An animal behaviorist studies the causes, motivations, and influences of the actions of animals. As an animal behaviorist, you may focus on domesticated animals and pets, such as horses, dogs, or cats, or you may choose to study wild animals, including primates, big cats, birds, elephants, or whales. Your job duties involve observing animals in captivity and their natural habitats, recording and documenting observational data about the animals’ behavior and health, and analyzing your research to figure out why animals behave in certain ways. This job requires excellent research and analytical skills.