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!