Animal Keeper (Zoo)
しいくがかり（どうぶつえん）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A job responsible for the care management, health management, and environmental maintenance of exhibit animals in zoos, as well as handling exhibits and visitor interactions.
Description
Animal Keepers (Zoo) perform daily care management of exhibit animals, health checks, feed preparation and feeding, and cleaning and maintenance of husbandry environments. In addition, they contribute to improving animal welfare and zoo education and conservation activities through exhibit explanations for visitors and planning and implementation of environmental enrichment. They work in teams, collaborate with veterinarians and curators, and are required to continuously learn and practice husbandry techniques suitable for a wide variety of animal species.
Future Outlook
As the importance of animal welfare and biodiversity conservation increases, demand for keepers will remain stable. Career opportunities are expected to expand by enhancing expertise in visitor education and environmental enrichment.
Personality Traits
Curious and Inquisitive / Excellent Observation Skills / Good Team Player / Loves Animals / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Exhibit Narration / Indoor and Outdoor Work / Long Vacations Possible / Shift Work / Team Work
Career Path
Keeper Assistant → Animal Keeper → Lead Keeper → Keeper Leader → Head of Husbandry/Zoo Management
Required Skills
Animal Handling Techniques / Feed Formulation and Feeding Management / Husbandry Environment Management / Observation Record Creation / Safety and Hygiene Management
Recommended Skills
Animal Behavior Studies / Environmental Enrichment Design / First Aid (Animals) / Foreign Language Skills
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | To not miss small changes in animal health or the environment. |
| Creativity & Ideation | To devise ways to stimulate animal behavior and environmental enrichment. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Need to continuously learn husbandry techniques and ethology for a wide variety of animal species. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Required due to long hours of standing work and cleaning tasks that demand physical endurance. |
| Planning & Organization | To effectively carry out husbandry tasks and exhibit planning. |
| Problem Solving | Necessary for responding to animal health issues or behavioral abnormalities. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | To collaborate with other keepers and veterinarians. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Few quantitative analyses required. |
Related Qualifications
- Companion Animal Breeding and Management Technician
- Designated Animal Handler
Aliases
- Animal Keeper
- Keeper
- Zoo Staff
Related Jobs
- Animal Nurse
- Animal Trainer
- Aquarium Keeper
- Curator
- Veterinarian