To become a zookeeper in the US, you'll usually need a bachelor's degree in biology, animal science or a related field, because most zoos require one, plus hands-on experience from volunteering or an internship at a zoo or aquarium. In the UK, you can also get in through a Keeper and Aquarist Level 3 apprenticeship or by starting as a keeper's assistant.
Zookeeping is one of the most wanted animal jobs there is, and the route in is more academic than many people expect. Here's what it takes, what it pays and how to get the experience zoos look for.
US facts come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for animal care and service workers. UK routes come from the National Careers Service zookeeper profile. Both were read on 26 October 2026.
What a zookeeper does
BLS says zookeepers care for animals in zoos. They plan diets, feed animals and watch eating patterns, clean enclosures and look for signs of illness or injury. Depending on the zoo's size, a keeper may work with one species or several. Keepers may also help raise young animals and spend time answering questions from visitors.
It's physical work. BLS notes that animal care involves moving and cleaning enclosures, lifting heavy bags of food and exercising animals, and in places that run around the clock, animals need care at all hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
How to become a zookeeper in the US
- Earn a bachelor's degree. BLS says most zoos require zookeepers to have a degree in biology, animal science or a related field.
- Volunteer or intern at a zoo or aquarium. BLS calls volunteering and internships at zoos and aquariums excellent ways to gain experience.
- Build wider animal experience. Many animal care employers prefer candidates who've already worked with animals, so shelter, kennel or farm work counts.
- Apply for entry-level keeper roles. Your first job may focus on one area of the zoo before you take on more species.
- Keep learning on the job. BLS says most animal care workers learn through on-the-job training.
How to become a zookeeper in the UK
The National Careers Service lists several routes, and you don't have to go to university:
| Route | What it involves | Typical entry requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University | Foundation degree, HND or degree in an animal subject | 1 or 2 A levels for a foundation degree, 2 or 3 including a science for a degree |
| Apprenticeship | Keeper and Aquarist Level 3, or Animal Care and Welfare Level 2 or 3 | Some GCSEs, or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 for advanced level |
| Work | Start as a keeper's assistant, then study the 2-year DMZAA | Employer backing |
| Volunteering | At least 1 day a week can lead to the CMZAAV certificate | Varies by zoo |
The DMZAA is the Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals. If you want to train zoo animals, there's also an Animal Training Instructor Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
What zookeepers earn
BLS doesn't publish a separate zookeeper wage. Zookeepers sit inside its animal caretakers group, and the closest figure is the median for caretakers working in arts, entertainment and recreation, the industry that includes zoos.
| Measure (BLS, May 2025) | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Animal caretakers in arts, entertainment and recreation | $37,460 |
| All animal caretakers | $35,360 |
| Animal trainers | $39,990 |
Those figures are as of October 2026. Here's the catch: most zoos want a bachelor's degree, yet the pay group zookeepers sit in has a median of just $37,460 in zoos and similar venues. People do this job because they love the animals, not for the salary, so go in with that clear in your mind.
How to stand out when applying
- Log your volunteer hours and the species you worked with, because specifics stand out on applications.
- Pick a course with work placements, which the National Careers Service says can help later when you look for work.
- Learn to identify animals and birds quickly. A free bird identification app is a simple way to sharpen that skill.
- Show physical stamina and patience, two qualities BLS highlights for animal care workers.
- Look at related animal health roles too, such as working in a clinic that uses veterinary practice software, to widen your experience.
Related roles if you want to train animals
Some people who start in zoo work move toward animal training. BLS says most animal trainers work with dogs and horses, but some work with marine mammals such as dolphins, and marine mammal trainers usually need a bachelor's degree in marine biology, animal science, biology or a related field. Animal trainers earned a median of $39,990 in May 2025, slightly more than caretakers.
BLS also notes that part-time work is common for both trainers and caretakers, so your first zoo role may not be full time. Use those hours to learn as many species and routines as you can.
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My verdict
Becoming a zookeeper takes a science degree or a keeper apprenticeship, plus as much hands-on animal experience as you can get. The National Careers Service warns there's a lot of competition for courses and trainee jobs, so start volunteering early and keep a record of everything you do. It won't make you rich, but if caring for animals is what you want to do every day, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can get.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a degree to be a zookeeper?
In the US, BLS says most zoos require a bachelor's degree in biology, animal science or a related field. In the UK, apprenticeships and keeper's assistant jobs are also routes in.
How much do zookeepers make?
BLS doesn't publish a zookeeper-only wage. Animal caretakers in arts, entertainment and recreation earned a median of $37,460 in May 2025.
How do I get zookeeper experience?
BLS says volunteering and internships at zoos and aquariums are excellent ways to gain experience.
Is there a zookeeper apprenticeship in the UK?
Yes. The National Careers Service lists a Keeper and Aquarist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, among others.
What does a zookeeper do every day?
Zookeepers plan diets, feed animals, clean enclosures, watch for signs of illness or injury and answer visitors' questions.
Is zookeeping physically demanding?
Yes. BLS notes the work involves cleaning enclosures, lifting heavy bags of food and exercising animals.
Do zookeepers work weekends?
Often. BLS says schedules may include evenings, weekends and holidays, and animals in round-the-clock facilities need care at all hours.
