Work Abroad
How To Become A Zookeeper In Australia
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Do you have a passion for animals, wildlife, and conservation? If so, you should consider a career in zookeeping! If you want to become a zookeeper in Australia, you will have to obtain a qualification in animal care among other requirements.
A zookeeper’s job is so fascinating and rewarding but sometimes challenging. Each day, you will have to undergo different tasks which may be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. However, to become a zookeeper in Australia is to contribute to the lives of various animals which is quite interesting.
In this article, we will delve into details of how to become a zookeeper in Australia. So, let’s get started!
Why Become A Zookeeper?
If you are a lover of animals and you derive joy in taking care of different types of animals, a zookeeper job awaits you! You may have to experience what it’s like taking care of different kinds of animals like the large predators and venomous snakes. As well as native Australian animals such as kangaroos and koalas. Below are some of the reasons you might want to consider a career as a zookeeper. Let’s dive in!
- Conservation: You will have the opportunity to play an essential role in wildlife conservation and save endangered species. Most of the endangered species are at the peak of extinction due to the lack of proper wildlife care. As such, zookeepers play a vital role in helping to protect endangered species and in wildlife conservation.
- Reward: There is a type of joy attached to saving animal species facing extinction. You should experience that joy! Furthermore, taking care of animals can be quite satisfying and rewarding. Most especially true if you work for organizations that I’ve priority to the well-being of animals and their future.
- Taking care of a variety of species: Aside from working with companion animals like dogs and cats, zookeepers usually work with a broader range of animals. As such it could make a working week not only interesting but engaging too.
- Sharing knowledge: Zookeepers are distinctively equipped with knowledge about various animals. Meanwhile, they usually share this knowledge about animals and their environments with the general public, including children.
- Forming special bonds with animals: Working as a zookeeper will allow you to form a close relationship with an animal or animal species. Therefore, it’s a unique experience for people who dedicate their careers to animal care.
Responsibilities Of A Zookeeper
To become a zookeeper in Australia is not just about being close to wild animals and feeding lions with fresh chunks of meat daily. Though it does involve the preparation of food for the animals, other equally important tasks will require your attention. As a zookeeper, your major responsibilities include the following. Scroll down!
1. Care And Maintenance Of Animal Spaces
If you’re a lover of animals and so passionate about their welfare, you’ll always want them to stay in a comfortable and clean environment. Meanwhile, it implies that you will be responsible for the cleanliness of their spaces, starting from their sleeping area to their playing or resting areas. Furthermore, you will have to disinfect their enclosures to keep them safe and not exposed to harmful pests and germs.
2. Animal Nutrition And Feeding Regimes
As a zookeeper, you will be responsible for preparing and providing appropriate diets for the animals in your care. Also, you must ensure that each animal gets the proper nutrition and dietary requirements. Although, this is frequently done under the advice and recommendations of a veterinarian.
3. Observation And Record Keeping For Animals
As a zookeeper, you’ll need to keep detailed records about each animal under your care. These details may include names and ages of the animals, nutritional diaries, and any treatments the sick animals may be undergoing. As well as any other essential information that’s necessary for their well-being.
4. Caring For Injured And Sick Animals
Animals usually require medical attention from time to time, just like we humans do. Therefore, a zookeeper must work with animal health care professionals like veterinarians and veterinary nurses to ensure that sick animals receive the adequate care and attention they need to recover fully.
5. Capturing And Restraining Animals
From time to time, you may need to help other zoo personnel capture and restrain animals. For animal health care checkups, maintain enclosures, or relocate an animal. However, some zoos may require you to capture and restrain animals in the wild. Such animals may be threatened by extinction through natural attrition, human activity, or require treatment.
6. Zoo Visitors And Education Programs
The majority of zoos rely strongly on human visitors to fund their programs. With these programs, zookeepers also educate the community about animal conservation and their environments. As such, they are usually required to maintain facilities to accommodate visitors.
Steps To Become A Zookeeper In Australia
Becoming a zookeeper may be quite fascinating, especially if you are passionate about wildlife care and conservation. However, the process of applying for this position may be challenging and also competitive. Below are some steps that can help you secure a zookeeper’s position. Read on!
1. Obtain A Qualification In Animal Care
In Australia, there is no set qualification required to become a zookeeper. However, you may likely be faced with intense competition to secure an entry-level zookeeper position. Therefore, we recommend that you have a related qualification and experience working either with animals in a zoo or captive animal environment.
With this, you will stand a better chance of becoming a zookeeper in Australia. Below are some recommended courses of study:
- Certificates or Diplomas in Animal Care.
- Certificate III in Captive Animals.
- A degree in Zoology, Science, Wildlife Conservation, Veterinary Nursing, Biology, or other animal-related courses.
2. Get Experience Working With Animals
To prepare for a zookeeping job, you need to acquire some experience working with animals first. Look for paid or volunteer experience working with animals.
3. Maintain Physical Fitness
Working as a zookeeper is physically demanding. Therefore, you may be required to demonstrate a level of fitness and endurance to complete your daily tasks. Most positions will also require you to work approximately 8 hours every day with the bulk of it outdoors irrespective of the weather. In addition, these physically demanding tasks include lots of walking, shoveling, raking enclosures, repetitive lifting, and pushing loaded wheelbarrows.
