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Zoo Animal Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Cleans and maintains animal habitats, service areas, and guest areas around and adjacent to ... Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper's area of ...

City of Garden City, KS

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS · On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Zoo Animal Care Opening Date: 08/21/2026 Closing Date: 9/4/2026 11:59 PM Central Description The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Animal Keeper with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This ...

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 ...

San Bernardino County

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured ... County employees are hired for animal care, grounds keepers, maintenance, education and ...

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 ...

City of Garden City (KS)

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS · On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Description The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Animal Keeper with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of animals, habitats, grounds ...

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Zoo Animal Keeper information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do zoo animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo animal 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 zoo animal keeper?

Zoo animal keepers are professionals responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in zoos or wildlife parks. Their duties typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, observing animal behavior, assisting with medical care, and providing environmental enrichment. Keepers also help educate the public about wildlife conservation and the animals under their care. This role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare, attention to detail, and often specialized knowledge of different species.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Animal Keeper, you need a solid understanding of animal biology, behavior, and husbandry, often supported by a degree in zoology or related experience. Familiarity with animal care equipment, record-keeping systems, and sometimes certifications like AZA Professional Development courses are typical. Observation skills, teamwork, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities are vital for providing proper animal care, ensuring safety, and supporting conservation and education goals within the zoo environment.

What are some common challenges zoo animal keepers face in their daily work?

Zoo Animal Keepers often encounter challenges such as managing the physical demands of cleaning enclosures, preparing specialized diets, and maintaining animal enrichment activities. They must also be vigilant about animal health, quickly recognizing signs of illness or stress. Additionally, keepers regularly balance strict safety protocols with the need to build trust and rapport with a variety of species. Effective communication with veterinarians and other staff is essential to ensure the well-being of the animals.

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

AspectZoo Animal KeeperZoo Veterinarian
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require animal care certificationsDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and state licensure
Work EnvironmentAnimal enclosures, zoo grounds, animal habitatsVeterinary clinics, animal habitats, zoo medical facilities
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parks, animal sanctuariesZoos, wildlife parks, veterinary clinics within zoological settings
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding daily animal care rolesUnderstanding medical and health care responsibilities

The main difference between a Zoo Animal Keeper and a Zoo Veterinarian lies in their qualifications and responsibilities. Zoo Animal Keepers focus on daily animal care, feeding, and habitat maintenance, while Zoo Veterinarians diagnose and treat health issues. Both roles are essential in a zoo setting but require different levels of education and expertise.

How do you become a zoo animal keeper?

To become a zoo animal keeper, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience or education in animal science, biology, or related fields. Many positions require hands-on experience through volunteering, internships, or working with animals in other settings, and some employers prefer candidates with formal education or certifications in animal care or zookeeping. Strong communication skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work outdoors are also important.

How hard is it to get a zoo animal keeper job?

Securing a zoo animal keeper position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in biology, zoology, or animal science, along with hands-on experience through internships or volunteering. Employers look for strong animal handling skills, knowledge of safety protocols, and a passion for animal care, making the application process somewhat challenging for newcomers.

How much do you get paid for being a zoo animal keeper?

Zoo animal keepers typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $25,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the zoo. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced keepers or those working at larger institutions can earn higher wages, often supplemented by benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
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Zoo Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Animal Keeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

New York Aquarium

New York, NY

$48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 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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