PROFESSIONS IN THE ZOO

A zoo brings many different lines of work together.

Indeed, flexibility is primordial: you need to be a designer, architect, navvy, electrician, decorator, roofer, stonemason, vet, cook, salesman, accountant, advertising executive, educationalist and more... and all at the same time. In Jurques, these tasks are split into two groups : The animal keepers’ team and The administrative team

The animal keeper :

To be an animal keeper, you need to be passionately interested, attentive, patient, meticulous and responsible.

Each keeper has a well-defined sector (felines, primates etc.) They are responsible for their sector and for the well-being of their animals. Their role is very important, as they are responsible for security (closing of the double door chambers, locking enclosures etc.), building maintenance, feeding, and the health of the animals (behavioural analysis, healthcare, and so forth). In addition to their sector, the keepers may be called upon to perform many other tasks for the zoo: Assistance in the other sectors according to needs (veterinary healthcare, rounding up animals, births, etc.). This work requires a considerable personal investment on the handlers’ part. The handlers work mostly outdoors and so are exposed to all kinds of weather. A handler’s day is far from monotonous!

Here are a few useful adresses if you would like to work in a zoo