Careers in Zoos and Aquariums

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to work in a zoo or aquarium?

The people who work in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are passionately committed to the animals in their care and to the critical need for conserving wildlife and wild places. But the profession requires more than a commitment to conservation – it requires hard work.

Dr. Jeff Wyatt examines an otter at the Seneca Park Zoo

Zoo and aquarium employment is not always glamorous. Much of the work requires physical strength, as well as the ability to make detailed observations and keep information up-to-date. It takes a special kind of dedication to provide care to animals that require attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, come snow, rain, or shine.

Types of Jobs

Keepers (who work in zoos) and aquarists (who work in aquariums) provide direct care for animals — feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, monitoring animal health, and educating the visitors are all part of their daily responsibilities. Other animal care jobs include curators, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and research scientists. Here's a list of typical zoo- and aquarium- jobs.

You don't have to work with animals to work in zoos and aquariums. You can be an educator, a fund raiser, a graphic designer or artist, a horticulturist, or a photographer. And, of course, someone has to be the director!

Education for Zoo and Aquarium Careers

Here's a list of zookeeping educational programs, including high school, two-and four-year programs, and international programs.

How to Find Internships

Many AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums offer internships designed to provide practical experience. You can search for current internships in the Job Listings section. You can also contact specific zoos or aquariums for internship opportunities. Here's a list of AZA-accredited institutions.

Who works for zoos and aquariums?

Meet some of the dedicated people who work at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

Resources for Zoo and Aquarium Careers

There are many other professional association with information on zoo- and aquarium-related careers, such as animal training or zoological horticulture. Take a look at this list of Allied Professional Associations.

Preparing for a wildlife career from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.
Learn more about marine science careers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
The Saint Louis Zoo asks "So you want to be a zoo keeper?"
Careers in Oceanography, Marine Science and Marine Biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library
Read the Occupation Outlook Quarterly's Wild Jobs with Wildlife: Jobs in Zoos and Aquariums (in PDF).