Steps to take to be a zoo keeper? Anyone know

Ok this is very premature. DD1 is 11 and wants to be a zoo keeper if thats what you call it. Basically where she can care for a breed of animal at the zoo. We live very close to the Western Plains Zoo although I do believe its very difficult to get a job there unless its in the kiosk. So I was wondering if anyone knows what steps she could take to maximise her chances down the track? Although her mind will probably change (its never has yet) is there anything she can do as she gets older to help her get a job there over others? She has asked me what uni degree she has to do. I wouldn't have a clue but I do want to encourage her to go for it if thats what she wants and point her in the right direction.

She has been nagging me to do that WIRES course for years now so she can take in injured animals etc but I don't think she is old enough or has the time with schooling to do that.

A girl i went to school with did zoology at uni and still has not got a job in zoo currently working in vet clinic, she has had short jobs and volunteer jobs at zoo.

Good luck to her

Wow i hope she decides to take this career path, what an experience she'd have! I just found this site, Its for Victoria but i guess all states would be roughly the same

Becoming a Zookeeper - Zoos Victoria


Qualifications in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry, veterinary nursing or other animal-related disciplines and/or husbandry experience with farm animals, domestic animals, or wildlife.

HTH :)

what a wonderful mum you are! It is fantastic that you want to be able to support her Journey. I have a friend who works at Western plains zoo...as a zoo keeper. Volunteering will make a big difference, I don't know how old you have to be to start though. The WIRES course is a great idea too. Volunteering at the zoo, if you can, or the RSPCA/animal shelters can help. I found this link - maybe you saw it already - So, you want to be a Zoo Keeper! | Taronga Conservation Society Australia. My friend did a bachelor of science (biology), but has probably done specific certificate courses too. She volunteered for a long time at taronga zoo and worked for RSPCA before landing her job.

When I was 10 I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, it is very wise to acknowledge her and take her seriously. well done mumma!

Aww good luck to her, i would ask the school if they have a careers counsellor that could give you an idea of what would be the best subjects for her to take and what she needs to aim for once she's in uni etc.
For now though i'd suggest maybe even e-mailing the zoo, explaining as you have here that you have a daughter interested in their field and what their advice for her would be.
Could you organise for a birthday present or something a day at the zoo and do one of their overnight stays, meet the animals etc and talk to the handlers ??

When she's old enough, getting any kind of job there (even in the kiosk) is sure to help her - you gotta start somewhere! The course where you can take in and look after sick animals is sure to help too, any experience with a range of animals would help her. Plus when she's old enough, work experience would be a great benefit. I second doing zoology/veterinary science at Uni, but I reckon she'll really need to get her foot in the door if it's hard to get a job there. Good luck to her!

Thank you all so much for your replies. Such good suggestions.

Feeb thats what I was worried about as I know its hard to get a job there. I'd hate for her to do a degree and not get employment so thought if she started as soon as she was old enough maybe she will be a more desirable employee. Volunteer work would be great as she could start that when she was a little older.

Catherine in Kindergarten I wanted to be a nurse and that never changed. By Year 7 I wanted to be a midwife and thats exactly what I am (a nurse/midwife) thats one of the reasons I want ot help her now or in the near future if she does stick to that path as unlike nursing been a zookeeper doesn't have the employment opportunites nursing does.

Zarava good idea about the zoo stay. I should get her an annual pass.

Bec and Catherine thanks for the links.

Hi Mildez - Will pm you :)

I did a couple of Tate courses, firstly cert 2 in animal studies, then cert 4 in captive animals, takes two year but is worth it, you also have to do a work placement which basically gets your foot in the door and I'm no sure on the age limits but volunteering always looks good. Best of luck for your DD it's the best job every IMO :p