What are the disadvantages of being a zookeeper?


What are the disadvantages of being a zookeeper? Zookeeping can be a physically demanding job, and many zookeepers experience back pain or other injuries as a result of their work. The work can be emotionally challenging, especially when animals become sick or injured. Zookeepers may have to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.


What animal causes the most zookeeper accidents?

Elephants are known to cause more injuries and deaths to keepers than any other animal, by far.”


How long should you be at the zoo?

We recommend approximately three hours to see the entire Zoo, depending on the size and ages of your group and how fast you walk. Because we create exhibits that replicate the animals' natural habitats, some animals can be difficult to see and visitors may be required to spend more time in observation.


Do zookeepers get paid well?

A Zookeeper in your area makes on average $19 per hour, or $0.71 (39.179%) more than the national average hourly salary of $18.01. California ranks number 19 out of 50 states nationwide for Zookeeper salaries.


What degree do most zookeepers have?

Most zookeepers have a bachelor's degree in life sciences, which includes biology and zoology coursework. Some employers, however, may accept an associate degree with relevant experience. Each program can give you the ability to take specialized classes related to the type of animals you want to work with.


Are zoo workers underpaid?

Zookeepers play a crucial role in modern zoos, but they are often underpaid and underappreciated.


Do zookeepers need math?

Zookeepers have to use math all the time! They have to weigh the animals, see how long they are, measure out the food they eat and much more.


Are zoo keepers happy?

The personal and professional satisfaction that zoo keepers find in their jobs varies from person to person. Most zoo keepers have a deep and lifelong love for animals and really enjoy providing for their day-to-day care.


What zoos pay the most?

Top companies for Zookeepers in United States
  • Woodland Park Zoo. 4.0 $28.36per hour. 62 reviews10 salaries reported.
  • DENVER ZOO. 3.6 $21.25per hour. 91 reviews7 salaries reported.
  • Detroit Zoological Society. 3.6 $20.66per hour. ...
  • City of Albuquerque. 3.7 $20.61per hour. ...
  • City of Norfolk, VA. 3.6 $18.80per hour. ...
  • Show more companies.


What problems do zookeepers face?

Health and Safety Risks Even an otherwise docile animal may lash out viciously if ill or injured. Serious injuries at petting zoos are less common, but zookeeper and visitors may come down with a serious, life-threatening illness from handling animals or touching fences and railings.


Is being a zookeeper stressful?

Being a zookeeper can be physically and emotionally demanding. Zookeepers are at risk of getting bitten, kicked or otherwise injured when handling or restraining animals. They might have to manage stressful or difficult situations such as animals becoming injured, sick or euthanized.


What state pays zookeepers the most?

The five states where Zookeeper jobs get higher salaries in the United States are: District of Columbia, California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Massachusetts. Compared with the average salary of a Zookeeper in the United States, the state of District of Columbia with the highest job income for this job.


What benefits do zookeepers get?

Most zookeeping positions do not follow a regular Monday through Friday workweek – working days usually include weekends. At Woodland Park Zoo, zookeeping positions offer competitive benefits such as sick leave, holidays, vacation time, pension plans and medical, dental and optical plans.