Zookeeper

Zookeepers are responsible for ensuring the health of the animals in their care and keeping the habitat up to standards. They also provide valuable information to visitors about the animals and their conservation needs.

Zookeeper Job Description

Prepare food and feed the animals to meet the nutritional needs of the animals in their care.

Give medication or treatment to sick or injured animals under the direction of Veterinarians, monitoring their progress and adjusting care plans as needed.

Maintain the animals' enclosures by regularly cleaning and disinfecting living areas, repairing any damages, and ensuring proper drainage and waste disposal.

Keep track of animals' behaviour, report changes or abnormalities and promptly report observations to Veterinarians for further evaluation.

Keep a record of the animals, including medical histories, feeding schedules, and behavioural observations, and maintain accurate records of enclosure maintenance and repairs.

Note

This job is male-dominated due to the physical demands. But more females are joining the profession!

What you should know about Zookeeper jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

Patience is crucial when you are a Zookeeper. The animals may not always be obedient in the beginning, and you will need to develop rapport with them.

Key Advice

As Zookeepers, you need to choose your animal specialisation wisely; collaborate in teams and research extensively before deciding.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
A diploma in Life Sciences or a related field is recommended.

Availability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond to wildlife emergencies.

Prior experience working with animals in a zoo, wildlife sanctuary, Veterinary clinic, or similar setting is advantageous.

Strong passion for Animal Welfare and Conservation, demonstrated through volunteer work, internships, or relevant extracurricular activities.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Zookeeper career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Animal Care

Skilled in daily care, feeding, and health monitoring of zoo animals.

Biology

Knowledgeable in animal Biology and species-specific behaviours.

Basic Mathematics

Proficient in calculating diets and medication dosages.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail

Meticulous in animal health and habitat maintenance.

Problem-Solving

Able to quickly address and resolve animal care issues.

Adaptability

Flexible in handling varied tasks and changing situations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do Zookeepers need to know basic Mathematics?

Zookeepers need basic Mathematics skills to calculate the appropriate food portions for the animals they care for.
How do Zookeepers take care of the animals' health?

Other than feeding the animals or looking out for a change in behavioural patterns to spot illnesses or injuries, Zookeepers also provide the mental stimuli required for their mental well-being. They do so by providing toys or other items to ensure they get their exercise.
What are the working hours like for Zookepers?

Besides the park's visiting hours, Zookeepers stay behind for a long while to check up and feed the animals. Demonstrating their presence helps build trust with the animals, encouraging them to approach. Zookeepers also make updates to ensure the animals' offspring grow safely in hygienic enclosures.
What are the safety precautions Zookeepers can take to protect themselves from dangerous animals?

Zookeepers are equipped with proper restraint equipment and are professionally trained to use those types of equipment. When Zookeepers feed those animals, they ensure they follow safety protocols.
What do Zookeepers do if the animals escape?

First, they secure the area and evacuate the visitors while searching for the animal. After they find the animal, trained personnel try to contain and capture it. If the situation gets out of hand, the zoo management team contacts local authorities and works with them to recover the escaped animals.