Anonymous asked:

Hi, I want to become a zookeeper, and would like to know a couple things if you're ok with sharing them. What sort of studies did you pursue or wish you had pursued? What does the future of zoos/zookeeping look like to you, and are you satisfied with where the field is going? What's a common misconception people attempting to enter your field have about it? If I have a good idea of which animals I want to work with, should I attempt to specialize in school or keep an open mind? If you were to answer even one of these questions, it would be an enormous help. Tysm

I have degrees in biology and psychology, with a focus in animal behavior. I was accepted into and started a biology PhD program, but I realized it was really not an ideal path for what I wanted to do, so I did not complete it.

I think zoos have made a lot of progress in the last 20 years alone, in terms of replicating animals’ natural environment and focusing on the science - not entertainment. I see a strong focus on conservation efforts and education, and I am satisfied with where the field is going.

What many young people who want to enter the field don’t realize is that it involves a lot of tedious, repetitive, and physically demanding work.

As far as working with specific animals, I really do recommend you keep an open mind. You might be surprised to find out that you really enjoy working with a different species. Plus, so many people vie for positions working with the “elite” animals that you may have difficulty finding a place, especially if it’s something really highly specialized.