Keeping Watch on the Zoo

Who takes care of the animals in the zoo?? The zookeeper or animal keeper is a person who manages zoo animals that are kept at zoos, conservations or somewhere else to be displayed for the public. The duties of the zoo keeper is responsible for the feeding and daily care of the animals. Cleaning the cages, checking for the animals health issues and helping in scientific research or public education are all duties of the zoo keeper.

The job of a zoo keeper has been in existence since 3,000 B.C.  Early civilizations that were located around Egypt, China, Pakistan and NW India. Members of the ruler family as well as wealthy class would keep collections of wild animals. Individuals much like zookeepers caught and cared for wild animals such as fish and birds.

Some ancient type of zoos were very large and contained a wide variety of species. The Chinese, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Arabian and India culture all had animal collections. The Aztec and Inca societies also maintained large animal collections. These societies are much older than the societies around Mexico City and had the largest known collections. One particular collection required 300 + zookeepers.

Requirements of zookeeper include a college degree in  zoology, biology, wildlife management, animal science or other animal related field. Some places require full apprenticeship in craftsmen In Europe zookeepers must be licensed after showing evidence of abilities to care for animals.