What should I study if I want to become a zookeeper?

What should I study if I want to become a zookeeper?

Daniel Simmonds (Zookeeper) gives expert video advice on: What did you have to do to become a zookeeper?; Is it a well paid job?; Do you become very attached to the animals you work with? and more...

If someone perhaps is still at school and looking at becoming a zoo keeper, I'd say definitely focus on your science subjects, particularly things like biology. If you're looking at going to university, it's definitely worth looking at some of the scientific courses that you can go on, obviously zoology being a key one. But it's also important to mention that it is not a prerequisite to have a zoology degree or a similar type of degree to be a zoo keeper. You can also look at the root of getting some hands on experience first to help you become a zookeeper. That could be anything. Like applying to one of the voluntary schemes like that which we have at ZSL London zoo, to be a voluntary keeper for perhaps a year or two years. Or even volunteer at a local veterinary practice or something like an open farm of which there are so many in so many cities. But generally, I think zookeeping is quite an open minded field to move into, in terms of the recruitment requirements. I think anyone who is thinking about becoming a zookeeper should consider themselves a likely candidate if they've got the right state of mind and they are prepared to work really hard.