You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• animal or zoo management
• animal behaviour and welfare
• zoology or marine zoology
• animal conservation and biodiversity
• veterinary science
• animal biology

It may help later when looking for work, if you do a course that includes work placements or an internship. You can search for courses through the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree

You could do a course before applying to a zoo for a trainee assistant zookeeper's job. Courses include:

• animal care
• biology
• animal care and welfare management
• T Level in Animal Care and Management

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an animal welfare centre, wildlife park or zoo. Options include:

• Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Animal Care and Welfare Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Keeper and Aquarist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

You may be able to specialise in training zoo animals by completing an Animal Training Instructor Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could start work as a keeper's assistant in a zoo or aquarium.

Once working, and with the backing of your employer, you could enrol on the 2-year Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA).

The Diploma may lead onto higher education training or opportunities to apply for more senior roles at your place of work.

There's a lot of competition for courses and trainee jobs, so getting work experience and volunteering at a zoo or aquarium is an excellent way to improve your career prospects.

If you're volunteering for at least 1 day a week, you may be able to do a Certificate in Management of Zoos and Aquarium Animals for Volunteers (CMZAAV). This is offered by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and gives you a foundation to build on for a career in zookeeping.

You can also get experience by volunteering at:

• kennels, farms or riding stables
• animal welfare sanctuaries or rescue centres

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• knowledge of biology
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

As a zookeeper, you could:

• prepare food and feed animals
• clean out enclosures and change bedding
• check for signs of injury, distress or disease
• work with veterinary staff to care for sick animals
• monitor conditions like temperature and humidity
• help to maintain and develop habitats
• assist with data collection for conservation research
• run education workshops and give talks to the public
• supervise trainee keepers, animal care workers and volunteers

You could work at a zoo, at a wildlife park or in an aquarium.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.