degree to get you started. Your faculty can help guide you towards your more specific goals.

Hope that helps.

Dana

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