ANIMAL CARE TEAM

Sorry we currently have no vacancies in this department

Have you got what it takes to be a member of our Animal Care Team? Take a look below to find out if this is the job for you. You can download the information here.

So You Want to Be a Zoo Keeper?

Hello, I am a member of the Animal Care Team at Tropical Wings.

I won’t insult your intelligence by saying “it isn’t all cuddling bunnies!” – if you’ve got as far as looking at this Vacancies page you’re sure to be aware that the job isn’t as glamorous as some people think. (It seems to be about 2% “cuddling bunnies” and 98% mucking out)

But here are a few questions and answers (most of which I get asked on a regular basis) which might help you make up your mind:

Q: What qualifications do I need?
A: Of course qualifications are important, and you should try to do the best you can, to whatever level you feel capable of, but remember – most animal collections need someone who has real experience of animal care, not just a piece of paper from a place of learning!

Q: But I’ve only ever looked after pets – that’s not the same as exotic species is it?
A: No, you will need to do research in your own time if you want to look after specialist animals, but most places will give extra training as part of the job. Also remember that basic animal care is the same, whatever the species (they all need the correct feeding, welfare, attention etc.) so if you can look after a guinea pig you’re already on the way to caring for a tiger – though being mauled by a guinea pig is probably not quite so bad!

Q: Isn’t it great to be working outdoors instead of being cooped up in an office?
A: Yes! But it’s not for everyone. Most people only visit on a lovely sunny day, but animals have no regard for the weather and expect to be fed and mucked out (yes, there’s a lot of that mucking out business!) every day – in the sunshine, and the rain, and the hail, and the snow…. Get my drift?!

Q: I love animals but I’m not really good with people. Can I still work in a zoo?
A: Some zoos, wildlife parks etc. need hard-working people backstage to care for the animals without coming into contact with the public, but most are not only conservation establishments but also tourist attractions (without visitors where would they get the money for their conservation work?) and as such they need the majority of their staff to represent them in a confident and friendly manner at all times. Most, like Tropical Wings, have public talks, encounters or other sessions which are presented by the animal care team. So although you might be lucky enough to find a job where you don’t have to meet people, most zoos need someone who is capable of both caring for the animals plus interacting with the visitors. Be positive – if you love your job and the animals you care for, that inspiration and interest will come across when you talk about them.

Q: What’s the pay like?
A: Forget it! If you’re thinking about money at this stage, animal care is not for you. Believe me; nobody in this job is doing it for the money!

Q: Is it all worth it?
A: YES YES YES!!! I can honestly say that never a day goes past when I don’t thank my lucky stars that I have, without doubt, the best job in the whole world. If my answers haven’t put you off, and you still think you want to be a zookeeper, may I be the first to congratulate you on your wise choice … and wish you every success for the future!

Now check out our Animal Care Team Vacancies page – if there’s nothing currently available, keep checking – the website is updated regularly. Good Luck!