Zoology & Zookeeping

Images of you astride Noah’s Ark with a parrot on one shoulder and a zebra at your side might be a little out of place but if exotic and interesting animals interest you more than your poor dog then this could be just the right career for you.

Zoology and zookeeping careers both involve studying and caring for animals and aim to create as pronounced an understanding between them and humans as possible.

Zoology concentrates on the scientific study of animals, covering everything from molecular makeup to the reasons behind the survival of certain species and the extinction of others. Zookeepers are more concerned with the day to day caring of the animals and are responsible for the management of the zoo and how it is maintained. 

If you do possess a real interest in animals and science subjects these are both interesting options to look into; that and it sounds more exciting than Arts…

Education
There are no dedicated zoology or zookeeping courses in the CAO system. However, people interested in both subjects should consider a general science course with specialisations in zoology or animal science subjects.

The general science courses at UCD, Trinity, NUIG and UCC have strong zoology elements. The CAO points for these subjects are between 300 and 450. Many other science degrees and higher certificates also include animal science subjects. Check web sites and prospectuses to find a course that suits your requirements.

Students on these courses will take basic science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Biology in their first year and then specialise in subjects concerned with Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Biotechnology, Animal Health, Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare. Other subject options include Evolution, Ecology, Pollution Control & Physiology and Breeding of Animals, depending on the course you choose.

If you are interested in general zoology and animal-related areas, other courses in subjects such as Veterinary Science, Animal Science, Environmental Science, and Agricultural Science are also worthwhile options.

Options after Qualification
People with qualifications in zoology or animal science subjects have a number of careers from which to choose. Specialised zoology and zookeeping roles are not very widespread in Ireland, and some graduates decide to move abroad to pursue their careers. Others may decide on academic, teaching or research careers either in Ireland or overseas.

People with animal science or zoology qualifications are also sought after in agriculture, fish farming, environmental science, wildlife conservation and environmental management sectors.

Zoology postgraduates are more likely to study for a Masters in further research than take a taught course, due to the specialised nature of the subject.

The Work
Zoologists study animals for a living. This can mean travelling long distances to remote locations to observe near-extinct animals in their natural habitat, or it can mean spending years in a laboratory undertaking careful research work on rats and mice. Animal breeding patterns, disease resistance or how animals adapt to new habitats are all possible zoology research topics. Zoologists can also work as consultants for zoo managers, aid agencies, national governments, pharmaceutical companies, environmental managers, animal feed manufacturers and even the media.

Zookeepers generally work closely with the animals in a zoo or wildlife park. A typical day involves cleaning out enclosures, preparing food, and looking after the animals’ bedding and water needs. Zookeepers monitor and record details of the animals’ health, diet and behaviour, while also answering queries from visitors and ensuring that compounds are secure. They may work closely with zoo managers and other animal experts on conservation, reproduction and research projects. Many zookeepers specialise in one particular species.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
Just as a chef should love food, zoologists and zookeepers should love animals. A certain amount of detachment should exist however in order to maintain professionalism.

Proficiency in maths and science is necessary in the zoology realm, while zookeepers should be attentive and observant. A common trait for both careers should be good communicative skills.

Most modern zoologists spend a good deal of their time in a laboratory environment yet overseas travel could be called for, depending on the species they are studying. Zookeepers usually spend most of their time on-site at the zoo or wildlife park where they work.

The Money
While it is difficult to predict accurately, zoologists’ earnings are generally similar to other scientists, with salaries starting at around €22,000 a year, rising to €30,000 after five years’ experience. Zookeepers’ salaries are a little less.

Jargon
Range: The geographic area or spatial distribution in which a species is normally found
Beta Diversity: A measure of the variety of organisms in a region. Beta diversity is influenced by the turnover of species among habitats.
Extinct: A species that has died out completely, e.g. the dodo, a clumsy, flightless bird from the Indian Ocean, hunted to extinction by humans and other invasive species (e.g. dogs) in the 17th century
Evolution: The way species adapt and change to suit their environment over long periods of time
Ornithology: The study of birds

Job Titles
Zoologist
Zookeeper
Animal Scientist
Ornithologist
Animal Technician

Further Resources
Dublin Zoo
Phoenix Park
Dublin 8
Phone: 01 474 8900
Email: info@dublinzoo.ie
Web: www.dublinzoo.ie

Natural History Museum
Merrion Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 1890 687 386
Email: education@museum.ie
Web: www.museum.ie

Fota Wildlife Park
Carrigtwohill
Co. Cork
Phone: 021 4812678
Web: www.fotawildlife.ie
Email: info@fotawildlife.ie

Zoology Department
Trinity College
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 896 1366
Web: www.tcd.ie
Email: fimolony@mail.tcd.ie