If you love exotic animals and want to give them a home, animal rescue may be the career for you. These types of jobs involve caring for wild animals that have been abused, displaced or abandoned.
There are many exotic animal rescues around the world that take in wild “pets” and help them get a home. This is a great way to show your love for animals while working in a rewarding career.
Zoo Veterinarian
A zoo veterinarian is responsible for the health and welfare of zoo animals. She examines and monitors their progress in a variety of ways, including taking blood work and inspecting dental hygiene.
She evaluates the condition of zoo animals, communicates with zookeepers, and helps them decide when surgery is necessary. She also oversees breeding programs, which are designed to create sustainable populations for a particular species.
Zoo Veterinarians have an incredible passion for saving wild and exotic animal species from extinction. They are compassionate people who have the strength to deal with frightened or injured animals.
To become a zoo vet, you need a veterinary degree and a license to practice in your state. You must also complete a residency program, which can last 3 to 4 years and provide critical field experience. This training sharpens your clinical skills and research abilities, which are essential for a career in zoological medicine.
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured and orphaned animals, often rescued from human-related activities such as a vehicle collision or oil spill. Their goal is to return the animal back into its habitat and to avoid the use of lethal measures.
Wildlife rehabilitation is a challenging career, but the rewards are numerous. Rehabilitators can watch an injured or orphaned animal regain independence and learn how to survive in the wild.
Rehabilitators may work for governmental agencies, zoos, and humane societies. They also might be a part of a specialized emergency response team that travels to areas where wildlife is in distress.
Rehabilitators need a strong desire to help orphaned and injured wildlife, compassion for people who find these animals in trouble, and knowledge of the eating and habitat preferences of different species. In addition, they need to comply with local, state, and federal laws, organize volunteers, and educate the public about wildlife.
Zoo Keeper
A zoo keeper is responsible for the well-being of all the animals at a zoo. Her duties include providing daily care for her animals, monitoring their health and behavior, preparing food for them, and cleaning exhibits.
Zookeepers can also conduct scientific research, and many of them are involved in public education. They often have to explain to the public the reasons for keeping animals’ captive, and the conservation efforts they are involved in.
If you want to be a zoo keeper, you need to be highly committed to animal welfare and have a strong interest in veterinary medicine. Most zoos require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the animals they will be working with. It is also important to have a good amount of experience working with animals, such as through a work placement or internship.
Sanctuary Keeper
As a sanctuary keeper, you’ll help care for the animals at a wildlife rescue center or other animal shelter. Your duties may include cleaning enclosures, feeding and watering animals, observing them, providing enrichment, training and recording notes.
Keepers often work closely with the animal veterinarians, ensuring that all animals are healthy and properly cared for. They also make recommendations on diet changes and habitat redesigns, based on the needs of each animal.
To be a good sanctuary keeper, you must have a strong interest in wild animals and a willingness to learn about their behavior and needs. You should also have a background in animal husbandry and some experience with veterinary care, as well as a solid understanding of risk management.
