National Zoo Keeper Week
Tomorrow is the last day of National Zoo Keeper Week. I'll spend my lunch hour sitting at a table surrounded by AAZK information, in front of a sign that says "Ask The Zoo Keeper A Question" with an arrow pointed at me. I'm going to make a sign that says this:
3 steps to becoming a zoo keeper
1. Care about animals A LOT! This part is easy. It’s why we become zoo keepers in the first place.
2. Go to school! Almost all zoo keepers have a college degree, usually in biology, zoology, or wildlife science.
3. Volunteer! Prove that you are willing to get dirty and do the hard work it takes. If you are too young to volunteer, go to zoo camp or become a ZooTeen.
Probably every profession has a National Week. I think it's worthwhile to celebrate zookeepers, because for most people, we are the only conservationist they will ever meet. We care about animals and the environment enough to devote our lives to it. We willingly give up the possibility of great wealth to provide the best possible care for captive animals, in the hope that they will inspire children and adults to care about them as much as we do.
3 steps to becoming a zoo keeper
1. Care about animals A LOT! This part is easy. It’s why we become zoo keepers in the first place.
2. Go to school! Almost all zoo keepers have a college degree, usually in biology, zoology, or wildlife science.
3. Volunteer! Prove that you are willing to get dirty and do the hard work it takes. If you are too young to volunteer, go to zoo camp or become a ZooTeen.
Probably every profession has a National Week. I think it's worthwhile to celebrate zookeepers, because for most people, we are the only conservationist they will ever meet. We care about animals and the environment enough to devote our lives to it. We willingly give up the possibility of great wealth to provide the best possible care for captive animals, in the hope that they will inspire children and adults to care about them as much as we do.