I want to be a zookeeper and I really wanted to be in the marine animals but cant swim so that kills that lol so now Im looking for what type of animal I want to work with I do not want to be with carnivores or any of the feline or bears I want a animal who is vegatarian and is has less chances of attacking its new keeper and if you are a keeper tell me is it fun I know you gotta pick up poop and clean them feed them and check them but what is cool about it whats the pay will I be able to live of the money(its not bout money but fun but I gotta live thanx :)
2007-11-07 16:39:50 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
There really is no "safe" animal. Just major in the one that intrests you the most. All animals can have unpredictable times, no matter how "gentle" they seem. Take Steve Irwin for an example... he messed around with every single stinging, biting, or "tear you apart" animals there was, and got killed by a stingray that is supposed to be a "docile species". It happens... just whatever you want to learn about the most and what you EXCEL at, that's the animal you go for. Hope that helped. :-)
2007-11-07 16:49:57 · answer #1 · answered by Corgis4Life 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all allow me to say that you do not always need to swim to work with aquatics. Yes many zoos/aquariums do require it with some of the animals, but there are many marine based jobs that do not require it. Second, NO animal is a "safe" animal, domestic or exotic.
If you do not want to work with carnivores I would look into birds, which is ornothology. It can cover everything from a small sparrow to a harpy eagle. In this day and age most zoos have some form of an aviary and in all honesty most major zoos have several of them.
On top of that you seem uneasy about being bit/injured by the animal. Though birds can cause some major damage it is far more relaxing than dealing with say an bull elephant on a daily basis. If you do get a job at a zoo you can spend your first few years working with birds then if you feel comfortable perhaps change to something else.
Still I say do not give up on your passion with aquatics. Check out aza.org from time to time for keeper positions too, it will show you what jobs are out there as well as requirements.
Side note, start working at a zoo the second you can. During college and even high school many offer seasonal positions. Zoos love to hire from within and they love people who have worked in other departments. Experience is key when it comes to working at a zoo. If it is a seasonal keeper position or selling tickets at the front gate, take it.
2007-11-07 17:49:51 · answer #2 · answered by The Cheshire 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Herbivore does not mean safe.
In Africa, elephants kill a lot of people.
Herbivores with hooves can kick. Herbivores still have teeth and they can bite.
If you try to get a job at a zoo, there is a good chance you may not even be able to pick what you get to work with, as you would be new. You still have to have experience with animals before you become a zookeeper though. Not wanting to work with any animal that is not a herbivore will hurt your chances of getting the job though.
2007-11-07 23:48:25 · answer #3 · answered by Akatsuki 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay, specializing in one animal won't really help you as a keeper, because you'll probably have alot more than just one enclosure to upkeep.
You don't have to swim to work with the marine animals. (polar bears and seals don't like sharing their water!)
Zookeeper's fun, it's very dirty. And you probably won't ever own a very nice car or house, if it's just you. Don't expect upper-middle class or anything.
Why zookeeper anyway? I love working with wildlife way more than collection animals!
Oh, and no such thing as a "safe" animal... they're animals. They will bite, scratch, spit, kick... they just will.
But for a serious suggestion, try koala, panda, or elephants. All have been known to cause human bodily damage, but they're not carnivores?
2007-11-07 17:05:07 · answer #4 · answered by K H 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Punctuation Lizard is the first thing. Then learn to swim.
I think you need to swim and complete a full sentence for starters.
Then get a Zoology degree.
Then be at the top of your class with a Masters Degree.
Then work on your Doctorate Degree while cleaning "poop"
Then get your Doctorate Degree
Then clean more poop and study and come up wih a new species that will make you famous!!
2007-11-07 17:06:21 · answer #5 · answered by riverrat15666 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
the safest would be the farm animals/ petting zoo animals.
ferrets, guinea pigs etc
2007-11-07 16:44:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
How about giraffes and zebras?
2007-11-08 01:01:55 · answer #7 · answered by BlueManticore 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋