About Jeffrey Dykes Expertise I can answer most questions dealing with exotic zoo animals, as I am a zookeeper with several years experience.
Experience I'm experienced with large mammals like elephants, giraffes, hippos, etc. Also with larger exotic cats like tigers, lions, cheetahs, and so on. Also North American and African hoofstock (e.g. zebra, kudu, gemsbok, bison, elk, pronghorn antelope, etc.)
Organizations American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), Elephant Managers Association (EMA).
Education/Credentials Degree, University of Alabama
Question Dear Jeffrey, What is your job like everyday?Can you tell me some reasons why you enjoy it and some things you dont like?I am currently attending college with hopes of becoming a zookeeper after getting a bachelors degree in conservation biology.Ive worked with every kind of animal my whole life including tons of pets, and caring for horses,birds of prey,large snakes and oppossum as a volunteer at a large nature centers zoo.I learned what precautions to take around captive wild animals at the nature center and even learned some falconry!While attending college I work at a large and busy pet grooming shop 40 hours a week which helps me beef up my animal experience.Is there any advice you could give me about getting my first zookeeper job after college?I would really enjoy working exclusively with the birds as a first pick,reptiles as a second pick,small mammals third, the exotic herd animals next,then orangutan and cheetah and everyone else after that.Do you get to pick which animals you get to work with when you first start working at a zoo?Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Claire
Answer Hi Claire,
A job as a zookeeper, depending on which animals you take care of, can be very demanding physically, which is one aspect that most people don't think of. The job is probably eighty percent cleaning; shoveling, hosing, loading/unloading hay, etc. It can be very demanding physically. There are rewards, of course, and getting to work with exotic animals is always enjoyable. Sometimes there are classes/programs dealing with wildlife outside of college coursework that can help one get that zookeeper job. I would recommend contacting a curator of your nearest accredited zoo to see if something exists in your area. If you have a biology/zoology related degree, then that is your best asset, so I would just bide my time and send out resumes. You may have to relocate, but that's the price of being in the field.
