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:
AAAS STEMTalks: Inside Scoop on Zookeeping Video (video to the right)
What Do You Do with All That Poo? (optional read)
Further Exploration:
After watching the video, can you answer these questions:
What does ornithology mean? (Hint: see 02:25 in video)
What do you think the Collections Manager role or daily tasks are at a zoo?
Can you guess where each of the five birds found in this video are from?
What does the term “banding” mean? Why do scientists band birds? (Hint: re-watch 06:48 - 07:30)
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:
Did you know there is a Zoo School? These are high school programs scattered around the US for older students interested in jump starting their education.
Discover inside secrets that happen inside a zoo with Animal Planet’s The Zoo or The Aquarium series, or National Geographic’s Secrets of the Zoo!
Other excellent sources of information on zoo careers are the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). Each is a website that provides insights on preparing for a zoo career and lists job opportunities in zookeeping.
Plan a visit to your local zoo or aquarium, and thank the keepers!
Smithsonian National Zoo’s FAQ on Zoo and Wildlife Careers.