22 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You start by checking schedules and animal records in Microsoft Excel or paper logs, then do morning rounds: feed and water animals, change bedding, and clean enclosures. You inspect each animal for injuries or odd behavior and report possible health problems to the supervisor.
Midday tasks often include socializing and grooming animals, administering medications as directed, and helping with public programs like guided tours. End of shift: record treatments and feedings in Groomsoft or Excel, restock supplies, and hand over notes to the next keeper.
You typically use Microsoft Excel for daily logs, inventory and basic record keeping, and Microsoft Word for written reports or incident forms. Groomsoft is used where available for feeding schedules, medical records, and individual animal profiles.
Microsoft Outlook handles shift schedules and email, and Microsoft Access may store larger databases for breeding or long-term health records. Learn basic Excel functions (sorting, filters) and how to export reports from Groomsoft.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 266,910 people were employed as zookeepers and related workers. The BLS reports a 2025 median annual wage of $35,360, with the lowest tenth at $27,250 and the top tenth at $50,060 per year.
Pay varies by facility size, region, and responsibilities (animal care vs. managerial duties). Larger zoos or specialized roles often pay more and may offer benefits.
Volunteer or get an entry-level keeper assistant job at a local zoo, animal shelter, or wildlife rehab. Hands-on tasks — feeding, cleaning enclosures, and basic animal handling — build the skills listed in job ads and let you learn grooming and animal husbandry.
Take classes in biology or animal science if possible. Learn to use Excel and Outlook; many places expect basic computer record-keeping. Certifications in animal first aid or veterinary assistant work help, but experience and references matter most.
Zookeepers focus on daily care, behavior, enrichment, and public education for zoo or aquarium species; tasks include feeding, socializing, guiding tours, and using systems like Groomsoft. Veterinary technicians focus on medical procedures, surgical support, and cleaning surgical equipment.
Farmhands work with livestock on production tasks and may manage large-scale feeding and equipment controls (temperature/humidity) differently. Zoos require more species-specific husbandry, public interaction, and record-keeping with databases.
AI and automation can help with monitoring (camera analytics) and climate controls for animal quarters, but they don’t replace hands-on duties like socializing, grooming, temperament assessment, and administering medications. Keepers still do physical tasks and make judgment calls about behavior.
Use tech as a tool: cameras and software alert you to problems; Excel or Groomsoft store records. But safety protocols, public education, and interpersonal coordination with vets and regulators need human decision-making.
The most important skill is reliable animal handling combined with good observation: noticing subtle behavior or health changes and following safety protocols. Prove it with hands-on experience — volunteer hours, internships, or keeper assistant roles — and references from supervisors.
Show practical documentation: records you helped maintain in Excel or Groomsoft, examples of administered treatments logged, and any training certificates. Clear communication on public tours and teamwork with staff is also crucial.