Are zoo keepers happy?

The personal and professional satisfaction that zoo keepers find in their jobs varies from person to person. Most zoo keepers have a deep and lifelong love for animals and really enjoy providing for their day-to-day care.



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Being a zookeeper can be physically and emotionally demanding. Zookeepers are at risk of getting bitten, kicked or otherwise injured when handling or restraining animals. They might have to manage stressful or difficult situations such as animals becoming injured, sick or euthanized.

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Health and Safety Risks Even an otherwise docile animal may lash out viciously if ill or injured. Serious injuries at petting zoos are less common, but zookeeper and visitors may come down with a serious, life-threatening illness from handling animals or touching fences and railings.

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Cleaning and maintaining animal habitats. Preparing food and feeding animals. Training animals so there can be safe exams and interactions. Observing animals' behavior throughout the day.

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Most zoo keepers have a deep and lifelong love for animals and really enjoy providing for their day-to-day care.

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Most zookeeping positions do not follow a regular Monday through Friday workweek – working days usually include weekends. At Woodland Park Zoo, zookeeping positions offer competitive benefits such as sick leave, holidays, vacation time, pension plans and medical, dental and optical plans.

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What Are Some Pros and Cons of Zoos?
  • Animals Often Only Have Quite Limited Space. ...
  • Zoos Are Crowded. ...
  • Animals Are Trapped in Unnatural Environments. ...
  • Confinement May Alter the Behavior of Animals. ...
  • 'Surplus' Animals Can Be Killed. ...
  • Animals Are Often Mistreated. ...
  • Animals Don't Like Being Visited. ...
  • Animals Struggle to Form Connections.


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After the zoo closes, keepers feed the animals and help them get ready for the night. CORALIE: Some zoos had people work the night shift. It's their job to feed the baby animals and check on the adults. MOLLY: Some keepers even have to pick up animals at the airport.

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Zookeeping can be a physically demanding job, and many zookeepers experience back pain or other injuries as a result of their work. The work can be emotionally challenging, especially when animals become sick or injured. Zookeepers may have to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

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However, securing a job in this field can be challenging, as high competition exists for these positions. As a result, you may need to apply for many jobs at multiple zoos before securing the one you want.

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Working hours Zookeepers can expect to work around 37–40 hours a week, but they can do more or fewer hours depending on where they work and their specialisms.

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Zookeepers play a crucial role in modern zoos, but they are often underpaid and underappreciated.

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Competition for jobs at zoos is intense despite the low pay and challenging working conditions. There are many more candidates than available positions. Most zookeepers enjoy their work, and turnover is low. The majority of new jobs result from the need to replace workers who leave the field.

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