Zookeeper

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Zookeeper

A zookeeper is a worker in a zoo

Zoo

A Zoology garden, abbreviated to zoo, is an institution in which living animals are exhibited in captivity. In addition to their status as tourist attractions and recreational facilities, modern zoos may engage in captive breeding programs, conservation study, and educational outreach....
, responsible for the feeding and daily care of the animal

Animal

Animals are a major group of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms of the Kingdom Animalia or Metazoa. Their body plan eventually becomes fixed as they develop, although some undergo a process of metamorphosis later on in their life....
s. As part of their routine, they clean the exhibits and report health problems. They may also be involved in scientific research

Research

Research is defined as human activity based on intellectual application in the investigation of matter. The primary purpose for applied research is discovery , interpretation , and the development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of our world and the universe....
or public education

Public education

Public educatoin is education mandated for or offered to the children of the general public by the government, whether national, regional, or local, provided by an institution of civil government, and paid for, in whole or in part, by taxes....
, such as conducting tours and answering questions.

The qualifications and salary of zookeepers both vary widely. A junior keeper in a small zoo may have no qualifications other than an affinity for the job, while a senior keeper in a large zoo would probably have both a relevant academic degree and extensive experience.

Prospective zookeepers need both love for animals and diligence toward work that can be strenuous and dirty; animals and their food are sometimes heavy and strong-smelling.