Zookeepers or nature conservators in a zoo are responsible for the well-being of the animals. This includes monitoring their physical health and managing their breeding in conjunction with the zoo veterinarian, and keeping their cages and camps clean, tidy, attractive and visitor-friendly. They also educate the public regarding animals and conservation.
The most important task of zookeepers is the physical care of the animals. This includes feeding the animals and ensuring that they stay healthy. Caged animals are at the mercy of their keepers and it takes someone with a kind heart to be able to understand their needs. They may be also responsible for supervising other attendants and workers.
They must also spot and report illnesses and injuries to the veterinarian immediately, and assist in immobilising, capturing and transporting animals whenever necessary. They need to ensure that breeding programmes are scientifically correct. They may also be required to continually research their subjects, by gathering data and monitoring animals and to stay abreast of the latest developments.
The zookeeper works indoors and outdoors and must be willing to work long and irregular hours.
Schooling & School Subjects:
Degree: BSc with Zoology as major
Diploma: N.Dip: Nature Conservation - e.g. CPUT, TUT, NMMU, UNISA. The course takes 3 years to complete, of which 1 year is in-service training at an approved institution.
National Zoological Society of SA
www.zssa.co.za
The National Zoo of South Africa
Corner of Boom Street and Paul Kruger Street
Pretoria, South Africa
Tel: (012) 339-2700
http://www.nzg.ac.za
World Wildlife Fund
23 Melle Street
(Corner Melle and De Korte streets)
Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
Tel: (011) 339-1152
http://www.wwf.org.za/
The National Parks Board
643 Leyds Street
Muckleneuk
Tel: (012) 428-9111
www.sanparks.org
A PACE Career Centre Product. © All rights reserved | Developed by Netgen (Pty) Ltd. Disclaimer: Please see disclaimer