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$35

How much do penguin keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for penguin keeper in the United States is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a penguin keeper?

A Penguin Keeper is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and health monitoring of penguins in zoos or aquariums. They clean enclosures, prepare specialized diets, and observe behaviors to ensure the birds’ well-being. Keepers may also assist with veterinary care, breeding programs, and educational presentations for visitors. This role requires patience, attention to detail, and a passion for animal welfare.

What does a penguin keeper do?

A typical day for a Penguin Keeper includes preparing specialized diets, feeding and observing penguins for health or behavioral changes, cleaning and maintaining habitats, and keeping detailed animal records. You may also participate in enrichment activities, conduct educational talks for visitors, and assist veterinary staff during check-ups or medical treatments. Penguin Keepers often work closely with a team of animal care professionals, collaborating to ensure high standards of welfare and safety. The role can be physically demanding and requires flexibility, as weekend and holiday shifts are common. Overall, it’s a rewarding career for those passionate about animal care and conservation.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a penguin keeper?

To thrive as a Penguin Keeper, you need knowledge of animal husbandry, a degree in zoology or a related field, and experience working with birds or wildlife. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and specialized feeding or veterinary equipment is often required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are highly valued. These capabilities ensure the health and well-being of the penguins while contributing to the smooth operation of the facility.

How much do penguin keepers make?

Penguin keepers typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the institution. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced keepers or those working at larger zoos can earn higher salaries, often with additional benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

How to be a penguin keeper?

To become a penguin keeper, candidates typically need a background in zoology, marine biology, or animal science, along with experience working with birds or aquatic animals. Relevant skills include animal husbandry, knowledge of penguin behavior, and the ability to work outdoors in cold environments. Certifications in animal care or first aid can also improve job prospects.
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Penguin Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penguin Keeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Animal Keeper 1 (Penguin Coast/Africa Barn)

Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$19.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
General Summary: The Animal Keeper 1 (Penguin Coast/Africa Barn) will provide care and maintenance of the animals and their associated exhibits and holding areas. The Animal Keeper is responsible for working collaboratively with other keepers and coworkers to achieve departmental and Zoo-wide initiatives. The Animal Keeper will report to their assigned Area Manager and the General Curator. Additionally, the Animal Keeper will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustianability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.
Essential Functions:
Primary Function:
  • Provides basic daily husbandry, food and water for animals in assigned area in accordance with department and area standards
  • Observes behavior and physical condition of animals, and reports concerns to area supervisor
  • Transfers animals between enclosures in accordance with department and area standards, and follows established safety guidelines
  • Provides approved enrichment to animals in compliance with behavior team requirements
  • Participates in approved training programs in compliance with behavior team requirements
  • Maintains daily electronic records to track animal behavior and well-being over time
  • Attends annual welfare assessments and submits regular welfare evaluations
  • Participates in data collection for approved behavior and research projects
  • Participates in animal medical procedures as directed by the area supervisor
  • Participates in animal escape drills and incidents as directed by the recapture coordinator
  • Conducts daily inspections of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings for structural defects and potential safety issues, and reports concerns to area supervisor
  • Performs minor repairs and maintenance of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings as needed
  • Maintains cleanliness of animal facilities, area buildings, public spaces and back of house areas
  • Implements pest control measures as needed, and in accordance with the Zoo's pest control program
  • Complies with all AZA standards and USDA regulations
  • Adheres to all policies and procedures of the department and the Zoo
  • May train new staff on daily area routines with oversight from higher level keepers or manager.

Communication (Internal and External):
  • Completes daily records for tracking animal health, animal behavior, enrichment and training
  • Reviews area records and updates in order to stay informed of new developments and changes in assigned area
  • Checks Zoo email regularly for updates from department and Zoo management
  • Provides area supervisor with timely updates on animal concerns
  • Actively participates in team meetings, discussions and debriefings
  • Adheres to the Zoo's communication policy regarding social media posts and confidentiality
  • Enhances the guest experience by actively engaging with visitors
  • Supports the Zoo's mission by sharing the organization's conservation messages with visitors and the general public

Management of Resources (Financial, Human Resources, Facilities):
  • Proper storage and use of animal food items and animal medications
  • Proper use and care of Zoo radios and cell phones, and timely reporting of issues
  • Safe use of Zoo vehicles and timely reporting of issues, including any accidents
  • Maintenance and safe use of tools and minor equipment, including kitchen knives

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, or a related field of study strongly preferred.

Experience/Training:
  • At least one year of animal care experience with applicable species preferred
  • Zoo experience preferred (paid or unpaid)
  • Understanding of current trends in animal training and behavior management
  • Able to collect and collate data for studying animal behavior
  • Familiarity with electronic communication and record-keeping
  • Must possess a valid driver's license

Traits Desirable:
  • Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
  • Ability to operate both independently and as part of a team in a productive, respectful, and efficient manner with proper time management skills;
  • Extremely well organized, self-directed, collaborative, and detail oriented; and,
  • Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo's mission.

Equipment:
  • Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, and vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint and capture devices, incubators, gardening/carpentry tools and machinery, scales, etc.

Working Conditions:
  • Must be able to lift 75 pounds with assistance and 50 pounds unassisted as needed;
  • Must be able to climb a ladder carrying up to 15 pounds;
  • Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; Must be able to stand and remain active for an eight-hour shift; must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
  • Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo on foot as needed;
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
  • Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
  • Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
  • Exposure to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insect bites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position; and,
  • Initial tuberculosis (TB) test and physical required.

Benefits:
  • We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
  • Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.
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