Animal caretaking?

[franticfeathers]

I am a high school student doing a research paper regarding a career I'm interested in pursuing. I am interested in some type of animal caretaking, such as keepers at the zoo who maintain the habitats, feed, and care for the animals. I want to work directly with wild animals, like the stuff you see on Animal Planet with Jeff Corwin. I need some questions answered regarding this career path and was really hoping to find someone here who may have knowledge or experience in such a career. I'd really appreciate it.

[PowerBBS]

Originally Posted by franticfeathers

I am a high school student doing a research paper regarding a career I'm interested in pursuing. I am interested in some type of animal caretaking, such as keepers at the zoo who maintain the habitats, feed, and care for the animals. I want to work directly with wild animals, like the stuff you see on Animal Planet with Jeff Corwin. I need some questions answered regarding this career path and was really hoping to find someone here who may have knowledge or experience in such a career. I'd really appreciate it.

A career in Zoology (the study of animals) sounds like a pretty good plan. It is actually a career of a lot of work and study. Don't be fooled by the TV shows and the people you see at the Zoo's who apparently "play" and just "take care of" the animals. Less than 15% of the people who go down this career path end up actually working with animals. In many cases these types of careers involve a lifetime of case study and review. Those people spend hours a day doing research and study to keep ontop of their field. This field is typically headed by a degree in biological science. In many cases it is also followed by schooling in vetrinary care.

Here's a good URL I just found that can give you some ideas and start you on your way! Career Profile: Zoologist

Congradulations on your decision to not just love animals, but to also understand and care for them as well! Keep your head up. Sounds like you're about to enter into a great new and exciting field.

[DarwinTheSun]

I think it is great you are interested in this as a career option! I would suggest that you try and figure out exactly what where your animal interests lie, and start volunteering or get a paying job somewhere to start getting experience. Believe me, these jobs are almost all, work your way up, so don't expect to get paid big bucks. But if you want to work with wildlife, figure out what kind. Zookeeping is only one opton. You could be in forestry, wildlife vet, and rehab, etc. A degree will certainly help you (so keep college in mind!). But I agree with PowerBBS, it usually doesn't lead to animal planet stardom. However, you can find a career that excites you everyday and that is more important! Good luck!

[franticfeathers]

Thank you very much for your replies.
I really am not concerned with high pay or stardom, so don't get me wrong. By referring to Animal Planet, I just meant that these shows get me inspired, as does the series Planet Earth. Basically what I'm looking for is a career and life with wild animals. I am taking environmental science, which is what has gotten me interested in such a career. I've always loved animals but now I'm learning so much about them that I just want to help and work with them.

[cece123]

First things first! You will need to become a veternarian. After that you can do anything, but you need that degree first. I dont know how old you are, but you need to talk the person at your high school that helps with getting students scholarships, and its never to early, and you need to PRESS THE FACT! Unless of course your parents are rich. IF NOT, you will need the help. I promise you, if you do these things you will have your dream job!

[Nazir's]

Jeff Corwin is a wildlife biologist.

[cece123]

You can change Veternarian for Wildlife Biologist, but either way, a degree is what you will need. And dont knock high pay, it will pave the way to your dreams, and you'll be able to help others along the way!

[birdsnreps]

even a plain old biology degree will land you a job at a zoo or rehab center.

[birdlady49]

Even while you're in school, you can volunteer at animal rescue groups and/or humane societies and/or foundations that specialize in helping endangered wildlife. Here in Denver, for example, the Zoo is always looking for volunteers, even if it's something as non-scientific as cleaning out the pens.

[greencinacheeks]

I was happy to find this thread!!! as i am actually looking at just what you are for college, I was thinking of Wildlife Biologist or marine bio. can't decide. hmmm?