Why would you like to work in a zoo?
To the question “ how to work in a zoo ”, it will be beneficial to first answer the question “ why work in a zoo ”.
Find out about your motivation to work in a wildlife park. Indeed, working in a zoo is not an easy professional situation, especially if you are a pet caregiver.
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A wildlife park is the ideal place to observe and share rare moments with animals of very diverse species. But working in a wildlife park does not leave much time for contemplation. Indeed, there are many daily activities.
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Working as an animal caregiver in a wildlife park offers special moments, but it is also a real commitment to the animals and the establishment. Here is a female Bennett’s wallaby with her young. What studies are needed to work in a zoo?
A wildlife park can be public or private. But it is always a structure involving several professions. If we primarily keep animals. But, of course, a zoological establishment employs administrative staff. Sometimes, technical staff and for the larger structures, biologists and veterinarians.
Working as an animal caregiver
It is preferable to head towards an animal care school recognized by the profession. Most of these schools and training centers recruit their candidates after the baccalaureate. Some are accessible without a baccalaureate, but generally from the age of 18. At the end of this article, you will find a link to the index of specialized schools and training centers.
If schools recruit from 18 years old with a baccalaureate and previous experience in a zoological park, it may be interesting to join them with a 2-year degree or more.
Indeed, we often meet trainers who have completed a BTSA, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree before entering specialized training. Scientific or agricultural sectors are preferred. Do not hesitate to contact the schools to gather their preferences.
Whatever your situation, remember that the competition to enter these schools is strong. A competition is organized to identify candidates. There are sometimes several hundred people applying for fifteen to twenty-five places per year per school. Your application will need to stand out, and you will have to prove that you are familiar with this profession.
Do you think you need to prepare for an animal care school? You will find at the end of the article a link to our “Animal Care Preparation” training.
Working in a position other than animal caregiver
We cannot list the demand for administrative and other staff in wildlife parks. Nevertheless, the demand exists especially during the high season. One or more cashiers are needed in the team when the establishment opens every day from morning to evening.
However, the need for veterinarians and biologists is much lower. Most zoological parks do not employ veterinarians on their team. They then call on an external veterinarian to take care of their animals.
Whatever your skills and the position you wish to integrate into a zoological park, we advise you to consult the job offers published by the establishments or on the AFDPZ website.
Can you work in a zoo without a diploma?
It will always be possible to join a wildlife park without a diploma in animal care and without a baccalaureate. Indeed, the profession of animal care is largely learned through experience. It usually takes between 3 and 6 months to acquire the skills and get used to the rhythms within an institution. But it takes more time to become competent in breeding the species for which you have daily responsibility.
Finally, it is worth noting that individuals with sufficient experience as caregivers can hire an electric vehicle and obtain a certified title.
Consult the presentation of the guide “Objective Wildlife Park” on amazon.fr Learn more about animal care training
If you are interested in the animal care profession and your project is to join an animal care school, we have set up a distance training program. This innovative training will allow you to:
- confirm your professional choice
- and acquire knowledge of the animal care profession and the zoological park sector.
We also publish a page referencing schools and training centers in France and Belgium.
Tag : become a zoologist