Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Working Life

Zoo keepers care for animals in soos, safari parks and similar places. Much of the work involves practical duties. Animal houses, pens and cages are cleaned on a daily basis. Food has to be prepared and presented in such a way that encourages natural behaviour. Keepers also provide fresh water and bedding.  
 
Keepers observe the animals' condition carefully, noting changes that may indicate ill health, fitness, interests, injury or pregnancy. They keep records of health, diet and so on. When animals need treatment, keepers assist vets. Most jobs involve some contact with the public. Keepers answer visitors' questions and may give talks. They are also responsible for the safety of both visitors and animals.  
 
In safari parks, where animals are free to roam, the keeper's work includes extra tasks, such as patrolling by vehicle to make sure that the public is safe.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
• Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
• Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
• Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
• Do facility laundry and clean, organise, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
• Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
• Collect and record animal information, such as weight, sise, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
• Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
• Answer telephones and schedule appointments.
• Advise pet owners on how to care for their pets' health.

Further Information

• Animal breeder- from: GradIreland
• Zoo Keeper- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Zookeeper- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

It is an advantage to have had some experience of voluntary work in a zoo before applying for a paid job. Some zoos run volunteer schemes. Experience of working with animals on a farm or in stables or kennels may also be useful.

Zoos may employ for work experience 16 year olds. Preferred applicants for employment to be around 18 to 21 years of age. Training will be on-the-job.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: animal care.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: animal care, veterinary, animal science, equine science, agri sciences, pre-university, animal care and management.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: equine science, animal bioscience, veterinary, wildlife biology, animal science, agricultural science.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: zoology structured, animal behaviour and welfare.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Most Irish Zoos expect employees to work towards the Zoo Animal Management Qualification (ZAMC), in conjunction with: 

• European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) www.eaza.net 
• World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), www.waza.org

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €45k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Talent.com

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Veterinary nurses; Pest control officers; Animal care services occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Numbers employed in this occupation are too small to allow for any analysis. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to work riders in the equestrian sector.

• British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)

  • Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
  • + 44 20 7449 6599
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Dublin Zoo

  • Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
  • (01) 474 8900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain And Ireland

  • Zoological Gardens, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY
  • Click Here