Zookeepers

Zookeepers feed, provide water for and monitor the health of animals in zoos, aquaria and wildlife parks, clean, fix and maintain animal cages, and inform visitors about animals.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Prepares, cleans, disinfects and maintains comfortable cages and enclosures
  • Transports food, fills water troughs and feeds animals according to their individual needs
  • Maintains animal health records, treats minor injuries and reports serious conditions to veterinarians
  • Exercises and plays with animals, answers visitor questions and transfers animals between enclosures by leading or carrying them
  • Dusts and sprays insecticides on animals and immerses them in insecticide baths to control insect pests

Key values of workers in Zookeepers

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Top skills required for workers in Zookeepers

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Coordination

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Service Orientation

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.