How Can I Become an Animal Handler at a Zoo?
Animal care and service workers are professionals who “train, feed, water, groom, bathe and exercise animals and clean, disinfect and repair their cages,” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Animal care and service workers include zoo caretakers, animal caretakers and animal trainers. Other job duties of animal care and service workers include playing with animals and observing their emotional states to help with early diagnosis of illness and to prevent injuries. Graduate from high school or obtain a high school diploma equivalent, such as a GED. This will allow a person to work on a base level in the animal caretaker field. Apply to an accredited college where you can get a bachelor’s degree in biology or animal science. “Many zoos require their caretakers to have a bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science or a related field,” according to the BLS. Volunteer at a zoo or complete an internship at a zoo. Most zoos ask that animal caretakers have “experience with animals, p
