Working with animals is something that many people would love to do in their professional lives. It may seem like fun and games but working with and around animals is an intense and challenging job. Zoos and safaris employ several employees to look after the health and wellbeing of all the animals. These zookeepers have a unique role, unlike any other in the world of employment. If you’re fancying a career change or are working your way into the industry – what are some of the key traits and qualities that you will need to be a successful zookeeper?

Strength and Fitness

You may not immediately associate fitness with such a job, but zookeeping is a very manual and labour-intensive role. Tasks such as feeding and maintaining habitats are physically demanding and you will have to be comfortable being on your feet in safety boots for most of the day. This means that zookeepers must have an above-average level of fitness and conditioning. Furthermore, work conditions can be extreme at any time of the year. Heavy rain, freezing cold or scorching sun are all common in the UK and this makes zookeeping even tougher.

Confidence around animals

To work in close quarters with animals, many much larger than humans, takes confidence, courage and calmness. It’s common thinking that many animals can sense fear, and this can dictate how they interact with humans. Being comfortable around animals, big or small, is an absolute must if you’re wanting to become a zookeeper.

Care and Empathy

All animals in conservation should be cared for and appreciated like the wonderful creatures that they are. Zookeepers should have a caring touch and empathy much like you would need if you worked in social care. Happy and healthy animals are more likely to please visitors, so it’s more than just health and wellbeing. If you don’t care about the well-being of all animals alike then maybe zookeeping isn’t for you.

Attention to detail

Attention to detail is a significant skill that you will need if you work around animals. Administering medication and managing feeding patterns is crucial to maintain the health of animals around the zoo. Using the wrong medicine or feeding animals the wrong food can be life-threatening, which is something that has to be avoided – particularly when working with endangered species.

Communication

You may think that communication with animals is redundant, but communication is very common in a zoo environment. Animals will show signs of their mood or health, while humans have to portray the right body language and respect when around larger animals. Communication is also important with visitors, as zookeepers often answer questions and inform them about different species and the challenges they may face in the wild.

Do you think you have what it takes to be a zookeeper?