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Is it odd that I want to be a Zookeeper?

Some of the people around me assume that I'm in college to be a veterinarian, but then when I tell them zookeeper, they give an odd look and then follow up with, 'Oh, nice...' So is it odd that I want to work as a zookeeper?

college veterinarian zookeeper zoo
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Aaliyah,

If you want to be a zookeeper, it doesn't really matter if people think it's odd, right? I think it's cool. Maybe they just expected you to reach "higher" (for lack of a better word), academically or financially? Maybe they don't know much about the path you chose?

Doesn't matter. You are in college. You are learning important stuff for a career in zoos.
And if you decide to go to vet school after some years as a zookeeper, that option will still be there. Maybe you'll be a vet for zoo animals? How cool is that?

Maybe you'll rise up in the zoo hierarchy and become a curator or zoo director. Maybe you'll open a rehabilitation center. Maybe you'll do animal documentaries or wildlife education. Maybe you'll work in conservation. You'll carve out your own path!

I hope this helps! You got this! All the best to you!

KP
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Lisa’s Answer

No! I think it is so cool! I would totally do this in another life. I could see my daughter doing this, she is 6 and wants to be a Veterinarian.
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Constance’s Answer

Many jobs might seem unusual to some, but they exist because they are needed. If you love animals and dream of being a zookeeper, and it gives you a steady income, focus on what makes you happy and not on others' opinions!
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Angela’s Answer

Aaliyah, it's wonderful to follow your passions, especially if becoming a zookeeper excites you! What matters most is your own reasons for pursuing this path, not what others think. Being a zookeeper is unique and exciting, and it can surprise people in a good way. Keep exploring this passion and be ready to share why you want to be a zookeeper, whether it's for animal conservation, your love for animals, or educating the public. I grew up visiting the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park and truly admire the work they do!
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Shalamonet’s Answer

Hi Aaliyah! It's wonderful that you want to care for animals. This is such an important and amazing thing to do! Always follow your passions and do what you LOVE and makes you happy. Being unique is great!
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ahmed diaz’s Answer

Not at all — wanting to be a zookeeper is a great career choice I think!!

It’s cool, meaningful, and absolutely practical. And also working with animals, contributing to conservation, and educating the public are incredibly valuable things too.

And for some people that assume it's odd, meybe they are might not realize how skilled and knowledgeable zookeepers need to be, and how meaningful it's.

So overall i think there's absolutely nothing odd about your goal — it just means they might not be very familiar with the field. Keep focusing on what excites you and what you're truly passionate about, because that's what matters most. Go for it — being a zookeeper sounds like a fantastic path! 🦁🌿
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Camille’s Answer

No, not odd at all that you are that focused on your aspiration. I would think about what skills are really important to being a zookeeper like managing a staff of people, operations of a park and all of what it takes to keep the processes running smoothly for guests and the animals. I would recommend taking an Operations course to understand the flow of suppliers that have to come in and out of the zoo. The zookeeper isn't just about the animals, it's about the total experience for the ecosystem of everyone who goes to the zoo. That's a lot to master! Very exciting and best of luck

Camille recommends the following next steps:

Enroll in an Operations course
Enroll in a User Centered Design course
For fun, watch videos of zoos on YouTube from around the world to see how cultures experience zoos
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Michael’s Answer

If Zookeeping is your passion, then I would encourage you to follow it. If this is a dream of yours, then pursue it and don't look back. This is a respectable career and exists for an important reason. You will be very successful if this is something that brings you joy and fulfillment.
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Laine’s Answer

It's not strange at all! Do some research to see if being a zookeeper can support your other life goals financially. If it can, find out what steps you need to take to reach your dream job. When I was in school, I chose to study English because I loved it, even though my mom wasn't thrilled. When I started working in nonprofit, my family worried about my income, but my passion for the work led to amazing career growth I never expected (I started as an assistant and left a Chief Development Officer, reporting directly to the CEO). When you love what you do and work hard, great things can happen. Knowing your dream job puts you ahead of many people! You never know where your journey might take you. Starting as a zookeeper could open doors to new opportunities. Just keep an open mind!
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Isaiah’s Answer

Not at all odd to be a zookeeper! In fact, it's incredibly admirable!
Wanting to work with animals shows how much respect and compassion you have for the world around you. It's easy for people to just assume careers should follow a certain path or fit a type of mold, but real fulfillment comes from doing what you love! Every role in animal care, from vets to zookeepers, play a vital role in protecting wildlife and inspiring future generations.
Whatever your passion, pursue it unapologetically. The world needs more people who care deeply of the work they do!
Keep going!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you want to get an zookeeper. It's is not odd at all. The most important is to find a career you have interest.
Let me share my thoughts:
1. I think you would like animals. There are also other occupations that you can consider, eg zoologist, park rangers, vet, dog trainer, etc. you can find out more animal related careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3.. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Tracy’s Answer

It is not Odd, its awesome that you want to do this. Zoo keeping is a lot of work and its great that its something you enjoy an are interested in.
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Don’s Answer

Hello Aaliyah,

I don't think it is odd that you want to be a Zookeeper. It seems that you have a passion for animals and want to play an important role in helping different species. I have never heard of someone ever wanting to be a zookeeper before you but I think it is very cool that you want to make an impact with animals. If you are really passionate about wanting to work in Zoos than I would say go for it, we only live life once. People might think it is weird but it is important for you to have value in what you want to do.

I wish you the best when it comes to being a Zookeeper and don't focus on what other people say if you are passionate about it!
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Jerome’s Answer

I don’t find this to be odd at all. Life can be chaotic and overwhelming. If you can find something you are truly passionate about and it gives you the ability to take care of yourself and your family, I say go for it!
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Aulani’s Answer

Hello Aaliyah,

I encourage you to follow the career path of a zookeeper if that’s where your interest truly lies. I hope that you will not be discouraged by the reactions that you receive from those around you, such reactions are just out of curiosity. Respond gently, reassuringly, and keep your head held high. Do your very best in remaining positive and enthusiastic about what you are interested in. Also, I want to assure you that there’s nothing wrong with your choice of becoming a zookeeper. In fact, the work of zookeepers contribute greatly to society, they are truly admired and appreciated by many for their passion and commitment towards animals. Everyone is meant to contribute in different ways in society as we all have different skills, experiences, ways of thinking, and so forth. It is the only way we are able to thrive as a society, by joining diverse roles and careers together which serve as a support to each other.

It is possible that there will be opportunities in your life where you will be able to find an encouraging and supportive environment, fostering connections with like-minded individuals who share similar interests. Where you will be able to share your experiences and engage in meaningful conversations. Overall, providing the opportunity for learning and growth in your career path.

I hope you are able to find encouragement from the supportive responses of everyone here, and I wish you success!
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