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Zoo Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Temporary Bird Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Zoo Animal Caretaker To maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Zoo; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of ...

Houston Zoo

Animal Nutrition Coordinator

Houston, TX · On-site

Animal Nutrition Coordinator The Animal Nutrition Coordinator supports the daily operation of the ... Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and ...

City of El Paso

Zoo Area Supervisor

El Paso, TX · On-site

$43K - $62K/yr

Observe animal behavior, watch for illness and injury and monitor reproductive behavior. Assist in ... Provide information about the zoo and facilities to the public. Assist with preparation of budget ...

Houston Zoo

Animal Nutrition Coordinator

Houston, TX · On-site

The Animal Nutrition Coordinator supports the daily operation of the Houston Zoo's Animal Nutrition ... Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$89K - $100K/yr

Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and associated programs. Participates in the development and implementation of clinical and preventative veterinary programs. As a ...

City of El Paso, TX

Zoo Area Supervisor

El Paso, TX · On-site

$43K - $62K/yr

ZOO GATE REVS ADMIN Opening Date: 07/30/2026 Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Mountain FLSA: Non ... Clean animal exhibits, aquariums and holding areas. Assist in the replacement and repair of ...

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Zoo Animal information

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How much do zoo animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo animal 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 a zoo animal?

Zoo animals are a diverse group of animals that are kept in zoos for purposes such as conservation, education, research, and public display. These animals can include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and sometimes fish and invertebrates. Zoos aim to provide environments that replicate the animals' natural habitats as closely as possible, while also ensuring their health and welfare. Many zoos participate in breeding programs and conservation initiatives to help protect endangered 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 background in animal science, biology, or zoology, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience working with animals. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and enrichment techniques is commonly required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and collaborating with team members. These competencies are vital for maintaining the health and wellbeing of zoo animals while promoting a safe and educational environment for staff and visitors.

What are some common challenges faced by zookeepers when caring for zoo animals, and how are these challenges typically addressed?

Zookeepers often encounter challenges such as meeting the complex dietary, behavioral, and health needs of a diverse range of animals. Adapting care routines for different species, monitoring for signs of illness, and ensuring enrichment to prevent boredom are all part of the daily responsibilities. Teamwork and clear communication with veterinary staff, nutritionists, and other keepers are essential to address these challenges effectively. Continuous training and professional development help zookeepers stay updated on best practices for animal welfare.

What is the difference between Zoo Animal vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectZoo AnimalZoo Keeper
CredentialsNone required; biological knowledge helpfulRelevant certifications (e.g., zookeeper certification), experience in animal care
Work EnvironmentAnimals in zoo habitatsAnimal enclosures, animal care areas, and public interaction zones
Industry UsageRefers to the animals themselvesRefers to the professional caring for animals
Search IntentInformation about animals in zoosCareers and job roles in zoos

Zoo Animal describes the animals kept in zoos, focusing on their species and characteristics. Zoo Keeper refers to the professionals responsible for caring for these animals, ensuring their health and well-being. While Zoo Animals are the subjects, Zoo Keepers are the caretakers. Understanding this distinction helps clarify job roles versus animal types in the industry.

What jobs can you get in a zoo?

Zoo jobs include roles such as zookeeper, animal keeper, veterinarian, education specialist, and conservationist. These positions often require specific training or degrees in biology, zoology, or related fields, and may involve working with animals, maintaining habitats, or educating visitors. Staff typically work in shifts and follow safety protocols to ensure animal and visitor safety.

What jobs work with zoo animals?

Jobs that work with zoo animals include zookeeper, animal keeper, veterinary technician, animal trainer, and conservation biologist. These roles typically require knowledge of animal behavior, safety protocols, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees in biology or zoology. Staff in these positions are responsible for animal care, enrichment, and ensuring the health and well-being of the animals in a zoo environment.
More about Zoo Animal jobs

What cities are hiring for Zoo Animal jobs?

Cities with the most Zoo Animal job openings:

What states have the most Zoo Animal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Zoo Animal jobs include:

Zoo Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Animal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Animal Keeper (Various)

Woodland Park Zoo

Seattle, WA • On-site

$38.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Woodland Park Zoo rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Title: Animal Keeper
SALARY & FLSA: The starting rate for this role is $33.49 per hour. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary in the job classification and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6, $38.25 per hour being the maximum pay rate.
OPENING DATE: 8/4/2026
CLOSING DATE: 8/25/2026
JOB TYPE: Temporary, full-time, and part-time opportunities may be available
UNION: Represented
OPENINGS: Ongoing pool for current and future vacancies
LOCATION: Onsite
DEPARTMENT: Animal Management
CARE FOR ANIMALS. INSPIRE PEOPLE. SUPPORT CONSERVATION.
Woodland Park Zoo is a one-of-a-kind urban oasis where people connect with wildlife, learn about the natural world, and discover how everyday choices can support conservation. Each year, more than 1.3 million guests visit the zoo to experience animals, habitats, education programs, and conservation stories that inspire curiosity and action. As a member of our animal care team, you help bring that mission to life through attentive daily care, collaboration, guest engagement, and a shared commitment to saving wildlife and inspiring everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.
WHO YOU ARE
As an Animal Keeper, you may support a variety of animal areas depending on operational needs, staffing coverage, and your experience. You are successful in this role because you are a:
  • Dependable Animal Caregiver: You are attentive to animals' daily needs, routines, and surroundings, and you take pride in providing consistent, thoughtful care each day.
  • Collaborative Teammate: You work well with others, follow established protocols, and support safe, reliable coverage across teams, schedules, and animal areas.
  • Conservation Educator: You enjoy connecting guests with animals and sharing conservation messages that inspire empathy, curiosity, and action.
  • Flexible Learner: You are open to developing skills with different taxa, assignments, and routines, and you adapt to changing animal care and operational needs.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Animal Keepers may be assigned to different animal areas and schedules based on business needs. Responsibilities may include:
  • Provide daily animal care, including cleaning, disinfecting, diet preparation, feeding, watering, animal observations, and habitat maintenance.
  • Assess animal health, behavior, welfare, and safety daily; report abnormal conditions or behavior patterns promptly to managers, curators, and veterinary staff.
  • Maintain accurate animal records and logs, including observations, diets, medications, training progress, enrichment, and other required documentation.
  • Support preventive health care and prescribed treatment plans, including medication administration, physical exams, quarantine procedures, and veterinary support activities.
  • Participate in animal training, enrichment, behavioral husbandry, capture, restraint, transport, and emergency response activities using established safety protocols.
  • Collaborate with animal care, veterinary, horticulture, maintenance, operations, education, conservation, and guest-facing teams to support safe, high-quality animal care and guest experiences.
  • Provide animal information and conservation messages through public presentations, keeper talks, guest interactions, media opportunities, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
  • Support exhibit repairs, modifications, animal moves, and exhibit design or implementation projects as assigned.
  • Develop proficiency in multiple animal areas when needed to support coverage, animal welfare, and operational continuity.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a life sciences field from an accredited four-year college or university; and two (2) years of professional experience directly caring for animals in a zoo, aquarium, wildlife park, or managed zoological collection.
  • Prefer paid zoo animal keeping experience for two (2) years at an AZA facility.
  • Ability to perform physical work in indoor and outdoor environments and lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
  • Ability to work a variety of shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and schedule changes based on animal care and operational needs.
  • Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Washington driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS
Woodland Park Zoo offers benefits and perks that may vary by employment classification, schedule, and eligibility.
SELECTION PROCESS
Application: This posting may be used to fill temporary, full-time, part-time, current, and future Animal Keeper vacancies. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.
At Woodland Park Zoo, we believe a thriving workplace reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to equitable employment opportunities. Candidates will be considered based on their qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or other protected status. We especially encourage individuals from historically underrepresented communities and those with diverse lived experiences to apply.
Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.
Screening: We will review applications for the skills, experience, availability, and qualifications that best match current and future animal care needs. Selected candidates may be invited for screening calls, skills-based interviews, virtual or in-person interviews, and reference checks.
Offer: Job offers are contingent on verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including completion of a background check. This role may also require a driving record review, pre-employment physical, tuberculosis test, or other job-related screenings based on the assignment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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