ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Encounters Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New York Aquarium

Wild Encounters Host

New York, NY

$20/hr

... close animal experiences. Wild Encounters Host Essential duties include: Develop a thorough ... understanding of provided information and present engaging interpretation of Bronx Zoo animals and ...

Indianapolis Zoo

Encounters Keeper

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

... full-time Encounters Keeper is always in flight! The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an energetic ... a variety of animal ambassador species. Prior experience working with penguins, psittacine ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Encounters Jobs

Animal Encounters information

See salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do animal encounters jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal encounters in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Animal Encounters roles at zoos or wildlife centers?

Professionals in Animal Encounters roles often face the challenge of balancing animal welfare with providing engaging guest experiences. They must ensure that interactions are safe for both animals and visitors, requiring close teamwork with animal care staff and strict adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, adapting educational messages to diverse audiences and managing unpredictable animal behavior are typical aspects of the job. Collaboration with veterinarians, educators, and operations teams is essential to create positive, educational, and safe encounters.

What jobs can I get that involve animals?

Jobs involving animals include roles such as zookeeper, veterinarian, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and animal shelter worker. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or education related to animal care and behavior, and may involve working in environments like zoos, clinics, or shelters.

What are Animal Encounters?

Animal Encounters are interactive experiences that allow people to get up close with animals, often in a controlled environment like a zoo, aquarium, sanctuary, or wildlife park. These encounters may include feeding, touching, or learning about different species under the supervision of trained staff. The goal is to educate visitors, promote conservation, and foster a deeper appreciation for animals and their habitats. These programs typically prioritize animal welfare and safety for both the animals and participants.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day include specialized roles such as experienced animal trainers, wildlife conservation consultants, or veterinary surgeons working in private practice or with high-profile clients. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience, and may involve working in unique environments or on a freelance basis. Such roles are typically found in niche sectors or with high levels of expertise and responsibility.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the field of animal encounters, high earnings can be achieved by specialized roles such as exotic animal trainers or wildlife educators with extensive experience and unique skills. These positions often require certifications, hands-on training, and a strong reputation, but some individuals can earn around $10,000 monthly through private clients, tours, or specialized services without formal degrees.

What is the difference between Animal Encounters vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal EncountersAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsBasic animal handling, customer service skillsVeterinary or animal science certifications, animal handling experience
Work EnvironmentZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, educational eventsAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntertainment, education, tourismAnimal welfare, healthcare, research
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles involving direct animal interaction with visitorsUnderstanding roles focused on animal health and care

Animal Encounters typically involve engaging with visitors through interactive animal experiences, often in entertainment or educational settings. Animal Care Specialists focus on the health, well-being, and medical needs of animals in shelters, clinics, or research. While both roles require animal handling skills, Animal Encounters emphasize customer interaction, whereas Animal Care Specialists prioritize animal health and welfare.

What is the best paying job that involves animals?

The highest-paying jobs involving animals include veterinarian specialists, such as veterinary surgeons, who can earn over $200,000 annually, and zoo directors or managers with advanced degrees and extensive experience. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and leadership skills, and are typically found in private practices, research institutions, or large zoological organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an Animal Encounters role, and why are they important?

To excel in an Animal Encounters position, you typically need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with experience handling and caring for various species. Familiarity with animal care protocols, safety equipment, and potentially certification in first aid or animal handling is essential. Strong communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help you engage and educate diverse audiences while ensuring safety. These skills are crucial for both the well-being of the animals and for providing safe, informative, and engaging experiences to visitors.
More about Animal Encounters jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Encounters jobs? Cities with the most Animal Encounters job openings:
What states have the most Animal Encounters jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Encounters jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Encounters jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Encounters jobs are:
Animal Encounters jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Encounters job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Wild Encounters Host

Wild Encounters Host

Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, NY

$20/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Wildlife Conservation Society rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Location: Bronx Zoo

Job Type: Temporary/Seasonal

Department: Visitor Services

Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate Starts At: $20.00/hour

Schedule: Must be able to work 2-5 days per week including weekends and holidays. Schedule varies and is dependent on weather and guest attendance; schedule subject to change through the spring and summer.

We have an immediate opening for a Wild Encounter Host in the Visitor Services team at the Bronx Zoo. Hosts will play an exciting role in making meaningful connections with guests as we lead them through exclusive concierge-style VIP experiences. The position's core responsibilities include providing enhanced visits at the Bronx Zoo by guiding and narrating guest tours, facilitating VIP access, and escorting guests through up-close animal experiences.

Wild Encounters Host Essential duties include:

Develop a thorough understanding of provided information and present engaging interpretation of Bronx Zoo animals and attractions, as well as WCS conservation efforts, while transporting our visitors through public and behind-the-scenes areas.

Providing excellent service to guests, by maintaining general knowledge of park attractions and amenities, answering questions and finding ways to create great visitor experiences, in accordance with WCS standards of guest service.

Follow safety guidelines and protocols to ensure a high quality, safe, and engaging experience for program participants, animals, and staff.

Up-sell other unique experiences, programming, and/or annual Membership options, to help cultivate long-lasting relationships with clients and WCS.

Safely operate a 4-15 passenger cart.
 

#LI-DNI

What Wildlife Conservation Society employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply