WomaBoy
Well-Known Member
Hey guys, im a 16 year old boy, who is currently in year 10. My dream job is to become a zoo keeper and a snake relocater. Does anyone have any advice about what i should do to achieve this?
Thanks heaps, means alot!good luck mate ,there is nothing like determination to get you through
Mate you have the right mind set to acheive this, and no its not far fetched. Having that determination is what will get you there so hang on to that, without it I wouldnt be were I am today.Thanks guys! My parents and i will be looking into all these options! My dream is to become in the reptile section - Like taking care of the snakes and doing croc shows - i know it seems far fetched but if i try hard enough i can see my self acheiving this
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Fully agree with Chris, likewise if you want more info advise/ info feel free to pm me. As with what Chris said get in there and get your hands dirty and when your done ask for more. This is what will make you stand out as keeper potential. Many places especially private zoos often employ internally with junior positions going to volleys and students for the simple reason that staff and supervisers have seen the potential of these people for 6-12 months and know if they can work efficiently for their zoo/ buisness.Where are you in Sydney womaboy?
I was in the zoo industry for about 15 years. It can be an extremely rewarding job. I did captive animal management cert 3 at Taronga. This was back some years ago and I've heard it is pretty pricey now! This cert3 course is what all the zoos and parks want to see as a minimum, if you haven't done the course they at least want you working towards it!
Second thing you should do is to get as much hands on experience as you can! So start volunteering ( hence why I asked where in syd you live) say yes to all the **** jobs and do it with a smile on your face. Once your done go ask for more work! Then more!
Im happy to talk to you more about the knitty gritty of the zoo game if you wish? Pm me if you have anymore questions and ill be able to point you in the right direction.
cheers Chris
How much do zoo keepers get paid? Is it enough to support a family, buy a house, travel etc? Are there enough jobs that you'll have consistent employment until you retire? Important things to consider when looking at a career.
Ive always viewed it as:
Get paid well and do what you love for free. Or get paid less and do what you love all time.
With the stress of family I really couldn't survive at my current level of comfort on less than $110k per year. I could probably survive with no comfort on as little as $80k.
Gets real very quick when you're supporting a family. :-/Thats exactly why I stopped doing what I loved!!!
i am in the Menai area of Sydney, im looking at doing the cert 3 captive animal management course at ultimo tafe. The closest zoo/wildlife park is Symbio, but i read online and you have to be 18 to volunteer Once i speak to my mum about it all properly i will pm you, thanks heaps!!Where are you in Sydney womaboy?
I was in the zoo industry for about 15 years. It can be an extremely rewarding job. I did captive animal management cert 3 at Taronga. This was back some years ago and I've heard it is pretty pricey now! This cert3 course is what all the zoos and parks want to see as a minimum, if you haven't done the course they at least want you working towards it!
Second thing you should do is to get as much hands on experience as you can! So start volunteering ( hence why I asked where in syd you live) say yes to all the **** jobs and do it with a smile on your face. Once your done go ask for more work! Then more!
Im happy to talk to you more about the knitty gritty of the zoo game if you wish? Pm me if you have anymore questions and ill be able to point you in the right direction.
cheers Chris
Mate you have the right mind set to acheive this, and no its not far fetched. Having that determination is what will get you there so hang on to that, without it I wouldnt be were I am today.
things have changed a lot in the industry especially over the past 10 years, but the zoo keeping industry is still a very board occupation to get into. These days I would strongly recomend getting certified background behind you. Cert 2 and cert 3 in animal care. Richmond is highly looked upon within the industry due to the teaching and guidence of greame phipps and brad walker. Being in sydney is a good advantage for you that you have good access to the educational avenues. you also have a broad range of zoo and wildlife parks to gain practical experience from. I strongly recommend doing work experience and volunteer work at not just one but a few institutions. Each institution opperates differently and there is a big difference between government and private and its worth while to get a feel for how they run not to mention what is really involved in the career so you know what lies ahead. I would recommend trying to get work experience at Featherdale, Reptile Park, Symbio, Wildlife world, and Taronga.
Depending on where you gain employment will determine how much involvement you have in your key species but remember that rome wasnt built in a day, you may end up reptile handling and croc feeding withing a few years, it may take ten, but if you stick with it youll get there
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Fully agree with Chris, likewise if you want more info advise/ info feel free to pm me. As with what Chris said get in there and get your hands dirty and when your done ask for more. This is what will make you stand out as keeper potential. Many places especially private zoos often employ internally with junior positions going to volleys and students for the simple reason that staff and supervisers have seen the potential of these people for 6-12 months and know if they can work efficiently for their zoo/ buisness.
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