4 answers
Brynna
Student
Lake Panasoffkee, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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If I'm interested in marine animal care taking, what path should I take?
For as long as I've known this interest of mine, I've always been told marine biology is the way to go. But I'm concerned that I'll become disconnected with marine biology, I'm not totally interested in the biology of marine animals, other than learning the basics to care for marine animals. I'm nervous that I'll be getting myself into something that I've mistakenly judged.
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4 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Brynna,
To become an animal caretaker for marine critters typically requires a bachelors degree in an animal-related field. Marine biology is a good choice, but it could also be animal behavior or veterinary science etc. There are also degree options and post-grad certificates specializing in zoo/aquarium science, zookeeping or zoo management etc. I left some links for you below.
Very very important in finding a job is practical experience. So, start volunteering and interning to get experience and your foot in the door. This will also provide you with the more hands-on opportunities you might crave.
I think as you go from fundamental science courses to upper level classes, you might enjoy your program more. But if you are totally not feeling it, consult and network with some aquarium folks to get advice on your options.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-aquarist
https://www.aza.org/education-programs-for-zoo-and-aquarium-careers
https://www.vettechcolleges.com/blog/outstanding-aquatic-veterinary-programs
https://mission.cmaquarium.org/what-we-do/conservation-research/careers-in-marine-science/
To become an animal caretaker for marine critters typically requires a bachelors degree in an animal-related field. Marine biology is a good choice, but it could also be animal behavior or veterinary science etc. There are also degree options and post-grad certificates specializing in zoo/aquarium science, zookeeping or zoo management etc. I left some links for you below.
Very very important in finding a job is practical experience. So, start volunteering and interning to get experience and your foot in the door. This will also provide you with the more hands-on opportunities you might crave.
I think as you go from fundamental science courses to upper level classes, you might enjoy your program more. But if you are totally not feeling it, consult and network with some aquarium folks to get advice on your options.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Emily Barrowdale
Sales Representative
4
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Depending on where you are in the college track, a lot of the first year or two is going to a lot of prerequisites. (Chem, Bio, etc...) I wouldn't stress too much about not being interested in it now! Those core classes are able to be used in a lot of different degrees. What I would do is take electives or different classes that are not strictly for your degree. Those can give you a better insight and different tracks of where you want to go!
Can you take maybe some basic veterinarian classes? Nutritional classes?
Can you take maybe some basic veterinarian classes? Nutritional classes?
Thank you for the advice!
Brynna
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brynna !
Well, the rule of thumb is always obtain the degree for the career that you want. I see that you have described your interest as "taking care of" marine animals and that is not specific enough to actually provide you with answers. What exactly do you mean by taking care of ? You'll also have to decide how many years of college you are interested in attending because there are a wide range of careers working with animals from veterinary to zoo maintenance.
In order to be hired to work with marine animals, you are going to have to know the ins and outs of various species of marine life. Most people major in Marine Science and employers will want someone who has that specific degree - either Marine Biology or Marine Science. This is something to consider. Knowing how the animals live and behave will be vital and you can learn it through that degree path.
Eckerd College in Florida offers a Marine Science degree with specializations in Marine Biology and you should consider it if you want a strong career. If you really do not want to study Marine Biology or Marine Science (which goes a lot into the biology), then consider getting a reception, feeder or maintenance job at The Florida Aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Miami Seaquarium, Tarpon Springs Aquarium or any of the others.
Go to Indeed and other employment websites and see what the requirements are to be hired working with marine life. This will give you an idea of what path you'll need to take. If you still do not want to study marine biology, then I would suggest you choose a different other major and career that you'll like and work at one of the marine parks or aquariums in the jobs I have mentioned.
Best wishes in all you do !
Well, the rule of thumb is always obtain the degree for the career that you want. I see that you have described your interest as "taking care of" marine animals and that is not specific enough to actually provide you with answers. What exactly do you mean by taking care of ? You'll also have to decide how many years of college you are interested in attending because there are a wide range of careers working with animals from veterinary to zoo maintenance.
In order to be hired to work with marine animals, you are going to have to know the ins and outs of various species of marine life. Most people major in Marine Science and employers will want someone who has that specific degree - either Marine Biology or Marine Science. This is something to consider. Knowing how the animals live and behave will be vital and you can learn it through that degree path.
Eckerd College in Florida offers a Marine Science degree with specializations in Marine Biology and you should consider it if you want a strong career. If you really do not want to study Marine Biology or Marine Science (which goes a lot into the biology), then consider getting a reception, feeder or maintenance job at The Florida Aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Miami Seaquarium, Tarpon Springs Aquarium or any of the others.
Go to Indeed and other employment websites and see what the requirements are to be hired working with marine life. This will give you an idea of what path you'll need to take. If you still do not want to study marine biology, then I would suggest you choose a different other major and career that you'll like and work at one of the marine parks or aquariums in the jobs I have mentioned.
Best wishes in all you do !
Mozhan Hosseini
Student
1
Answer
Chalus, Mazandaran Province
Updated
Mozhan’s Answer
Hello Brynna,
I think it would be a great idea to do an internship in this field, or speak directly with someone who works in marine animal care. You could even ask to volunteer alongside them for a while. These kinds of hands-on experiences can really help you explore your interest more closely and understand what the day-to-day work actually looks like.
While academic studies can feel overwhelming at times, especially in the early stages with core science courses, they pass quickly; and what truly matters is the kind of work you'll be doing in your everyday life. You might also consider taking a few related courses outside your main program, like introductory veterinary science, animal behavior, or aquatic nutrition, to see what excites you most.
To work in the field you're interested in, it's common to pursue a bachelor's degree in marine biology, aquatic veterinary science, or environmental science. These programs generally focus on the study, protection, and care of marine animals and their ecosystems. But beyond academic qualifications, there are also certain skills and hands-on experience you'll need to develop.
I recommend checking out job positions related to marine animal care on LinkedIn or other career platforms. Look at their requirements; this can give you a much clearer idea of what’s expected in the field and help guide your academic choices with more confidence.
Wishing you all the best as you explore this path!
I think it would be a great idea to do an internship in this field, or speak directly with someone who works in marine animal care. You could even ask to volunteer alongside them for a while. These kinds of hands-on experiences can really help you explore your interest more closely and understand what the day-to-day work actually looks like.
While academic studies can feel overwhelming at times, especially in the early stages with core science courses, they pass quickly; and what truly matters is the kind of work you'll be doing in your everyday life. You might also consider taking a few related courses outside your main program, like introductory veterinary science, animal behavior, or aquatic nutrition, to see what excites you most.
To work in the field you're interested in, it's common to pursue a bachelor's degree in marine biology, aquatic veterinary science, or environmental science. These programs generally focus on the study, protection, and care of marine animals and their ecosystems. But beyond academic qualifications, there are also certain skills and hands-on experience you'll need to develop.
I recommend checking out job positions related to marine animal care on LinkedIn or other career platforms. Look at their requirements; this can give you a much clearer idea of what’s expected in the field and help guide your academic choices with more confidence.
Wishing you all the best as you explore this path!