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Zoo Animal Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Oakland Zoo

Float Keeper B, California Trail

Oakland, CA · On-site

$28.45/hr

An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with the Zoo's compensation philosophy. Position Summary Animal Keepers play a vital role on the ACCR team, taking ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Elephant Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

... in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and ... Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required • Assist in directing the proper ...

City of Santa Clarita

PTS Animal Keeper

Valencia, CA · On-site

$19.78/hr

... Animal Keeper in the Parks division of the Neighborhood Services department. This position will ... in a ranch, zoo, sanctuary, farm, or other related field Any combination of education and ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Temporary Mammal Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Demonstrated knowledge of: • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program • ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Temporary Bird Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$17/hr

Demonstrated knowledge of: • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program • ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

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Zoo Animal Keeper information

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$12

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$35

How much do zoo animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

Animal Keeper Part Time

Peoria Park District

Peoria, IL • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection.

  • Cleaning and disinfecting displays, off-site areas, dishes, pans, and utensils used in animal care and diet preparation.

  • Preparing, distributing, and assisting in the formulation of animal diets, as well as procuring animal needs.

Job description

Duties: Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Animal Keeper Part-Time will be responsible for:
  • Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting displays and off-site areas in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting dishes, pans and utensils used in diet
  • preparation and animal care. Participating in all aspects of kitchen
  • clean-up.
  • Keeping work areas and public area neat and orderly.
  • Preparing and distributing diet, assisting in the formulation of diets and the procurement of animal needs.
  • Assisting in the handling of, administration of medication to, assisting in surgery, and record keeping of medications to assigned string.
  • Aiding in the acquisition and distribution of consumable products necessary to maintain a wild animal population. Submits requests for animal supplies, expenditures and bills to Animal Curator.
  • Maintaining accurate records and paperwork necessary to maintain a captive animal population.
  • Participating in preventative medicine/procedures and reports animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serves as liaison with veterinarian as needed.
  • Recommending procedures for animal care, researches and recommends animals for acquisition/disposition. Meets monthly in animal collection meetings as well as regularly with Animal Curator to maintain information flow on the animal collection. Sets goals and objectives based upon review.
  • Participating in behavioral enhancement for the animal collection.
  • Reporting all malfunctions of heating, plumbing, mechanical and electrical equipment and submitting maintenance needs to the Animal Curator and maintenance staff.
  • Reporting emergencies and unusual situations to appropriate personnel.
  • Performing routine maintenance tasks as needed. Assisting in exhibit repair and construction. Ensuring exhibits are properly maintained for the species displayed and the general public.
  • Assisting in programming and promotions of the zoo to include working with volunteers. May be required to provide programming on an on-going basis.
  • Wearing proper designated uniform during regular zoo hours.
  • Assuming responsibility for knowing, being trained and following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
  • Follows all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supports all aspects of the Park District's safety program.
  • Performing other duties assigned:
    • Which are reasonably related to the duties described; or
    • Which need to be performed promptly to avoid safety hazards or to protect Park District property; or
    • Which are not generally described in other job descriptions; or
    • When the amount of work exceeds the availability of Park District employees within the appropriate job classification.

Essential Functions:
  • Ability to reach, walk, pull, kneel, squat, and bend at the waist and knees.
  • Ability to understand and complete record-keeping and paperwork relative to job duties.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Education: A two-year college degree in a related field. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a like position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.
Experience: One year of experience in the care and maintenance of wild and/or domestic animals is required. A combination of education and experience may substitute.
Knowledge and Ability:
  • Basic knowledge of characteristics, diet, habits and well-being of wild and domestic animals.
  • Aptitude for on-the-job training and ability to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to work harmoniously with the public and fellow employees in a positive and cooperative manner.
  • Must be dependable, courteous and able to work with people of all ages.
  • Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
  • Personal: Must demonstrate reliability, initiative, tact and resourcefulness.
  • Requires a valid Illinois State Driver's License.

Perks:
  • Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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