Why work in a zoo?
As our planet’s natural ecosystem continues to shrink, our need to understand the wildlife we share it with is only increasing. Consequently, zoos and aquariums have become more important than ever, not just as places where these endangered species can thrive in a safe environment, but also as special centres where important research can be carried out to help us understand how we can protect them more efficiently in the wild. Zoos employ a wide range of skilled individuals with backgrounds in physics, chemistry, and biology, to do everything from working out what an armadillo eats (insects and berries, as it happens) to preparing a lion for release into captivity – yes, even animals need visas to travel. As a result, working in this kind of setting requires dedication and quite a lot of work (after all, it’s not like the residents will ever stop wanting to be fed and watered), but it also means being part of a large, energetic team that’s helping to prevent important species from exti
