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Anyone work in a Zoo?
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by Wendy on October 7, 2008
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Hello Everyone!
This question does not pertain directly to venomous reptiles, but my end goal does, so please read on!
I am just finishing up an undergrad degree in biology, and would like to set myself to work in a zoo. I would like to one day be the curator of reptiles for a zoo.
I am looking into enrolling in the Santa Fe College's Zoo Animal Technology Program.
I live in a province that is nearly 100% zoo free, so have very little access to people with real experience who may be able to give me some advice on whether or not this is a good route to go.
Does anyone here work in a zoo who might be able to share their experiences on getting their jobs? Or anyone else who would like to offer some advice on how to land a job in a zoo? Is taking a program like this worthwhile, or a waste of money? All advice is welcome :)
Thanks,
Wendy :)
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RE: Anyone work in a Zoo?
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by Cro on October 7, 2008
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Wendy, one good source for finding openings in Zoo Jobs is the Jobs/Grad Study listings of the CNAH at:
http://www.naherpetology.org/
Write there to Dr. Joseph T. Collins and ask him to put you on the EMail list.
Also, you should send your resume to the Curators of all of the zoos in parts of the Country that you might like to work. Often, positions open up that are not advertised on a National level. A letter from you will be much better recieved than EMail. As them if you can call them and talk with them on the telephone. Sometimes doing that will get you leads.
Many of the folks who are zoo Curators these days had backgrounds as veterinarians. That might be worth looking into also. Perhaps you could become an assistant to a vet who works at zoos ?
Working in the reptile department of a zoo can be a very rewarding experience, but it is hard work, and often does not pay all that well.
Good Luck in your search.
Best Regards John Z
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RE: Anyone work in a Zoo?
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by tj on October 7, 2008
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Send out resumes or move somewhere that has a zoo and volunteer until you get hired there or somewhere else. You may not even need to volunteer and get hired right on, but they want to see some semblance of experience. Also, any biology, zoology, animal science degree helps, so that much is already done for you.
Personally, the experience is gonna be better than that program will. And remember, most zoo jobs don't pay high wages, it's a labor of love, and you won't walk into anywhere as a curator...you'll need to work your way up to that point.
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RE: Anyone work in a Zoo?
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by Buzztail1 on October 7, 2008
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Try this link:
http://www.aazk.org/job_listings.php
That page also lists other pages that have listings for zoo keepers around the country.
Good luck.
R/
Karl
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RE: Anyone work in a Zoo?
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by Rob_Carmichael on October 10, 2008
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As Curator of the Wildlife Discovery Center, I'd be happy to answer any and all questions. I'm currently out of town so email me off line with questions and I will be happy to answer them.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
City of Lake Forest, IL
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RE: Anyone work in a Zoo?
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by Peter on October 10, 2008
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Wendy;
I attended Santa Fe in the wayback (1977) and it was a good program to gain exposure to the zoo field although it certainly had shortcomings. I have no recent knowlodge of it but it probably would be worth while but if your goal is curatorial level you would probably be better off with heading for a graduate zoology degree these days.
Cold mailing resumes cant hurt but I wouldnt count on it. Most zoos get them by the bucket full and they go right to the circular file unless they happen to have an opening right then and now. Yours would really have to shine to be picked out and saved.
Watch the AZA jobs listing as that is where most zoos advertise their openings and make an effort to attend some conferences and get to know some people. You might also check into some internships or jobs at commercial breeders or such where you can get more time directly involving captive husbandry. The more experience you have with more animals the better. You might also consider non animal care summer work at a zoo somewhere. For every animal keeper they have they have 10/15 people who serve hot dogs, sell tee shirts and take tickets or act as docents and although that isnt what you want you are still getting in the door and "net working" which is how it all works.
Peter
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