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

[dizzydynamo]

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.

[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!

[AliCat37]

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.

[Trogdorpheus]

St. Louis zoo is pretty awesome.

[zach_24_90]

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

[Homegrownscales]

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


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

[olstyn]

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...

[dizzydynamo]

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!

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!

[ball python 22]

The best zoo ive been to is the san diego zoo

[CentralCoastPython]

St. Louis zoo is pretty awesome.

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