Has anyone worked in a zoo? Or visited a really great one? =)

I am considering a career in Zoological Medicine when I graduate June 2012 to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. I've been doing research on what type of jobs are available and in which zoos/cities in the US. Some of the more advanced zoos require their techs to have a B.S. in Biology or a related field, which I also have, in addition to their license. I am currently involved in Shelter Medicine and will be applying to the volunteering program at two small nearby zoos for some experience.

Please share your experiences and/or thoughts if you have worked in a zoo or visited one that you really liked.

Thank you.

Wow! Congrats on all of your achievements. That's awesome! I go to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens at least 3 times a year. I love it and I feel very fortunate that I live close to a good Zoo! They are constantly growing and expanding too. I have enquired about getting a job there and it sounds like it's hard, unless you want to work in the gift shop or something not related to animals, but I do know some people that have worked there started out doing things like that, and now they are working with the animals. So, from what I know, it seems like you have to start out low and work your way up, or volunteer for a period of time before they will hire you.

I think working at a Zoo would be the best job in the world! I have been thinking about going back to school to get certified as a vet tech too. How did that go for you?

Whatever you decide, good luck to you!

I've volunteered with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in their little education building that has all the reptiles. I will say that CMZ is the BEST zoo I have ever visited and the keepers and staff are wonderful. They really are like a family, and they have made many many improvements to their exhibits. What I love about this zoo is that they keep MODERN. Denver and Pueblo, and so many other zoos still have their animals in the tiny historical cages. While I love that they still have their historical exhibits, they should not house animals in them. Something that CMZ understands. Anyway, I LOVE volunteering with CMZ!! I was so sad that I didn't have the time this summer.

St. Louis zoo is pretty awesome.

jacksonville Fl. has a GREAT zoo. its really nice and has a lot of new facilities and is a great place all around

I haven't worked in a zoo. But growing up I really really loved The Lincoln Park zoo in Chicago.


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I've never worked in a zoo, but I've visited quite a few, and while the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is pretty darn good, the San Diego Zoo is PHENOMENAL, and it seems the OP is in CA already anyway...

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Originally Posted by cschneider

Wow! Congrats on all of your achievements. That's awesome! I go to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens at least 3 times a year. I love it and I feel very fortunate that I live close to a good Zoo! They are constantly growing and expanding too. I have enquired about getting a job there and it sounds like it's hard, unless you want to work in the gift shop or something not related to animals, but I do know some people that have worked there started out doing things like that, and now they are working with the animals. So, from what I know, it seems like you have to start out low and work your way up, or volunteer for a period of time before they will hire you.

I think working at a Zoo would be the best job in the world! I have been thinking about going back to school to get certified as a vet tech too. How did that go for you?

Whatever you decide, good luck to you!

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Thank you! I wished I lived near one of the bigger zoos since most of them offer internships for students. The vet tech program has been great for me. I go to an on-campus school but there are also a few schools that offer long distance learning online. Here is a link to find an AVMA accredited vet tech program near you, if you are interested.

http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/v...h_programs.asp

Thanks everyone for your input! I would really like to visit some of them in the near future and hopefully get a job next year!

The best zoo ive been to is the san diego zoo

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Originally Posted by Trogdorpheus

St. Louis zoo is pretty awesome.

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i agree!! i also here that SD has an amazing zoo but i havent been there myself.. good luck!!