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Wild Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Clean and disinfect displays and ... Submit requests for animal supplies, expenditures, and bills to the Animal Curator. * Maintain ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Clean and disinfect displays and ... Submit requests for animal supplies, expenditures, and bills to the Animal Curator. * Maintain ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper Part Time

Peoria, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Duties : Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Animal Keeper Part-Time will be ... One year of experience in the care and maintenance of wild and/or domestic animals is required. A ...

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Wild Animal Care information

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How much do wild animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for wild animal care in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is wild animal care?

Wild Animal Care involves the rescue, rehabilitation, and management of wild animals, often with the goal of returning them to their natural habitats. Professionals in this field care for injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife, providing medical treatment, nutrition, and enrichment. They may work in wildlife rehabilitation centers, sanctuaries, or in the field, sometimes collaborating with veterinarians and conservationists. Their work helps promote animal welfare and contributes to conservation efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wild animal care professional?

To thrive as a Wild Animal Care professional, you need knowledge of animal behavior, biology, and husbandry, often supported by a degree in zoology, wildlife biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, record-keeping systems, and sometimes certifications like wildlife rehabilitation permits are typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities are crucial for maintaining animal health, safety, and coordinated care in diverse and sometimes unpredictable environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in wild animal care?

Professionals in wild animal care often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable animal behavior, handling animals with specialized medical or dietary needs, and working in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions. The role requires strong observational skills to detect health or behavioral issues early and adaptability when responding to emergencies or changes in animal populations. Teamwork is essential, as wild animal care staff regularly collaborate with veterinarians, researchers, and other caretakers to ensure the well-being and rehabilitation of the animals.

What is the difference between Wild Animal Care vs Zookeeper?

AspectWild Animal CareZookeeper
Required CredentialsAnimal handling certifications, wildlife rehabilitation permitsAnimal husbandry certifications, zookeeper training programs
Work EnvironmentWildlife rescue centers, rehabilitation facilities, outdoor settingsZoological parks, aquariums, zoos
Employer & IndustryWildlife conservation organizations, rehabilitation centersZoological institutions, aquariums, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonWild Animal Care vs Zookeeper

Wild Animal Care professionals focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wild animals, often working in outdoor or specialized wildlife settings. Zookeepers primarily care for animals within zoological parks or aquariums, focusing on daily husbandry and enrichment. While both roles involve animal handling and require related certifications, Wild Animal Care emphasizes conservation and rehabilitation, whereas Zookeepers focus on exhibit maintenance and visitor education.

How to become a wild animal care professional?

To become a wild animal care professional, individuals typically need a background in biology, zoology, or wildlife management, often gained through a relevant degree or certification. Hands-on experience through volunteering or internships at wildlife rehabilitation centers or sanctuaries is valuable, along with knowledge of animal behavior and proper handling techniques. Certifications in first aid and animal care can enhance job prospects in this field.

What job allows you to work with wild animals?

A wild animal care job involves working directly with wild animals in settings such as wildlife rehabilitation centers, zoos, or conservation organizations. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, handling skills, and sometimes certifications in wildlife or animal care. The work may include feeding, habitat maintenance, and monitoring animal health.
More about Wild Animal Care jobs

What job categories do people searching Wild Animal Care jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Wild Animal Care jobs are:

Infographic showing various Wild Animal Care job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

New York Aquarium

New York, NY

$48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Title: Wild Animal Keeper
Reports To: Supervisor of Animals/Animal Dept. Curator
Position Managed: N/A
Department: Animal Programs
Location: Bronx Zoo
Employment Type: Union, Full-Time
Pay Range: $48,119.00 per year
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): 
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean.  We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence.  Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary:
To perform any activity necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service.
Principal Responsibilities:
  • Perform safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and /or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Prepare animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Perform safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff. 
  • Assist curatorial/supervisory staff in developing safe, proper and humane protocols for the management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas.
  • Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff to include, but not limited to the installation of plant material, perches and exhibit props such as rocks and logs, monitoring water quality, addition of substrates, and cleaning of exhibit glass and graphic panels.
  • Inspect animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas to ensure that they are clean, well lit, properly ventilated, properly heated or cooled, and that all mechanical systems are operating properly.  
  • Observe the animals entrusted to his/her care and report promptly on any indication of illness.
  • Carry out the veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick animals and follow all protocols established for the daily care of the animals.
  • Participate in Bronx Zoo animal behavior programs to facilitate animal management and to enhance and enrich the daily lives of the animals in our care.
  • Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques. Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naive and experienced animals to exhibits.  
  • Participate in daily enrichment programs.
  • Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Bronx Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
  • Enforce the Bronx Zoo's visitor rules and regulations.
  • Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of senior animal keepers and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

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