Table of Contents
What zookeepers should know?
Most zookeepers have a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, which includes biology and zoology coursework, but some employers may accept an associate degree with relevant experience. Each program can give you the ability to take specialized classes related to the type of animals you want to work with.
Why is captive breeding important?
In conservation situations, zoos use captive breeding as a tool to prevent extinction of a species that cannot survive in the wild, often due to the deterioration of a species’ habitat. While this may not always be detrimental, changes in behavior that are beneficial in captivity are not beneficial to wild animals.
Why is it hard to breed animals in zoos?
The reproductive tract of an animal (especially among hoofstock) might begin to break down if she hasn’t bred regularly once reaching sexual maturity. Or cysts in the reproductive tract might make pregnancy impossible.
Why are captive breeding programs of zoo animals important?
Captive-breeding programs breed endangered species in zoos and other facilities to build a healthy population of the animals. Species-survival plans coordinate with zoos around the world to bring species together for breeding that ensures genetic diversity.
Why are Zookeepers important?
One of a zoo keeper’s most important — and fun — duties is to provide daily enrichment for the animals. This can take the form of anything from hiding treats for foraging, providing special “toys,” or using scents to stimulate the animals’ senses and encourage natural behavior and activity.
How do Zookeepers tell animals apart?
Sometimes a zoo keeper will use pictures or diagrams of each frog to help identify them while weighing or examining an individual. Other ways to identify individuals can be the overall color of an animal. Even though they are the same species, often times their coloring is darker or lighter!
Are zoo animals bred in captivity?
Professionally managed captive-breeding programs do not exist at most zoos. Indeed, the majority of zoos only breed animals because managers fail to control breeding, or to provide income, or so there will be baby animals born each year.
What do zookeepers do to help animals?
A zookeeper’s responsibilities usually include feeding, maintaining and cleaning the animals, diet preparation, behavioral observation, record keeping, exhibit maintenance and providing environmental enrichment for the animals in their care.