About the Course – Zoo Keeping

Zookeeper course gives an introduction to the core basics of zookeeping, such as animal care, welfare, diet, enrichment, captive breeding and enclosure design. It even dips into topics like conservation and a zookeeper’s role in educating the public.A zookeeper, sometimes referred as animal keeper, is a person who manages zoo animals that are kept in captivity for conservation or to be displayed to the public.They are usually responsible for the feeding and daily care of the animals. As part of their routine, the zookeepers may clean the exhibits and report health problems. They may also be involved in scientific research or public education, such as conducting tours and answering questions.

 A zookeeper’s responsibilities usually include feeding, maintaining and cleaning the animals, diet preparation, behavioral observation, record keeping, exhibit maintenance and providing environmental enrichment for the animals in their care.^] Some also conduct behavioral or reproductive research on a species and participate in public education through talks, programs or shows. They are expected to clean enclosures every day. They look for any signs of injuries or illness in the animals, and in the case of sickness or injury, the keeper is responsible for contacting a veterinarian, and sometimes a zookeeper will assist a veterinarian.

Some zookeepers train the animals to make caring for them easier. For example, a zookeeper can train an elephant to lift their feet so that a veterinarian can check them more easily.^] Some zookeepers are responsible for informing an audience, in an exhibit or presentation, about certain types of animals and their behavioral characteristics. They also talk about experiences with the animal, and answer questions. The keeper is also responsible for lecturing the visiting public on how to behave responsibly toward the exhibited animals.

Career Prospect

A zookeeper’s daily routine usually involves cleaning the animals, watching their behavior, taking care of the exhibit, feeding, cleaning, and maintaining the animals.  They also are involved with the animals diet, keeping records and providing enrichment for the animals that they are in charge of.

Career Opportunity

Vet Tech, Veterinarian, Zoologist, Aquarist, Zoo Director, or General Curator

Employment Opportunity

According to the website Indeed.com, they make an average of $28,000 a year.

Course Available by Providers

The courses are generally provided at Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor (UG) and Master (PG) levels.

COURSES UNDER AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND VETERINARY SCIENCE