Zookeepers take care of some of the largest and smallest creatures in captivity, from African elephants to Amazonian frogs.
Depending on the zoological park or aquarium in which they work, keepers may be assigned to care for a broad group of animals such as mammals, birds, or reptiles, or they may work with a more specific collection of animals such as primates or large cats.
Zookeepers prepare balanced diets for the animals in their care. Many animals, especially the more exotic breeds, eat only certain foods; for example, koalas eat only the leaves of eucalyptus trees.
In addition to preparing the animals' meals, zookeepers feed the animals, which can be a complicated undertaking: some can be fed only in the daytime while others must be fed at night. The animals must be fed every day, so keepers frequently work on weekends and holidays.
The responsibilities of zookeepers also include watering, bathing, and exercising the animals, and cleaning, disinfecting, and repairing their cages or tanks.
Because zookeepers spend so much time with the animals, they can provide zoo managers with valuable information on:
- animal behavior
- interactions
- health concerns
- environmental factors
- conservation efforts
Zookeepers must be well informed so they can answer questions from zoo visitors.
Source:
Zookeeper Job Description, Career as a Zookeeper, Salary, Employment
