Consider a Zookeeper Assistant Career
How much do zookeepers make? How much education do you need? What is it like to work at a zoo? Animal Behavior College can help you sort it out.
If you aren’t ready or able to commit years to getting an expensive degree in biology or zoology to become a head zookeeper, you can still have a zookeeping career. Earning your zookeeper assistant certification takes just 8 to 12 months, you can complete it online, and it’s affordable.
How much do zookeeper assistants make?
This depends on where you live and the type of facility. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is often a great resource for information about earnings and growth potential.
The challenge is that zookeeper assistants aren’t listed in a separate category but instead are lumped together with a variety of other animal related jobs called “Animal Care and Service Workers”. As a whole, animal caretakers earn an average of around $32K.
Experience is also a factor in determining earning potential. The more experience you have the better your chance of landing a job. One of the most difficult aspects of this profession is the high interest it generates. Entry level jobs like zookeeper assistant attract a lot of animal lovers without any formal training (but a great deal of passion) clamoring for a chance.
Zookeeper Assistant Career Earning Potential
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Honolulu Zoo, PayScale & Indeed.com 2024. Hourly rates may vary in your area.
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How long does it take to become a zookeeper assistant?
ABCs Zookeeper Assistant Program takes between 8 to 12 months to complete. While no school can guarantee employment or earnings, ABC believes that taking a course that provides a strong foundational understanding of zookeeping and the care of exotic animals our graduates an advantage over others with no training. Taking a zookeeper assistant course proves to potential employers that you are serious and dedicated to their profession.
Are zoos humane?
Zoos that employ qualified people and that focus on the humane treatment and housing of animals are not only humane but are key links in preserving vanishing species and educating the public. These zoos not only specialize in meeting the basic physical requirements of the animals in their care, but they also focus on providing proper socialization for those animals who require as well as enrichment activities.
Zoos also do important work by teaching people about animals. This turns the zoo into a place where new generations of people can observe and learn to appreciate animals and their role in nature.
Why are zoos ethical?
Zoos can preserve some species whose habitat in the wild has been degraded or destroyed. Zoos are on the frontline of species preservation and conservation.
They can also educate people about animals and their unique place in nature. The more people come to understand and love all animals, the more likely it will be that large numbers of people will fight to protect them. While zoos are not the only way to educate people, they represent an outstanding one.
In order for a zoo to be ethical it must employ qualified staff and focus on the humane treatment of the animals in their care. This covers everything from proper nutrition to safe and healthy environments that mimic as much as possible each animal’s natural habitat.
How to become a zookeeper assistant
A great many people want to work with animals, so taking a program focused on what you will need to know and do as a zookeeper assistant gives you a possible leg up. The best strategy is to learn as much as you can and then, armed with a certification, willingness to work hard and a positive attitude, start applying for work or volunteering at zoos near you.
The key here is to understand that the more you bring to the table the better off you will be. Getting a certification is important but that alone won’t get you a job. It shows you had the dedication and discipline to master a course of study, which suggests you are serious but if you aren’t willing to work hard, you won’t reach your goal.
Perseverance is also key. Do you really want to work in a zoo? So do lots of other people. You will need to be prepared to apply multiple times, work long and difficult hours if you do get hired and remain positive regardless. So in closing, education, discipline, hard work, perseverance and a positive attitude paired with a passion for animals are what you need to become a zookeeper assistant.
