16 Zookeeper Skills for Your Career and Resume

Zookeepers have a wide range of responsibilities, from feeding and cleaning animals to conducting research and educating the public. They need to be able to work with a variety of animals, as well as have strong communication skills to interact with zoo visitors. If you’re interested in becoming a zookeeper, learning about the necessary skills can help you determine if this is the right career for you.

Animal Behavior

Animal behavior is the way animals react to their environment. Zookeepers need to understand animal behavior so they can handle any situation that arises. For example, if a lion gets too close to a visitor, the zookeeper needs to know how to safely move the lion away from the public area. Animal behavior also helps keep the animals happy and healthy because it allows the zookeeper to notice when an animal might be sick or unhappy.

Physical Stamina

A large part of a zookeeper’s job is working outdoors, so physical stamina is an important skill for them to have. This job requires long periods of standing and walking as well as short bursts of activity like lifting animals or moving heavy objects. Having good physical stamina can help ensure that you stay healthy while performing your duties and are able to handle physically demanding situations if they arise.

Restraint

A zookeeper’s job requires them to maintain control of their emotions and remain calm in stressful situations. This is especially important when dealing with animals, as a nervous or anxious animal may become aggressive or defensive. Zookeepers must also be able to restrain animals for medical treatment or other purposes.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for zookeepers to have because they often interact with guests who visit the zoo. They need to be friendly and welcoming, as well as knowledgeable about the animals in their care. Zookeepers also need customer service skills when interacting with other staff members or volunteers at the zoo.

Safety Procedures

Safety is an important skill for a zookeeper to have, as they may be responsible for the safety of animals and humans alike. Having knowledge of proper safety procedures can help them ensure that everyone in their care remains safe at all times. For example, if a visitor gets too close to an animal, a zookeeper with safety skills might know how to intervene without putting either person in danger.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a skill that can help you in your career as a zookeeper. You may need to keep track of many different records and information about the animals in your care, so having strong attention to detail skills can help you be an effective zookeeper. For example, if you notice one animal has eaten all their food while another hasn’t had any yet, you might want to make sure each animal gets fed at the same time every day. This ensures they get the nutrition they need and helps you maintain accurate records.

Husbandry

Husbandry is the ability to care for animals and their habitats. This includes knowing how to feed, clean and maintain animal enclosures as well as understanding the needs of each species you work with. Husbandry skills are necessary for maintaining a healthy environment for your zoo’s residents and ensuring they remain happy and comfortable in their habitat.

Enrichment

Enrichment is the process of providing animals with activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. This can include hiding food in different locations, changing up feeding times or creating obstacle courses for them to navigate. Enrichment helps keep animals active and engaged while also encouraging natural behaviors.

Zookeepers may create enrichment programs themselves or work with animal care specialists who specialize in this area.

Observation Skills

Observation skills are important for zookeepers to have because they allow them to notice changes in their animals’ behavior and body language. This can help them identify when an animal is sick or injured, which can be helpful if the animal needs medical attention. It also allows them to notice when an animal might need a new habitat or enrichment materials so they can provide what the animal needs.

Patience

Zookeepers often work with animals that have their own unique personalities and behaviors. It’s important for zookeepers to be patient when working with these animals, as it can help them better understand the needs of each animal they care for. For example, some animals may need more time to warm up to a new person or situation than others. Being patient can allow zookeepers to build trust with their animals and establish positive relationships.

Public Speaking

Public speaking is the ability to communicate effectively in front of an audience. This skill can be useful for zookeepers who give tours or presentations about animals and conservation efforts. Public speaking also helps you explain animal behavior, answer questions from visitors and provide information about zoo programs.

Training

Zookeepers need to have training in animal care and management. This can include learning about the biology, habitats and diets of animals that are commonly found in zoos. It’s also important for zookeepers to learn how to handle emergency situations with animals and how to keep them safe from harm.

Zookeepers may be required to complete a certification program before they can work at a zoo. Certification programs vary by employer but can include courses on animal behavior, safety procedures and first aid.

Record Keeping

Keeping records of animal care is an important skill for a zookeeper to have. This can include information about the animals’ health, their diet and any other details that may be necessary for them to live healthy lives in captivity. Keeping track of this information can help you provide better care for your animals and ensure they remain happy and healthy.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. As a zookeeper, you may need to communicate with visitors about animal behavior or safety protocols. You also need to be able to explain complex animal biology and care practices to other zoo staff members. Communication skills are especially important when working in teams of animal care specialists who have different native languages.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. As a zookeeper, you may need to solve problems that arise in animal care or safety. For example, if an animal escapes its enclosure, you might use problem-solving skills to find and capture it safely. You also use problem-solving skills when caring for sick animals. You can assess the situation and determine what treatment options are available.

Zookeeping Techniques

Zookeepers need to have a variety of skills and techniques in order to perform their duties. For example, they may need to know how to handle animals that are sick or injured, how to feed the animals and how to clean animal habitats. They also need to be able to identify different species of animals and understand their needs.

How Can I Learn These Zookeeper Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a zookeeper. Many zoos offer internships or volunteer opportunities that can give you hands-on experience working with animals. You can also take classes at a community college or university that focus on animal science or biology. There are also a number of online courses that can teach you the basics of zookeeping. Finally, there are a number of professional organizations, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, that offer training programs and workshops on various aspects of zookeeping.