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Exotic Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Albuquerque

Zookeeper I, II, III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$39K - $47K/yr

Zoo environment; exposure, a variety of domestic and exotic animals, noise, animal body fluids, and inclement weather conditions; may work in or around water. Physical: Essential and supplemental ...

City of Albuquerque

Zookeeper I-III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$39K - $47K/yr

Zoo environment; exposure, a variety of domestic and exotic animals, noise, animal body fluids, and inclement weather conditions; may work in or around water. Physical: Essential and supplemental ...

Nashville Zoo

Lorikeet Keeper

Nashville, TN

Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals * Zoo policy and procedures * Computer skills * Experience in hospitality, customer services and/or retail customer contact ...

Nashville Zoo

Lorikeet Keeper

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals * Zoo policy and procedures * Computer skills * Experience in hospitality, customer services and/or retail customer contact ...

Nashville Zoo

Amphibian Conservation Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals. * Zoo policies and procedures. * Animal conditioning. * Data management. Capable of: * Monitoring animal behavior and appearance.

New

Nashville Zoo

Lorikeet Keeper

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals * Zoo policy and procedures * Computer skills * Experience in hospitality, customer services and/or retail customer contact ...

Nashville Zoo

Amphibian Conservation Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals. * Zoo policies and procedures. * Animal conditioning. * Data management. Capable of: * Monitoring animal behavior and appearance.

New

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All JobsExotic Zoo Jobs

Exotic Zoo information

See salary details

$20

$27

$36

How much do exotic zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for exotic zoo in the United States is $27.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exotic zoo?

An exotic zoo is a type of animal facility that specializes in housing, caring for, and exhibiting non-native or unusual species that are not commonly found in traditional zoos. These animals may include rare mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects from around the world. Exotic zoos often focus on education, conservation, and providing unique experiences for visitors by showcasing animals that people may not otherwise encounter. They are regulated to ensure animal welfare and public safety, and may participate in conservation or breeding programs. Visiting an exotic zoo can offer insights into biodiversity and the importance of protecting endangered species.

What are some common challenges faced by animal care staff working at an exotic zoo, and how can they prepare for them?

Animal care staff at exotic zoos often encounter challenges such as managing the specific dietary, environmental, and behavioral needs of a diverse range of species. Staff must also be vigilant about safety protocols, as some animals may be dangerous or require specialized handling. Collaboration with veterinarians, keepers, and educators is essential to ensure animal health and public engagement. Preparing through ongoing education, hands-on experience, and strong communication skills can help staff adapt to the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exotic zoo keeper?

To thrive as an Exotic Zoo Keeper, you need knowledge of animal husbandry, biology, and safety protocols, often supported by a degree in zoology or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, species-specific care equipment, and certifications in animal handling or first aid are typically required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with both colleagues and the public set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualifications ensure the well-being of exotic animals, facilitate educational outreach, and maintain a safe environment for both animals and visitors.

What is the difference between Exotic Zoo vs Exotic Animal Keeper?

AspectExotic ZooExotic Animal Keeper
Required CredentialsWildlife or zoology degree, certifications in animal careAnimal handling certifications, zoology or related degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic zoo settings, educational exhibits, visitor interactionAnimal enclosures, research facilities, sometimes public interaction
Employer & IndustryZoos, wildlife parks, conservation organizationsZoos, wildlife sanctuaries, research centers

Exotic Zoo staff typically work in public zoo environments, focusing on animal care, education, and visitor engagement. Exotic Animal Keepers often work in similar settings but may have more specialized roles in animal husbandry and research. Both roles require relevant certifications and a passion for wildlife conservation.

More about Exotic Zoo jobs
What states have the most Exotic Zoo jobs? States with the most job openings for Exotic Zoo jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Exotic Zoo jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Exotic Zoo jobs are:
Exotic Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exotic Zoo job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,577 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Join us at the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium as a member of our Ungulate team!


Job Summary

Zookeepers are responsible for the specialized work involving all the health and wellbeing of native and exotic animals through feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, training, enrichment and health care maintenance and treatment.  This position works with a variety of ungulates which includes Black Rhinos, Reticulated Giraffes, Eastern Bongo, Grevy’s Zebras, Bactrian Camels, and Bison.

Essential Functions

  • Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas including but not limited to:
    • Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
    • Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
    • Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
    • Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care which include the animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs.
    • Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
    • Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
    • Provide proper care for neonates and young (may require care outside of normal working hours).
  • Maintain exhibits and holding areas in a clean, aesthetically pleasing, and presentable condition at all times. Includes performing general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abating erosion, removing weeds, and snow removal.  Maintains the cleanliness of other areas such as breakrooms, hallways etc.
  • Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Director of Animal Care.
  • Assist the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Director of Animal Care in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees as well as interact and communicate well with the general public.
  • Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area.
  • Give presentations to guests on a regular basis (Keeper Chats) and answers guests questions about animals and exhibits. This engagement of Zoo’s guests should extend to being willing to provide Behind the Scenes area tours, participate in media related events, participate in public relations projects and work special events in area as necessary.
  • Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Great Plains Zoo practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines. Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating and transport of animals as required and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Area Supervisor and/or Director of Animal Care & Conservation.


Competency

  • Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic and a team player.
  • Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills.
  • Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
  • Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist in the animal escape and recovery plan.
  • Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position helps to oversee and train Junior Zookeepers, interns, volunteers and seasonal employees; however, this position does not have any direct reports.


Work Environment

Must be able to tolerate and be exposed to strong odors, toxic or caustic chemicals, dust, hay, animal fur/hair/dander, and wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and all variable outdoor weather conditions.


Physical Demands

Must be able to climb ladders/stairs, lift crates/animals and / or equipment weighing 70 lbs., operate mowers, handle fires hoses, operate weed eaters, hay elevators, motorized carts, tractors, dump truck, pickup truck, load and operate wheel barrows loaded up to 150 lbs., be agile and flexible to maneuver in and around the animals within exhibits, corrals and holding areas. 


Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority.


Preferred Education and Experience
•    Previous animal training and/or Zookeeper experience.
•    Experience in an AZA accredited facility is preferred.


Additional Qualifications
•    Maintain a current tetanus vaccination (5 years) and be willing to be TB tested annually.
•    Must be certified or able to become certified in CPR/AED within 1 year of employment.
•    Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings as required.
•    Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a pre-employment background check.
•    Covid-19 and Flu Vaccines encouraged; must following masking protocols as determined by organization.