How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
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
- animal biology
It may help later when looking for work, if you do a course that includes work placements or an internship. You can search for courses through the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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
College
You could do a course before applying to a zoo for a trainee assistant zookeeper's job. Courses include:
- animal care
- biology
- animal care and welfare management
- T Level in Animal Care and Management
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an animal welfare centre, wildlife park or zoo. Options include:
- Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Animal Care and Welfare Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Keeper and Aquarist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
You may be able to specialise in training zoo animals by completing an Animal Training Instructor Level 4 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
Work
You could start work as a keeper's assistant in a zoo or aquarium.
Once working, and with the backing of your employer, you could enrol on the 2-year Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA).
The Diploma may lead onto higher education training or opportunities to apply for more senior roles at your place of work.
Volunteering
There's a lot of competition for courses and trainee jobs, so getting work experience and volunteering at a zoo or aquarium is an excellent way to improve your career prospects.
If you're volunteering for at least 1 day a week, you may be able to do a Certificate in Management of Zoos and Aquarium Animals for Volunteers (CMZAAV). This is offered by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and gives you a foundation to build on for a career in zookeeping.
You can also get experience by volunteering at:
- kennels, farms or riding stables
- animal welfare sanctuaries or rescue centres
More Information
Career tips
Any experience of working with the public will be good preparation for educating zoo and wildlife centre visitors.
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.