Zookeepers

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that job opportunities for animal care and service workers will grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2029. However, employment prospects for zoo animal care workers will not be as strong because the field is so small and competition for jobs is very high. Each year, there are many more applicants than positions available. 

Opportunities arise mainly through attrition, which is lower than in many other professions, or the startup of a new facility. For example, the opening in 1998 of Disney's Animal Kingdom and the Long Beach Aquarium created a ripple effect throughout the entire industry as experienced personnel migrated to Florida and California, respectively, and jobs for new hires and promotions opened up at dozens of institutions.

As the preservation of animal species becomes more complicated, there will be a continuing need for zoo staff to work to preserve endangered wildlife and educate the public about conservation. The demand will increase for well-educated personnel who will be responsible for much more than simply feeding the animals and cleaning their enclosures. Zookeepers will need more knowledge as zoos expand and become more specialized. The amount of knowledge and effort necessary to maintain and reproduce a healthy animal collection will keep zookeepers in the front line of animal care.

Pursuing a job in this area is well worth the effort for those who are dedicated to providing care for rapidly diminishing animal species and educating the public about the fate of endangered animals and the need to preserve their natural habitats.