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Wild Animal Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL

$20.96/hr

Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for ... Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Clean and disinfect displays and ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for ... Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Clean and disinfect displays and ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper Part Time

Peoria, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Cleaning and disinfecting ... and animal care. Participating in all aspects of kitchen * clean-up. * Keeping work areas and ...

Wild Adventures

Animal Keeper

Valdosta, GA · On-site

Clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as nighthouses, exhibits, and stables, and equipment, such as shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows as needed ensuring compliance with Wild ...

HFE Valdosta LLC

Animal Keeper

Valdosta, GA · On-site

Clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as nighthouses, exhibits, and stables, and equipment, such as shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows as needed ensuring compliance with Wild ...

Wild Adventures

Animal Keeper Assistant

Valdosta, GA · On-site

... basic animal husbandry on a daily basis. This will include feeding and cleaning of exhibits and ... FREE Season Admission to Wild Adventures For You and One Guest * Complimentary Tickets To Give To ...

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Wild Animal Keeper information

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$11

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$28

How much do wild animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for wild animal keeper in the United States is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wild animal keeper?

Wild animal keepers are professionals responsible for the care and management of wild animals in facilities such as zoos, wildlife parks, and sanctuaries. Their duties include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, providing enrichment activities, and assisting with breeding programs. Wild animal keepers also observe animal behavior, report any health or behavioral changes, and may interact with the public to educate them about wildlife conservation. The role can be physically demanding and requires a passion for animal welfare and conservation.

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

To thrive as a Wild Animal Keeper, you need a background in animal science, biology, or zoology, often supported by a relevant degree or hands-on experience with animals. Familiarity with animal care protocols, enrichment tools, and safety equipment is typically required, as well as certifications in first aid or animal handling. Strong observational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you monitor animal behavior and collaborate with colleagues. These competencies are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, maintaining safety, and supporting conservation efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by wild animal keepers when working with diverse animal species?

Wild Animal Keepers often face challenges such as adapting to the unique behavioral needs and safety protocols for a wide range of species. Each animal may require specialized care, diets, and enrichment activities to ensure their well-being, which demands continuous learning and flexibility. Additionally, keepers must work closely with veterinarians, educators, and other staff to monitor health, facilitate breeding programs, and support conservation initiatives, all while maintaining strict safety standards for both animals and humans.

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

AspectWild Animal KeeperZoo Animal Keeper
CredentialsTypically requires animal care certifications, wildlife handling experienceSimilar certifications, often with additional focus on zoo safety
Work EnvironmentWild habitats, conservation areas, remote locationsZoo enclosures, visitor areas, controlled environments
Employer & IndustryWildlife reserves, conservation organizationsZoological parks, aquariums, zoos
Work FocusWildlife conservation, habitat management, field researchAnimal care, exhibit maintenance, visitor education

Wild Animal Keepers primarily work in natural or semi-natural environments focusing on conservation and habitat management, while Zoo Animal Keepers work within zoo settings caring for animals in controlled enclosures. Both roles require similar certifications and involve animal handling, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Wild Animal Keeper jobs?

Cities with the most Wild Animal Keeper job openings:

What states have the most Wild Animal Keeper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wild Animal Keeper jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Wild Animal Keeper jobs?

For Wild Animal Keeper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Wild Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wild Animal Keeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,902 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Provisional Wild Animal Keeper, Central Park Zoo

New York, NY • On-site

New York Aquarium
Scientific Research and Development Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about New York Aquariumexternal

$48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Title: Provisional Wild Animal Keeper
Reports To: Supervisor of Animals/Animal Dept. Curator
Department: Animal Programs 
Location: Central Park Zoo
Employment Type: Union, Full-Time
Salary $48,117
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 authorized 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, installation of plant material, perches and exhibit props such as rocks and logs;
  • 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. Report any deficiencies and/or required maintenance to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper, or the supervisory/curatorial staff. Make any minor repairs necessary to assure safe, proper and human animal management;
  • Observe assigned animals for any changes in activity pattern, social behavior, feeding behavior and food preference, any abnormal behavior or evidence of injury and illness, any indications of sexual behavior or sexual cycle. Summarize these and any other observations relevant to safe, proper and humane management in a daily report submitted to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and the supervisory/curatorial staff. Promptly report anything which might require immediate action to the appropriate senior animal keeper or the supervisory/curatorial staff;
  • Carry out the veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick and injured animals and summarize required procedures in a daily report submitted to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper or the supervisory/curatorial staff;
  • Submit a daily report to the appropriate senior animal keeper and the supervisory/curatorial staff which summarizes events/changes in the animal collection and staff activities of within assigned work areas, identifies required maintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment;
  • Serve as acting Senior Wild Animal Keeper in their absence if instructed by the supervisory/curatorial staff;
  • Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Central Park Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection;
  • Enforce the Central Park Zoo 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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