STEMTalks: Inside Scoop on Zookeeping

Do you want to work at a zoo or an aquarium?

Depending on your interests there are a variety of zoo and wildlife careers. Here are a few:

  • Zookeepers work the closest to the animals, big or small! They provide daily care including food, water, basic vet care, and clean and maintain the animal’s enclosures.

  • Animal curators manage the care of a certain portion of animals at the institution like mammals, birds, fish, reptiles. With the help of keepers, they encourage breeding, apply medicines, and study animal behavior.

  • Zoo veterinarians and veterinarian technicians provide basic healthcare for all animals.

  • Conservation Biologists/Zoologists provide scientific and technical assistance in managing the animal collection and assist in conducting various research or field conservation projects. Their work frequently overlaps with that of curators and veterinarians.

  • Curators of Exhibits prepare descriptions of animals for signage or design habitats that simulate those found in nature.

  • Curators of Education plan and implement the institution’s education programs including school programs, summer camps, or animal.

In this episode of AAAS STEMTalks we interviewed Kevin Hils, the Collections Manager of Ornithology, from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

Resources:

Further Exploration:

After watching the video, can you answer these questions:

  1. What does ornithology mean? (Hint: see 02:25 in video)

  2. What do you think the Collections Manager role or daily tasks are at a zoo?

  3. Can you guess where each of the five birds found in this video are from?

  4. What does the term “banding” mean? Why do scientists band birds? (Hint: re-watch 06:48 - 07:30)

  5. What is the closest zoo, aquarium, or wildlife park near you? What unique animals do they care for?

If you have more questions, or want to ask Mr. Hils a question, write it in the comment section below.

To Do or Learn More:

THE AAAS STEMTALKS INTERVIEW SERIES AIMS TO INSPIRE KIDS BY CONNECTING THEM TO REAL-LIFE SCIENTISTS AND SHOWCASING THE INCREDIBLE DIVERSITY OF STEM CAREERS.