A Day in the Life of a Zookeeper

Follow a zookeeper around the Zoo and learn what he does on a typical day

[@Jasper-yb7qt]

This was very informative thank you very much. I aspire to be a zookeeper when I'm older

[@kapurtakis6739]

Im am going to be a zookeeper and thxs for this vid : ]

[@austinredding8985]

When I grow up I want to go to college for a zoologists

[@SilentPhill]

I was just interviewed at the local zoo here in town! It's a very small zoo, however it's free, and goes off of donations. Either way, if I do get this job, I'd be one of the happiest people. I've worked with animals before at the Humane Society, and I know exotic wild animals are far different than dogs and cats, but animals are animals, and I love them either way!

[@tjwinstonquinzel3804]

everybody who wants to be a zookeeper trust me (i am one) its a great job but 80% or more is cleaning,15% making food and 5% other stuff

[@ebigbf]

Silent Phill did you get the zookeeper job? wishing the best!

[@SilentPhill]

I did not! But it's quite alright! I actually moved to NYC, and got a job as an usher on Broadway, so... It's just as exciting!!!

[@paddicaketuohy]

Do zookeepers work with many other animals? i more interested in cats and other animals that can show affection. Because thats the best feeling in the world

[@maumee22]

I know this comment was 3 years ago but still.......most zoos have their keepers split into several different departments. There's ornithology (study of birds), herpetology (study of reptiles and amphibians, some zoos even split the reptile and amphibian keepers), sometimes zoos have an entomology department for insects, arachnids, and true bugs and other arthropods, ichthyology (study of fish) or marine biology, and lastly the mammals. The mammals can get complicated depending on the zoo. I've seen zoos split mammals into primates, small mammals, big mammals, big cats, herbivores, carnivores, hoofstock, and more. It all depends on the zoo. Some zoos even have keepers cover multiple departments depending on how many people are working, their expertise in multiple fields, or simply because they are somewhat similar. Like a herp keeper also taking care of entomology.

[@OhhowHelovesus777]

I want to do this too, but do you really need college? i dont get why you need that to clean out enclosures and feed the animals. you arent the vet or the manager, so i dont understand.

[@mafiaaa6346]

OhhowHelovesus777 you’ll need to know nutrition behaviour nd srufff

[@SHAIRAZI93]

whats the requirement to become a zookeeper??...anyone knows??

[@WateverWatever04]

I am going to be a zookeeper, who's with me? Already was planning on it b4 this vid and this re-enforced my idea! Awesome!

[@cosmobane6995]

Thinking that many of those who got inspired when this video came out are zookeepers themselves by now...

[@BlankParkZooDesMoines]

Entry level keepers need to have a combination of post high school education and some practical hands on experience with animals. Education can be at the associates or bachelors level and there are programs at several different schools geared specifically to zoo keeping. Experience can be form a number of areas such as work in a kennel, vet clinic, stable, pet shop, or on the farm. Internships at AZA accredited zoos is another good way to gain experience.

[@ellenseminario111]

I WANT TO BE A ZOOKEEPER WHEN I AM OLDER.

[@zoe30able]

@brandondurr1122 you could be a zoologist: study the animal behavior or you could be a zoo vet that may be more hands on.

[@brandondurr1122]

i dont know what i want to do for a living but i want to interact HANDS-ON with zoo animals(mainly mammals and reptiles)..im looking at zookeepers because i think this is the closest profession i will get but im not sure if i will be handling animals as often as id like to..any insight?

[@mark29shell]