Zookeeper

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• animal or zoo management
• animal behaviour and welfare
• zoology or marine zoology
• animal conservation and biodiversity
• veterinary science
• biology

Zoos vary in what qualifications they ask for and it can depend on what their zookeepers are going to do.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could do a course before applying to a zoo for a trainee zookeeper's job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management
• Level 3 Diploma in Animal Care or Animal Science
• Biology A level

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could start by doing an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in animal care and welfare. This may help you to get a job as a trainee keeper with a zoo.

You could also do a keeper or aquarist advanced apprenticeship, depending on where you work.

You may be able to specialise in training zoo animals by completing an animal trainer higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could complete a Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) if you're working in a zoo or aquarium.

You can volunteer in a zoo or wildlife centre to get experience. This will be important, as there's a lot of competition for trainee jobs. You could get experience volunteering at:

• kennels, farms or riding stables
• animal sanctuaries or rescue homes

Any experience you can get working with the public will also be helpful preparation for educating visitors to the zoo. Many animal charities offer opportunities to promote animal welfare directly to the public, or online, through social media campaigns.

Further information

You can find out more about working in zoos from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

In this role you could:

• prepare food and feed animals
• clean out enclosures and change bedding
• check for signs of distress or disease
• work with a vet to care for sick animals
• check enclosures for signs of wear or damage
• monitor conditions like temperature and humidity
• keep daily healthcare records on paper and computer

You could work at a zoo or at a wildlife park.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.