Reply to I was a zookeeper at National Zoo. AMA.

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, this is very interesting and I hope you're still answering.

I've noticed that most of the zookeepers are younger and I assume they switch careers at some point for all the reasons you stated. What types of jobs do zookeepers typically move on to? It seems like such a specific set of job skills that wouldn't transfer easily to other careers.

Do most zookeepers focus on working with one type of animal? Like do the bird keepers only get the job after interning as bird keepers or can someone who volunteered with elephants switch to working with seals? Are there certain animal keeper jobs that are the most in demand? Like does everyone want to work with the pandas?

What I really want to know is are there certain zookeeper personality types that tend to work with different animals? Like do the lion keeper jobs attract the Joe Exotic/Carol Baskin types vs. the panda keeper jobs? [/quote]

Ooooo good questions!

Most of the women leave after they have kids. I did. It's just too hard to do with kids. A lot become SAHMs - we have a strong drive to caretake. But it can be totally random what we do later on. I do freelance work, which I never would have thought I'd do 15 years ago. My best friend from my zoo days is now a park ranger. My H wasn't a zookeeper, but he did wildlife rehabilitation and is now an environmental scientist. Vet techs and dog/cat rescue also happen. Some go on to get graduate degrees and do research.

Most focus on one type of animal. I have a little bit of experience with everything, but specialized in a couple types. It's WAY easier to get a job if you have a specialty. You can switch after getting job, especially if you become friends with the people in that department.

Big mammals are the most in demand. Elephants, sea lions, carnivores, primates, etc.

Funnily enough, most keepers think pandas are overrated. They're basically like dogs. They're also a lot smaller up close than you'd think.

Yes! There are definitely personality types. Reptile people are like reptiles - a bit weird, can go all day without seeing other people and be fine. Primate people are social. Bird people are quirky and kind of misfits. The people who want to work with the big animals tend to have big personalities. Absolutely, there are the guys like Joe Exotic who want to show off how bad@$$ they are with the big animals. I have a friend like that, he wrestles alligators because he thinks it makes him look cool or whatever.

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