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Candidate Info
months in workforce
months at this job
Certificate
Biology
Zookeeper Intern
Cleaned exhibits and backholdings to ensure a sanitary environment for the animals.
- Prepared diets and fed animals as specified.
- Created enrichment activities designed to keep the animals from boredom.
- Observed veterinary procedures ranging from standard yearly exams to an animal injury.
- Worked in Expedition Madagascar with several types of lemurs, amphibians and reptiles, bats, and birds. Assisted in the Lied Jungle that housed many primates along with birds, bats, fish, and reptiles. The last department was the Scott Aquarium which housed penguins and puffins.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Wildlife Biology
Head Zookeeper/feline Curator
Managed the husbandry, care, diet preparation, and feeding of over 200 exotic and none-exotic animals.
- Supervised and trained two assistant zoo keepers.
- Hand-reared two day old Leopard until the age of one year.
- Oversaw and administered animal de-worming, antibiotics, and anesthesia.
- Transported exotic animals.
- Operated various types of heavy machinery.
- Served as Secretary of [company name] Corporation for 11 months.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Zoo Animal Technology
Veterinary Clinical Assistant
Zookeeper
Daily care and management of exotic animal collections which included venomous and non-venomous reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals that involved hoofstock, primates, cats, and marsupials.
- Prepared the diets for all animals in the zoo's collection based on their individual dietary needs.
- Assisted veterinarians in a variety of medical treatments and procedures and administered medications.
- Designed, created and implemented enrichments for a variety of animals to help maintain their quality of life and improve their overall physical health and conditioning.
- Expanded my hands-on experience, exposure, and education in all areas of animal handling. This includes; animal restraint, record keeping and documenting the daily observations and care for animal hygiene, food intake, their individual enrichment activities and how they responded to them, and the monthly fecal floats to check for worms.
- Involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of animal enclosures and habitats which provided a comfortable environment.
- Organized and gave both large and small group presentations, assisted with birthday parties, private showings, outreach programs, and tours.
- Trained and worked with educational animals to provide entertainment and education at outreach programs and community events.
- Knowledgeable in how to use the concepts of targeting, shifting and operant conditioning to gain positive behaviors from animals.
- Classroom training with a focus on breeding, restraint and handling, anatomy and physiology, enclosure design, quarantine procedures, and nutritional requirements of animals.
Candidate Info
months in workforce
months at this job
Biology
Biology
Zookeeper Intern
Provided care for native and exotic species including aquatic, hoofstock, cats, aviary, bears, etc. to optimize their health, contentment and presentation.
- Executed feeding and grooming schedules for daily assigned area(s).
- Cared for live animal colonies including aquatics and mice.
- Maintained and reported data on food consumption and general health status.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Biology
Zookeeper
- Responsible for daily husbandry of avian species and other wildlife
- Administered specific treatments to animals by medicating, disinfecting and maintaining habitats
- Assisted in compiling daily records on animal diet, enrichment, and behavior
- Conducted daily observations of animal health and activity
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Senior Zookeeper
Daily care and husbandry of various large hoofstock, large birds, and large cats. Responsibilities include preparing diets, feeding, providing enrichment and cleaning of animal areas. Assist with medical procedures and animal transfers when necessary.
- Complete daily medical and husbandry records for each animal and maintain current animal files. Update Enrichment and Training databases daily, or as needed.
- Maintain AZA, USDA and ZNE standards and safety of animal enclosures and exhibits.
- When Assistant Curator and/or Lead Keeper are not present, supervise other zookeepers in the area and oversee daily operations such as scheduling and coordinating with other departments.
- Primary trainer of Masai Giraffe herd. Have trained several other species. Continue to act as relief trainer for African Lion and Tiger.
- Animal Management Department representative of ZNE's Conservation Committee and ZNE's Safety Committee as well as Hooves and Horns Area representative of ZNE's Enrichment Committee
- Assist Director of Animal Resources in writing and updating ZNE Contingency plans to maintain compliance with USDA and AZA. Assist with scheduling and conducting 4 types of drills annually, along with other necessary staff training or presentations.
- Responsible for creating Storm Team standard operating procedures for when an overnight team is needed as a result of hazardous conditions. Assists DAR with conducting Storm Team meetings and staff training/preparation.
- Promoted from Zookeeper to Senior Zookeeper in June 2006.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Anthropology
Seasonal Zookeeper
Animal husbandry including enrichment, diet, and overall daily care
- Assisted with veterinary procedures and subsequent follow-up care
- Observed and recorded behaviors and habits
- Maintained exhibit and holding cleanliness
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Bachelor of Science
Zookeeper
- Responsible for provision of care for African primate section, and primary trainer for two monkey species.
- Cross-trained to care for African primates, small carnivores, birds, and hoofstock, including giraffes, zebras, sitatunga, and wildebeest.
- Maintain a healthy, suitable habitat for monkeys and other African animals in an independent and team environment.
- Train four African monkey species. Fulfilled numerous training goals related to specialized equipment used in the care and maintenance of zoo animals, including target training, squeeze cage training, crate training, scale training, and use of operant conditioning in behavioral training with primates. Trained behaviors are used for medical procedures and mental stimulation.
- Create new primate enrichment. Maintain and improve exhibits, including designing exhibit layout.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Zoology
Zookeeper
- Was responsible for the husbandry of many animal species
- Assisted the veterinarians with medical procedures by capturing and restraining animals
- Kept detailed daily records of behaviors, training, and enrichment
- Maintained cleanliness of enclosures
- Taught the public about the animals by docenting and giving keeper talks
- Carefully observed behaviors and reported any abnormalities to the supervisor
- Participated in animal training
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Biology
Zoology
Environmental Systems
Seasonal Zookeeper
Cleaned enclosures and gave diets for farm animals, aldabra tortoises, and a red-tailed hawk
- Provided enrichment for the above animals
- Administered prescribed medications
- General grounds keeping
- Enclosure maintenance
- Guest interaction and education
- Completed care documentation
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Psychology, Zoology
Primate Zookeeper
Care for a varied collection of primates and other animals, including, but not limited to: apes, old world monkeys, new world monkeys and prosimians
- Perform daily duties such as observe animal behavior for signs of illness and injury, prepare and feed animal diets, prepare and maintain detailed animal records, and maintain sanitary animal living conditions
- Participates in decisions pertaining to the future management of primate department collection
- Works daily with chimpanzees maintaining husbandry behaviors using operant conditioning
- Performs formal keeper talks with an emphasis on conservation issues
- Solid knowledge and ability to follow department specific and safety standard operating procedures
- Strong knowledge of zoo layout and general animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies
- Assist in animal procedures including, but not limited to, translocations, veterinary procedures and crating
- Participate in the maintenance, repair, and grounds keeping of department areas
- Train and directly over-see the work of interns
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
High School Diploma
Conservation
Zookeeper
- Clean enclosures using proper procedure for a variety of species ranging from cockatoos to African lions
- Effectively communicate with staff using radio devices and operate county owned vehicles
- Perform routine veterinary procedures such as nail trimming, bandage application, delivering medications, etc.
- Keep track of inventory and order supplies when necessary
- Attend monthly training sessions such as shotgun safety, enrichment seminars, etc.
- Complete detailed keeper logs listing any concerns
- Design and implement daily enrichment
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Anthropology And Biology
Zookeeper
Manage and evaluate animal introductions and enclosure changes
- Conduct animal area tours, visitor encounters, and televised interviews
- Conduct operant conditioning with collection for medical exams, transportation, and keeper talks
- Direct and supervise interns, students, and volunteers
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Certificate
Zookeeper
Clean all cages on a regular basis, deep clean any cages as needed
- Prepare and distribute fresh food to all animals; including exotic mammals and reptiles
- Prepare and distribute any enrichment/toys
- Check all animals for any signs of injury or illness
- Give any medication that may be needed
Candidate Info
year in workforce
year at this job
Wildlife Biology
Zookeeper
- Care of reptiles, amphibians and birds including cleaning enclosures, preparing diets, feeding, etc.
- Experience with various reptile species including venomous animals, monitor lizards, etc.
- Experience improving enclosures
- Performs presentations
- Supervises volunteers
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Biology
Zookeeper's Assistant and Forest Technician
Provided journeyman-level daily care of the Zoo animals
- Maintained and observed health, feeding and care of a variety of zoo animals.
- Assisted in the movement of animals as directed
- Assisted in public presentations
- Drove zoo vehicles to pick up supplies and materials as assigned.
- Supervise employees
- Created technician reports
- Enrichment and behavior in captive wildlife
- Interaction with tourist and students
- Tree trimming supervisor
- Practiced in vet assistance that included healthcare including treatment, vaccination, surgery, x-rays and other laboratory tests and procedures
Candidate Info
months in workforce
months at this job
Science
Volunteer Zookeeper
Prepared specialized diets for various exotic animals
- Assistant tour guide and spokesperson
- Monitored animal health and safety
- Accommodated zoo guest needs
- Caretaker in nursery
- More than 150 hours logged
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Zoology
Lead Zookeeper
- staff supervision of over 30 staff
- delegated tasks, made schedules, controlled animal decisions
- mc-d for the daily sea lion show
- helped establish proper husbandry standards
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Biology / Organismal / Ecology
Biology
Zookeeper
- Basic husbandry of various domestic and exotic animal species
- Animal enrichment and training
- Public/Private tours
- General Maintenance
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Wildlife Biology
Zookeeper II
- Basic animal husbandry duties
- Food preparation knowledge
- Accustomed to caring for large quantity of animals each day
- Responsible for hay and feed orders /deliveries
- Minor veterinary care
- Regular enclosure maintenance /repair
- Transferring /handling potentially dangerous animals
- Accustomed to working in hot, dusty, cold and wet conditions
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Biological Sciences
CZS Zookeeper Internship Program
Experience working with a variety of species, including: Okapi, Yellow-Backed duikers, Red-Flanked duikers, Red-billed Hornbills, Saddle-billed Storks, European white storks, Giant elephant shrews, and Red River hogs.
- Observed medical procedures at the animal hospital and assisted vet staff during procedures.
- Independently given zookeeper chats to guests while interacting with animals on exhibit.
- Animal husbandry - maintained high standards of cleanliness. Propping exhibits for animal relocation.
- Proficient in using "Keeper logs" (KLOGs) computer program to accurately record animal data collected on a daily basis, any medical issues or concerns and conveying this information to supervisors.
- Administering medication and documenting consumption.
- Preparation and observation of daily behavioral enrichment for each animal.
- Animal nutrition -accurately preparing animal diets and maintaining USDA standards.
Top Zookeeper
Resume Templates
Zookeeper Duties and Responsibilities
The duties of a Zookeeper may vary depending on the type of organization one works for, but there are several primary duties that are universal for most Zookeepers. We reviewed job online listings to identify the following core tasks and responsibilities
Feed and Groom Animals Zookeepers prepare appropriate diets for the animals in their care, as well as create and adhere to feeding schedules. Ordering food supplies is generally part of this task as well. Bathing and general grooming also are the responsibility of Zookeepers.
Clean and Maintain Animal Areas Habitats, enclosures and any other spaces the animals spend time in, such as training areas or cages, must be cleaned multiple times daily. Zookeepers are also tasked with identifying any areas in the exhibits that may need maintenance due to wear or damage.
Observe and Interact with Animals A large part of the Zookeeper's day involves observing animals and their daily behaviors. They must know how to identify when a particular animal appears unwell or injured. In captivity, animals often live longer than those in the wild and may be more likely to get ill. Zookeepers will also interact with the animals in their care, often providing toys and other stimuli, ensuring they receive adequate exercise and attention.
Train and Handle Animals A Zookeeper is often responsible for training animals, either for educational shows and programs or, more commonly, for preparing the animals for medical and grooming procedures. Using hand signals, commands and other techniques, Zookeepers train animals to perform particular behaviors or activities. Wild animals can be unpredictable and, depending on the animal, this kind of interaction can be one of the more dangerous parts of the job.
Educate Visitors Zookeepers often interact with the people who visit their workplaces, educating them about the animals they care for. This can include impromptu conversation while the zookeeper is performing his or her duties or more formal presentations.
Zookeeper Skills
It takes more than just a love of animals to be a Zookeeper. Zookeepers must exercise judgment, be detailed and observant, and be able to communicate well with coworkers and the public. Employers look for people with these following core skills. Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want Zookeepers with these core skills. If you want to work as a Zookeeper, focus on the following.- Understanding animal behavior
- Knowledge of animal handling and care techniques
- Experience with common grooming techniques, including caring for coats, cleaning ears and clipping nails
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, such as lifting heavy objects, bending and kneeling
- Ability to give educational talks to the public
- Experience administering basic health care and medical treatments for animals, such as injections
- Background in animal conservation
Zookeeper Resources
We found some great resources on the Web for those interested in becoming Zookeepers. This list full of learning opportunities and ways to engage in the world of Zookeepers. On the Web
Adventures of a Zookeeper - Zookeeper, Elise Newman shares her day to day adventures as a Zookeeper.
Keeper Notes - This page on the San Diego Zoo's website is full of articles by Zookeepers. On Twitter
@ZooKeeperRick - San Diego Zookeeper Rick shares stories and information about his profession.
@ZookeeperProbs - A humorous account for Zookeepers to share the fun and challenging parts of the job.
@tozookeepers - The Toronto Zoo's Zookeepers update this page with daily photos and news about the zoo and animals. Industry Groups
American Association of Zoo Keepers - Founded in 1967, the AAZK now has over 2,800 members representing almost 250 animal facilities.
Association of Zoos & Aquariums - The AZA is a global association dedicated to animal welfare and conservation efforts. Their site is full of useful resources and information.
