Zookeeper

The specific GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) subjects required to become a zookeeper can vary depending on the zoo and their specific entry requirements. However, there are some common subjects and qualifications that are generally beneficial for pursuing a career as a zookeeper:

1. Biology: This is often the most important subject as it provides a foundation for understanding animal biology, behavior, and physiology.
2. Chemistry: A basic understanding of chemistry can be helpful for understanding aspects of animal health and nutrition.
3. Mathematics: Math is important for various aspects of zookeeping, such as calculating animal diets and medication dosages.
4. English: Good communication skills, including reading and writing, are essential for documenting animal observations, writing reports, and communicating with colleagues and the public.
5. Physics: Some understanding of physics can be helpful for comprehending certain animal behaviors and environmental factors in a zoo setting.
6. Environmental Science: This subject can provide valuable knowledge about ecosystems, conservation, and the environmental impact of zoos.
7. Animal Care or Animal Management: Some schools or colleges offer courses specifically designed for those interested in careers with animals. These can provide a strong foundation for zookeeping.
8. Agriculture: Courses related to agriculture can be beneficial, especially if you plan to work with large animals in a zoo.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• animal or zoo management
• animal behaviour and welfare
• zoology or marine zoology
• animal conservation and biodiversity
• veterinary science
• biology

Zoos vary in what qualifications they ask for and it can depend on what their zookeepers are going to do.

College

You could do a course before applying to a zoo for a trainee zookeeper’s job. In the UK, for example, relevant courses include:

• Extended Diploma in Animal Management
• Diploma in Animal Care or Animal Science
• Biology
• Level in Animal Care and Management

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in animal care and welfare. This may help you to get a job as a trainee keeper with a zoo.

You could also do a keeper or aquarist advanced apprenticeship, depending on where you work.

You may be able to specialise in training zoo animals by completing an animal trainer higher apprenticeship.

Work

You could complete a qualification in management of zoo and aquarium animals if you’re working in a zoo or aquarium.

Volunteering

You can volunteer in a zoo or wildlife centre to get experience. This will be important, as there’s a lot of competition for trainee jobs. You could get experience volunteering at:

• kennels, farms or riding stables
• animal sanctuaries or rescue homes

Any experience you can get working with the public will also be helpful preparation for educating visitors to the zoo. Many animal charities offer opportunities to promote animal welfare directly to the public, or online, through social media campaigns.