All Job Categories
Zookeeper
Keeper, animal keeper
Zookeepers look after animals in zoos, safari parks and aquariums.
Average salary (a year)
£14000
Starter
£25000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in
animal or zoo management, animal behaviour and welfare, zoology or marine zoology, animal conservation and biodiversity, veterinary science, biology
Zoos vary in what qualifications they ask for and it can depend on what their zookeepers are going to do.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could do a course before applying to a zoo for a trainee zookeeper's job. Relevant courses include
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, Level 3 Diploma in Animal Care or Animal Science, Biology A level, T Level in Animal Care and Management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in animal care and welfare. This may help you to get a job as a trainee keeper with a zoo.
You could also do a keeper or aquarist advanced apprenticeship, depending on where you work.
You may be able to specialise in training zoo animals by completing an animal trainer higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could complete a Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) if you're working in a zoo or aquarium.
Volunteering
You can volunteer in a zoo or wildlife centre to get experience. This will be important, as there's a lot of competition for trainee jobs. You could get experience volunteering at:kennels, farms or riding stables, animal sanctuaries or rescue homes
Any experience you can get working with the public will also be helpful preparation for educating visitors to the zoo. Many animal charities offer opportunities to promote animal welfare directly to the public, or online, through social media campaigns.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about working in zoos from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    The ability to work well with others
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    The ability to use your initiative
    Customer service skills
    Knowledge of biology
    To be flexible and open to change
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Related Restrictions
pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In this role you could
prepare food and feed animals, clean out enclosures and change bedding, check for signs of distress or disease, work with a vet to care for sick animals, check enclosures for signs of wear or damage, monitor conditions like temperature and humidity, keep daily animal welfare records, supervise trainee keepers and animal care workers, run education workshops and give talks to visitors
Working environment
You could work at a zoo or at a wildlife park.
You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
In larger zoos, wildlife parks or aquariums, you could progress from keeper to team leader or head keeper.
You might need to relocate to another part of the country to work your way up into higher positions, as competition for senior jobs can be tough.
With experience and a degree, you could become a curator. You could also move into education or conservation research.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
Powered by
Claim your school or college profile