What People Think Wildlife Biologists Do (and what I actually do)

[@Ashallino]

This video really helped me.. I'm a 16 year old kid, who has dream on becoming a wildlife biologist but confused on where to start. At least now I know a little about the career itself. Gracious ❤

[@brax300]

Hey buddy! Not much older than you but just started to go down this path myself. Once your graduated high school, you’ll do generals in college ( math and English classes etc) from that you’ll do specific classes that work towards what you wanna be. For us, chemistry classes, biology classes etc. that’ll lead us to a bachelors degree eventually and so on so on. Good luck on your path!

[@lilly8701]

so your now 18 or 17 what happened ? like I wanna know

[@Ashallino]

@@lilly8701 off to a good start ! *I'm doing my 1st year in college

[@jammi-7]

Same!

[@Weenaid]

where are you at now man?

[@JJaySo83]

As a marine biologist for a consulting company I feel this video aligns greatly with my experience. I will definitely be pointing new graduates to this video when they ask about career advice as you summarize things very well.

[@kristina_lynn]

Thank you! I'm glad it feels similar to your experience too

[@andrewpayne5093]

Love your vids! I’m a massive animal lover currently studying to be a zookeeper and volunteering at my local animal park. I’d prefer zookeeping as a start to my animal career as I can be close to home and work with many different amazing animals in a more controlled environment. After a few years I might try and get into zoology or wildlife biology depending on if I want to work more in the wild. Currently I’m loving it and lots of people think I just clean animal poo all day which is totally wrong. Cleaning is just one part, I also get to feed, interact with them, do animal shows, help with breeding and train and condition animals and monitor their health. Glad you are loving your job as much as I’m loving mine.

[@juliacass9561]

I’ve been thinking about being a zookeeper too! Around how much do they make?

[@_sophie_5403]

@@juliacass9561 I don’t think it’s very much to be honest, unfortunately it’s one of those jobs that is overlooked as to how much work goes into it. I’m pretty sure it’s between £12-20k per year which really isn’t much :/

[@alchemists4443]

What did you study/how did you get to work at a zoo?

[@andrewpayne5093]

I studied captive animals. Which is zookeeping to work with animals in captivity e.g zoos, breeding/rehabilitation facilities ect

[@unregistered_user]

I watched one of your Wildlife Biologist videos a while back and thought it looked amazing. I am currently working as a Wildlife Biologist and love my life. Thanks for posting these vids! Inspiring, truly.

[@vienna2404]

do you have any tips for someone trying to break into the field? how often are you away from home and how many hours do you work?

[@unregistered_user]

@@vienna2404 Be extremely curious about the work people are doing (What does it mean, how does it fit into the field in general, what is the significance of the experiments, how did they select their methodology). Reach out to professors and ask them about their research. Find a paper you like and contact the authors to ask about it. If anyone ever makes you feel dumb, question scale (what scale are we looking at, how does it apply across scales). Be enthusiastic. Happy thoughts = happy trails. I'm away from home for usually no more than 2 weeks, and I work about 60 hours a week.

[@yixinfang9720]

I would love to see a video about office work and maybe you can explain what you do in the office and how you analyze data? I'm currently volunteering at my professor's lab and helping organize the data and digitize the videos they collected from the field. It's monotonous and needs lots of patience lol.

[@joylynjake6410]

Thank you for the clarification and insight on being a Wildlife Biologist. I was thinking about changing my major from just Biology to Wildlife Biologist because I want to be apart of the Wildlife Conservation career area. I am 1-2 years away from graduating with a Bachelor's degree.

[@teodorratanase]

a lot of people needed this video THANK YOU!

[@antonioanderson2095]

Man this some bullshit 😭

[@renhartmann6249]

I am glad to see that your channel is growing I remember when you were at 14 thousand subscribers keep up the good work!

[@kristina_lynn]

I know right! So close to 20k!!

[@leksawendell2105]

How much do you travel in your job? I want to be a wildlife biologist but also want to travel a lot of places.

[@rimurugaming4676]

Same

[@deadlydab8898]

Same

[@Bro-ot9qe]

Same

[@cadejohns5560]

Same!!

[@pat8437]

Bumping this

[@isabellarose9737]

This video is perfect. When I was in school, my idea of environmental jobs were such dreams and when I finally did internships I saw the reality. Now I’m a restoration biologist :)

[@aiswarya8971]

Mam I'm a Forestry graduate from India do we have any chance to do any further program aboard.plzz reply to this..

[@joashalom]

Easily 100% watch time on my part! Thanks for the upload!

[@Maddy-b7r]

Thank you for being here for people to learn about the truth of the career choice. I just applied for college myself and can't wait to begin. I wanted to know the truth and not just a glamorized version of the job. I wanted the truth and I appreciate you being here to give it.

[@volvox7659]

I’ve been trying to find what I want to do when I graduate, as a sophomore in high school this was really helpful. Thank you!!

[@jameswinn1249]

Same here!

[@Vib3sW1thG1gi]

I’m a senior but same lol

[@volvox7659]

@@Vib3sW1thG1gi well now i’m a senior too 😭 i i took AP environmental science last year and really enjoyed it and now taking marine ecology, actively pursuing my growing interests!!

[@liliannaguadagnolo2852]

THIS IS SO HELPFUL THANK YOU

[@WonderlustAdventures]

Oh god that truck picture is my life this season... gotten stuck at the bottom of what looked like a well packed hill, but was actually a slick muddy hellscape, and drove a tire off a hidden edge at night, and had to get towed out. Accurate. :)

[@kristina_lynn]

Hahaha I've had to get towed out of a mud pit by a backhoe operator shaking his head at me WAY too many times...

[@overcast2959]

​@kristina_lynn I love offroading and one of my slightly older friends in this career has an awesome built toyota tacoma she uses for the job

[@nathana4464]

I just got done with my first semester and I want to be an wildlife biologist and I’m really happy I came across your channel love your videos

[@nurulsolehah6801]

I had always been interested in zoology and I found your channel a few years back, when you were in Alberta. Supporting you all the way! Edit: Your youtube channel is growing so much. I'm very happy for youu

[@kristina_lynn]

Awesome, wow a few years ago!! Thank you for your support all this time

[@madiw176]

I’m a sophomore zoology student and this was very insightful.. thank you!!

[@bizbologna9422]

Thanks for the great video! I'm going to college for biology: ecology in the fall so this is a very informative video of whats to come!!

[@PaulIsbell]

Hi! Firstly I wanted to say thank you for making this video. I am 24 years old and I just got married to an amazing woman. I haven’t had much direction, career wise, as I want my life to be impactful. I appreciate you making videos like this one, so people in my situation can research other career opportunities! :)

[@MysticDonBlair]

I have a question for a zoologist... are lions or other big cats scared of vacuums, the same way house cats are?

[@kristina_lynn]

Funk Daddy lol this is an amazing question. In the time I’ve worked with big cats I’ve never had anything like a vacuum around them. But I’m going to say probably because they didn’t like sudden loud noises and got spooked easily just like housecats.

[@elliewinters3191]

The most important is gaining experience, internships, volunteer etc. Or start looking at open positions now, to see what they are requiring to gauge where you are in your journey.

[@peonies-]

Could you perhaps discuss how a desk-job looks like, like a day to day, what exactly was that policy job about? And did you feel like your education prepared you for this? If you already made a video on this, please let me know

[@JaxNaylor]

Wow. Your video definitely discouraged me from pursuing this important field! I always imagined I would be able to make a difference and gain a lot of valuable insight through a career pertaining to wildlife, but your perspective sure did prove me wrong.

[@madymae1945]

Thanks for this video!! I’m about to go into my freshman year and major in wildlife science and this was very helpful!

[@simoneschofield126]

I got so excited when i saw you posted a new video! Thanks for this great information!

[@chenalindelossantos967]

watching a person with the passion as you is very different 💚 more power to ur channel ❤

[@trupaank.wildlife]

Your videos are like the best, I’m thinking about pursuing this career and after watching these I know I’m making the right choice

[@SimplymerI1]

Hi, I'm a 15 year old high schooler with a big passion for wildlife and also exercise. My dream is to study zoology but a question I have that stresses me out is, will I have time to workout every week? Can I continue my passion for the gym or any form of exercise?, second question is I'm not someone looking for a 24/7 office job, how much on average do you spend in the wild you should say? Do you sit by a computer most the time?

[@JackieFetter]

I love your insight into the ethics of touching the animals. So under spoken about with the petting zoo mentality in the world today.

[@chemistryfry7498]

Thank you, all my questions have been answered. Great video btw.

[@markhansen7486]

Kristina Lynn, Thank you for this video. This might sound crazy but I am a 30 year old who currently works in the industrial hygiene field and have been really seriously considering taking the insane leap of restarting my life and pursuing wildlife biology. Oddly enough this video didn't dissuade me from this so much as it actually reinforced my desires. However, after watching this I am still left with a couple of questions. What are the weekly hours you work and how has that changed as your career has progressed? Is it possible to stay relatively close to the area you currently are when starting out with your first jobs/projects? Do you have to sacrifice to the point of picking up and moving your life across states immediately? What is health insurance like? Thank you greatly for this highly informative video.

[@neidyv]

I would love answers on this too. I’m 26 and wanting to get into wildlife biology

[@katuwalgovinda5028]

Thank you, that was very informative video out here.

[@IlluminosaImmortalis]

You go girl! Thanks a bunch for this video :)

[@aayuta1823]

Hey thanks for this video. I'm wildlife conservationist in India and at first i got job in company as an ecologist and was so hating it about why i am working with these corporate people. But after 1 year i realized that some one need to tell these ppl where to do development and where to avoid.. Specially in active habitats and ecosystem. So this is so much relatable to me😊

[@ukhti.7]

I'm in 12th grade rn, is wildlife biologist course worth it?

[@TalkingTreesT2T]

Hi! My name is Carisa, I am so grateful for your channel & how you give insight to all of the areas of environmental science. I’ve been a vet tech for almost 20 years (still only 34;) but I’m looking to go back to school and change career paths. I would love to talk to you one on one and would gladly pay for a consult🤷🏻‍♀️Seems like you would be an amazing mentor:) I hope to hear from you but understand you are super busy! Thank you for what you do! ❤️

[@MaryChur]

Very informative! Thank you a lot!

[@astralastra6174]

I'm doing an Environmental Science degree and I jumped in. I am a freshman at college planning on getting a bachelor's and this is kinda nerve shocking.

[@adrianef9574]

What kind of math related courses would I need in college for this type of job?

[@elijahweaver6397]

Calculus and Biostatistics are usually required courses for ecology/wildlife biology.

[@Tr1pMind]

Enough statistics to last a lifetime

[@liliannaguadagnolo2852]

Love these videos!!

[@kristina_lynn]

Glad you like them!

[@iambarnowl]

I'll add game species management as a job where you are focused on single species oftentimes. Revenue-generating species like deer, bear, moose, etc. often have one person or a couple of people in the agency dedicated to their management. Other taxa such as inverts and herps often get a bit less love and attention and have one or a few people spread out across the whole taxa group. Also, while I was making my bones as an entry-level field researcher, those jobs were typically focused on a single species but often had other components such as vegetation surveys, GIS work, etc. And a kind of lol note on #1, I've had many field jobs working hands-on with wildlife where photography was forbidden. I think this is largely to avoid all of these ridiculous photo-ops where there are 8 people crowded around a small animal with their hand on it. Like... why? I blame Facebook and Instagram because I blame them for most things anyways.

[@kristina_lynn]

Yeah good clarification! I definitely agree. I'm glad to hear employers are starting to ban photographs, its a good idea.

[@reptilejack6073]

I am animal CRAZY and I really, really, REALLY want to work in zoology. I want to mainly focus on herpetology- the study of reptiles and amphibians. And also I think this is a great job because I get to spend allot of time in the natural world and also I get to travel to different countries around the world quite allot. 😊. Great video👍. This video mad me know what I want to do when I grow up. Herpetology is a branch of zoology& wildlife biology so if there are any reptile lovers out there like me than a Herpetologist is th right job for you.☺️☺️

[@annic5878]

Tysmmmmmmm this helps SO much !!!

[@sakthu1meitei]

I am a Class 8 student and I was thinking that to be Wildlife biologist is going to be fun but this video had changed my thinking. Time to think another careers

[@maida4608]

Aw):

[@ViperX-nm3nb]

When i’m older i want to become a wildlife biologist. i have a big soft spot for animals and i want to learn more about them!

[@IsabellaParys]

Finally someone like me!

[@fullmetaljoker666]

As a wildlife biologist would I be allowed to go to Africa to hunt poachers? I've applied to this organization called VETPAWs (Veterans Empowered To Protect African Wildlife) since I'm a combat vet I've been approved to teach the park rangers squad tactics and guerilla warfare. But I'm way more interested in protecting the animals and studying them to learn more about them and how we can ensure they are around for future generations.

[@golden1d574]

I am 15 years old this year I need to enroll in high school and since I was little I want to do something with animals and I adore them but recently I became allergic to dog and cat hair so I'm not sure I would get into high school I also have a question do you like that job and would you recommend it to me with all the pros and cons? I’ve always wanted to know what kind of work people from the Black Jaguar-White Tiger foundation do I would like to become something like that or at least that type of work. Sorry for the bad English! love your channel.

[@kristina_lynn]

That sounds like wildlife rehabilitation work. Black jaguar white tiger is not a great example of the wildlife rehabilitation world as many animal rights advocates have spoken out about the conditions those cats are held in and the level of interaction they have with visitors. But it sounds like you'd mostly be interested in something similar to wildlife rehabilitation/rescue or veterinary medicine work. Those, along with captive animal management in zoos, are the main careers that may have hands on contact with animals.

[@danilkatheoldbat9158]

Thank you very much as a new student this helps

[@unchaindglory]

Hey, you may not see this comment but Id like to say that your work fascinates me and Id like to thank you for inspiring me to become a wildlife biologist. Really, thanks a lot

[@eastonlee2194]

Nice sharing. Love your channel.

[@atziriortega8608]

What’s the difference between wildlife biologists and wildlife rehabilitation? Do they work in completely different fields or area’s?

[@alisonn5347]

Atziri Ortega Wildlife biologists study wildlife and affects on wildlife and such. It’s a lot more studying and experiential work, along with human effects on populations. Wildlife rehabilitation focus mainly on rehabilitating wildlife, and trying to allow them to be re-released. They more treat and care for wildlife animals, while biologists study. I hope this makes sense 😂

[@atziriortega8608]

Alison N That does help thanks

[@FancyScientist]

They are completely different. Wildlife rehabilitation is medical, wildlife biology is science. You have to love collecting and analyzing data to answer scientific questions. We often do not even touch the animals. stephanieschuttler.com/becoming-a-wildlife-biologist-faqs-answered-by-a-wildlife-biologist/

[@johnryan6897]

I’ve been a wildlife biologist for 20 years. Prior to that I was a certified wildlife rehabber. I also taught college students at Texas A&M extension. My advice to everyone who wants to become a biologist is to use your smarts in the medical field or another high paying job and then spend the money you make doing things with animals that you love. I made the mistake thinking this job was different, just like every other biologist. It’s a ton of paperwork and office time. Yes, I get to go in the field occasionally but I could do that on weekends on my own time! Find a job that pays really, really well! If I had things to do again I’d be an anesthesiologist and be rich! Hell, I did it for wildlife and it was easy!

[@julia-ex7im]

i wish i had found all this out before i got my degree in biology with a concentration in zoology. i want to do field work and don't want to be in the lab all day

[@moth300]

How often would you do office work?

[@jamieonline3722]

If it's possible could you please make a video or explain how office work is like and what you need to learn because im interested in studying for a wildlife biologist that does field work, but mostly stays in the office or lab analysing data

[@TheGamerPuppy]

thank GOD I don't need a PH.D. to be a successful Wildlife Biologist. I love research but an extra 4-7 years in education and not in the field is going to drain my soul

[@OhiChicken]

I'm 26 and I hate my textile manufacturing job and want to work in animal nutrition or something having to do with animals where I can cap out at like 75-80k. I don't need to retire early or fund a lavish living. Just keep my home and stay afloat and do what I love are the 3 main pillars.

[@brandonblackwood3680]

Hearing that you won't make very much money at all at the start is very disheartening to me. There are so many degrees I'd like to pursue but it's not realistic for me to do that, because I need to be making enough money to be self-sufficient right out of the gate. Needing to work my way up in a field that's going to pay me close to minimum wage for the first few years of my career is just flat out not an option for me.

[@RAID3N-YT]

I'm an Aspiring Ornithologist.. Awesome video

[@imogensmith683]

This helped. I want a job observing animals but completely disagree with zoo's and confinement. I love animals but also dont want to veer on the selfish side that many people do.

[@biophilicoss9585]

:(first point made me sad

[@Mrnoone23]

That's it right there! That's what I want, I could care less about the money increase, power, whatever! I just wanna know how to get there!

[@Charmaine91462]

Since i was little , i knew zoology wasnt working with animals 24/7 but i dont know why i chose to lie to myself so. Just watching this helps me not lie anymore to myself

[@paulneira5481]

@ Kristina Lynn, would you get accepted to be a wildlife biologist , if you have a forest conservation degree?

[@saraleaandrichuk3058]

Hey you mentioned that you worked in wildlife rehab. I would love to work in that area. I am considering finishing my conservation biology degree, but also vet tech school. Any Advice?

[@RuchiKshirsagar]

My inspiration:: steve Irwin, austin Steven's, Jeff corwin❤

[@reneedittmer9625]

Im a 15 year old and are autistic and I really love animals and would really love to work in the field of animals, specifically biology! I have thought of maybe working as a zoologist who studied in biology, which are responsible for gathering research and knowledge about animals! Im really good at gathering information and knowledge and I really love learning and gathering information about animals anyway. But, I also understand that you have to be very good at understanding science, English, and math. And Im very good at science and English, but Im terrible at math. So, my question is: How can you apply for jobs like those if you are terrible at math? This is a very long comment, sorry about that, and the video was awesome! You explained things really well ❤️ I'm still kind of iffy on what animal biology career path that I want cause I do have a specific species in mind that I want to study(wolves) but of course the other species in that area too. I mostly want to do research about these animals in or around Yellowstone national park which is located in Wyoming. But I have severe allergies and health problems(an autoimmune disorder called HS) Of course there is no telling of what the future holds but I like to plan ahead lol

[@toby6992]

Would it be ok to switch from engineering to wildlife biology I’m in my first year of college studying engineering as I didn’t know what else to do. I did always want to do marine biology growing up but changed my mind as i thought I wouldn’t be smart enough.

[@kristina_lynn]

I don't see why not! If you are interested in it

[@toby6992]

@@kristina_lynn okay thank you 😊 , I love the outdoors and I love animals

[@insanedrmrkid]

I’m 27 years old. Am I too old to start the journey to becoming a wildlife biologist?

[@macncheesefarts3555]

No, not at all! Follow your dreams, hope ya make it!

[@angiekeson5496]

I am 27 years old too! I have an Associates right now and am trying to decide if I want to finish my prevet or go into Wildlife Biologists

[@uyucaparaiso2399]

Thankyou for this video, we are in Honduras, near the Uyuca Biological Reserve near Tegucigalpa. I don´t find much information about this reserve in the web, so what I want to know is how can we fuse a biology job with the importance to talk about places like this to the public.

[@IsabellaParys]

Could I be a Wildlife Biologist and A Rehabilitation Biologist at the same time? Both sound super fun to do.

[@kristina_lynn]

Job titles are usually pretty flexible, so yes you could do both of those at the same time depending on where you work!

[@Charmaine91462]

Where i am, its metric degree(grade 12 degee) then bachelor then honours then masters , i want to get my honours then masteries

[@monique3984]

is it worth going into the field of environmental science / ecology if i want to move into policy eventually??

[@astrotidal]

I heard thing about masters, phds, etc but what about an associates? What can those do? I don't expect much with just and ad but I am curious.

[@kristina_lynn]

An associates usually would be the bare minimum for a job like environmental technician, field assistant, permit technicians, environmental enforcement, hands-on applied jobs but would not be enough for most biologist/scientist positions anymore. There still are bios with associates you meet occasionally, but many have years of experience outside of school. its a tough job market out there with only an associates

[@IRUNGHA_BHAI]

Can u pls make a big video only to become a ecologist I am 8 th standard so it might be helpful for me and everyone like me

[@ashiaku9864]

I'm late, but how often do you travel and what areas would a Wildlife Biologist typically work

[@ames1714]

You should do an update on your plant jungle :)

[@a_hicgaming5240]

Majoring in Forest Management and Ecology with focus in ecology, what kind of jobs can I get?

[@ahaya7645]

I think this is a bit late... but I really want to know what kind of experience is beneficial in learning while doing your phd in zoology (or any other zoology kinda course ) which is needed for your future job?

[@brax300]

When Working in wildlife rescues, conservation camps etc, are those non profits? What are the benefits of working on those vs maybe a field biologist etc? And are there a good concentration of those jobs in the US/ Can.? Currently going down this path in school, and thinking what I want to do after ( if I even have a choice for job options )

[@audreypenrod5490]

This is such a great and informative video, thank you! I have a quick question I was wondering what your thoughts are on. I'm currently a Senior in highschool and want to work with animals but I'm not sure exactly what degree to pursue. I want to do Rescue and Rehabilitation for marine and land mammals and conservation. I want to be hands on and the field with opportunities to travel. What do you think?

[@tiae8064]

Hey Audrey! I know your comment isn't too old yet, so you may not have any advancements in what you want to do. However, I am in the same boat! I am currently looking at wildlife rehabilitation but am not sure what career or major to go into, and I am curious if you found anything that fits your interests. I am not necessarily looking at travelling but would be open to any suggestions if you're willing to share! Best of luck in your search!

[@subinthomas80]

Do v really have to do masters and phd to have tag of biologist or is bachelors in zoology enough to become a biologist??

[@sonicbaseballzoodreams]

Can you do zoology on wolves and other wild dogs? 🤔🐺🦊❓❔❓❔

[@rb43210]

Yeah, but that usually includes working with other mammals, or learning about them

[@makc3293]

There is actually a thing called Wolf Biology

[@addie7926]

do u get to take pictures of the animals too and travel

[@ahmedb2559]

Thank you !

[@eternal-z2h]

I'm still figuring out what i want to be, but one of them is zoology. specifically watching and studying animals

[@Swyfts]

Are those your own photos of wolves? They are my favorite animal

[@antoinemantoux6049]

Hey! I have a school assignment to do and I need evidence of communication with wildlife biologists (as this is the job I want to do), I also have questions about the job. How can I get in contact with you?

[@caitjennings9517]

Is wildlife biology the same as zoology?

[@Kanak_445]

No

[@ThillaynathanRavinder]

10:45 TIGER KING HAHAHAHAHA

[@noelfogarty2054]

damm im too old for this profession so lol. i was thinking of doing a wildlife degree as a mature student , late 50s . guess i'd be wasting my time . lol

[@scoutbickford2636]

Hey, you're never too old! The only time spent wasted is that worrying or putting yourself down instead of doing it!

[@saugat9468]

I am planning for wildlife biology in my undergraduate level is its difficult course or not from your side please explain

[@lady_tarra7269]

Hey, its 2024. Has anything changed nowadays? ❤️

[@thekidzoologist]

So true ❤️✨

[@HarshitaRajpal]

How do you make more money? Like you said, most of the wildlife biologists are low paid, so how to overcome that and earn well? Any other part time jobs or something?

[@anamatahashmi4048]

Hi Im looking into going into wildlife Biology currently taking courses through pennfoster on wildlife/forestry conservation and management and will hopefully be going for my masters in the following year. I found Unity College that offers this program but its all online would you recommend this or should I do it in person?

[@tremendous1163]

mam what college did you graduate from?

[@urbanwarchief]

You're a genius

[@violeta6846]

What would you recommend if I wanted to go into a career like this while also not being good at math. I need literally a calculator for everything.

[@violeta6846]

*?

[@skinnies1492]

I’m in the same boat 😩

[@pearspeedruns]

Wildlife rehabilitation; park ranger

[@nargeshany3090]

Random question but am I required to work all my life or is it like signing a deal for a certain period of time and then its okay to take a break from it all

[@kristina_lynn]

Your amount of vacation time depends on your country, company, and whether you're permanent vs seasonal. Permanent job offers you are expected to only take time off that you earn (vacation time), seasonal jobs you only sign up for a certain number of months then you can take time off. You can certainly quit a job for awhile and get a new job later but you need to have the money to live without working and not everyone does.

[@somebodyandthem]

I’ve worked with many people who have their masters degree and they get the same jobs with a bachelors.

[@priscillawillis6071]

Biologists get a degree and they can't get a job? Why don't employers look at people who care and that money wasn't the reason they got into it.