Experience?

[Jay_Bunny]

There is a zoo about 30 min from me called the Richmond Metro Zoo. Its a small zoo but it holds some pretty interesting animals including Lemurs (there was a baby!), Lions, Camels, Zebra, Penguins, all sorts of Monkey, and Snakes. I asked a woman feeding the penguins how you would go about getting a job there (they don't do volunteer work) and she said you had to put in a resume and have experience with the types of animals they had at the zoo.

Well, pray tell me, how do you get experience with animals like those in a place other than a zoo? Its not like you can go down to your local shelter and get experience with Rhinos. I want to get experience with small primates and such because I'd like to work with the Lemurs and Tamarins. How would I get experience with those animals if that zoo is the only place in the area to find them.

[recycling goddess]

why not call their employment centre and ask them?

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

Working with exotic animal vets, rescues, and stores always helps. Even having common dog or cat experience is a plus. That shows that you are willing to learn and have common knowledge of animals needs

[python.princess]

maybe you could get a foot in the door through reptiles and spend a little spare time with primates and little by little....

[Evan Jamison]

Most zoos hire seasonal exhibit interpreters that allows up-and-comming keepers to get some experience. There are internships and volunteer positions available at many zoos as well. Some entry-level positions may not require previous experience, though it is usually preferred. Rarely will zoos hire full-time keepers that don't have a B.S. in some biological science though, without extensive experience anyway. I worked seasonally as a keeper/interpreter for a couple years before I graduated. There were people doing the same job as me that had four year degrees, moved from out-of-state, and made beans just to get the experience. It is not an easy field of work to break into, but it is well worth it once you get your foot in thte door. I've been working in the field for almost 5 years now, and wouldn't change careers for anything.

I hope this helps, good luck!!

-Evan

[wolfy-hound]

You can also take courses at community colleges. The local community college here has a vet/zoo program and has their own small zoo.

[Jay_Bunny]

Our community college has no classes like that and we have no exotic vets in the area except one that is not hiring. The next time I go to the zoo, I'll ask one of the keepers how I would go about getting experience.

The zoo does have a summer program where kids can come and walk around with the keepers, but of course that is for little kids, and I am 20.

[tigerlily]

You don't have to wait until the next time you go to the zoo. Why not just pick up the phone and call them or even send them an email if they have it.

[Jay_Bunny]

I have a phone phobia, sort of. I HATE talking on the phone and will only use my cellphone to call family and friends when I need to. I will defiantly find thier email address though.

[tigerlily]

I'm the same way. I have a hard time talking on the phone, although every now and then I do ok. My family makes fun of me all the time for it.