Zookeeper or Nature Conservator
Zookeepers or nature conservators in a zoo are responsible for the well-being of the animals. This includes monitoring their physical health and managing their breeding in conjunction with the zoo veterinarian, and keeping their cages and camps clean, tidy, attractive and visitor-friendly. They also educate the public regarding animals and conservation.
The most important task of zookeepers is the physical care of the animals. This includes feeding the animals and ensuring that they stay healthy. Caged animals are at the mercy of their keepers and it takes someone with a kind heart to be able to understand their needs. They may be also responsible for supervising other attendants and workers.
They must also spot and report illnesses and injuries to the veterinarian immediately, and assist in immobilising, capturing and transporting animals whenever necessary. They need to ensure that breeding programmes are scientifically correct. They may also be required to continually research their subjects, by gathering data and monitoring animals and to stay abreast of the latest developments.
The zookeeper works indoors and outdoors and must be willing to work long and irregular hours.
Satisfying Aspects
- knowing that you are ensuring the safety and the well-being of the animals in your care
- knowing that you are helping educate the public about these animals
- looking after and seeing these animals grow whilst in your care
Demanding aspects
- having to work irregular hours
- frustration when an animal is sick and does not respond to treatment
- seeing the animals that are brought in that have been maltreated can be very hard to witness
Requirements
A nature conservator should:
- have a passionate interest in conserving our natural resources;
- love outdoor life;
- have good health and physical fitness;
- be practical;
- be responsible;
- communicate well with people;
- be dedicated to the work.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences (for degree course)
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Degree: BSc with Zoology as major - all universities.
Diploma: N.Dip: Nature Conservation - CPUT, TUT, NMMU, UNISA. The course takes 3 years to complete, of which 1 year is in-service training at an approved institution.
Employer
- Zoos
- Aquariums
- Bird Parks
- National Parks Boards
- Private game farms
- Local authorities
Contact
National Zoological Society of SA
Head of Human Resources
The National Zoo of South Africa
P O Box 754
Pretoria, 0001
Nature and Environmental Conservation
Private Bag X 209
Pretoria, 0001
The National Parks Board
P O Box 787
Pretoria, 0001
643 Leyds Street
Muckleneuk
Tel: (012) 428-9111 Fax: (012) 426-5500
www.sanparks.org
www.sanparks.org.za
www.zssa.co.za