What degree or field would I persue if I wanted to train animals or work for animal planet?

Question

I know this is kind of broad, but I recently went to universal studios,FL and seen the animal planet show. Now I have always have had the love and passion for animals.Once I saw the show it just seemed so interesting to me and looked really fun. I'm sure that it would take alot of hard work and long schooling but I was just wondering where to start as far as what field or what kinda credentials a person who hosts that show would have.thanks to all for the intrest.

Answer 1

Zoology/Marine Biology would be a good places to start. If you want to be involved in Animal TV, courses in Media presentation and Television Arts would also be helpful. Volunteering at your local zoo or Aquarium would also give you hands on experience.

Answer 2

You might look into something like wildlife biology or veterinary medicine, and then try to get summer jobs or internships at zoos or animal-themed parks like Sea World where you can develop those skills in caring for and training all kinds of animals. I'm not sure if they teach classes in animal training at college, but I bet there are some that do. Also, try volunteering for a wildlife rehab center. Most of them have animals that can't be released back into the wild, and the caretakers will often train them for public education/outreach events. For instance, in San Antonio, TX there is an organization called Last Chance Forever that rescues injured raptors, then trains them and takes them all over the state for demonstrations and to educate the public about how valuable they are to the ecosystem. Good luck!

Answer 3

I work at a museum that is part zoo and part aquarium. Our curators for our animal care department have all taken biology type courses. Some have degrees (or are working towards the degrees) in biology, zoology, and marine science. It also helps to volunteer as a teen in the field of your choice. Start volunteering at your local zoo or aquarium if you have any close by, or even your local vet office. Also, you can always call the staff at those places and ask them directly how they got into their careers, and what type of schooling they needed. With that knowledge on hand, you can work your way up in the career fields to a job at Animal Planet. Good luck!

Answer 4

That's great that you have found your passion! A veterinarian (animal doctor) or vet technician (vet tech is traditionally 2 year degree) may help you enter the field of working with animals. Here is a website to learn more about those fields and to search other similar careers: US Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco and can type into search box 'veterinary technician' or such. I'm sure that there are a lot of science courses to take in either curriculum.

Answer 5

I think you should become a zoologist. They work with animals all the time..........if you're a zookeeper. Or, you could go to www.animalplanet.com and get some advice on this subject.

Answer 6

Biology, veterinary medicine.

Answer 7

If you get any good answers, tell me!!! because... same here!