Looking for a career change?
Whether you’re feeling the need to move on from your current position or perhaps you’ve just got that delightful Leaving Cert over you, but either way, there’s one job that’s likely to prove very interesting.
Having had a look at the Dublin Zoo website, (can’t help it because we are just obsessed with the elephants), there’s some information on what it takes to be a zookeeper.
In no particular order, here are just some of the requirements.
Long hours
Busy days
Physical work (often in dirty and smelly conditions)
Organisational skills (keep daily records of animals’ behaviour, health and diet)
Adept communicators (with both the animals and visitors to the zoo)
So, you want to be a zookeeper?
Here are some tips to consider if you want to be a zookeeper. https://t.co/cLJ66Tf1MO pic.twitter.com/6dxTaCGoCC— Dublin Zoo (@DublinZoo) August 15, 2017
According to the website, there are several ways to go about becoming a zookeeper. One option is to apply for a degree in zoology although this isn’t strictly necessary.
All Dublin Zoo keepers have the Zoo Animal Management Qualification and you can find out more on their website here.
Other recommended reading if you think this might be the occupation for you include the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
