Zoo Keeper Courses
A Zoo Keeper cares for animals, maintains enclosures, provides enrichment, conducts presentations, and ensures welfare in zoos or sanctuaries.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
View all courses
How do I become a Zoo Keeper
Get qualified to work as a Zoo Keeper with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
If you love animals the Bachelor of Zoology could launch your career as a zoo keeper, field researcher, author, conservation advocate, and ecologist. This fantastic degree has a number of study majors including animal ecology, applied zoology, natural history, paleobiology, wildlife and conservation.
The program covers: introduction to biology, zoology in practice, organisms and ecosystems, vertebrates and invertebrates, animal behaviour, comparative physiology, and more.
Career opportunities
ACM30321
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Want to work at the zoo or wildlife sanctuary? The Certificate ACM30321 III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care is a pathway to professional and volunteer work as a zoo keeper. Your course begins with an introduction to the safety and biosecurity requirements when working with wild animals. You’ll then learn how to feed and care for the animals, including enrichment activities, capture, restraint, transfer, and monitoring. Enquire now for the full list of zookeeping career competencies and available cou...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Find a provider
ACM20121
Duration
10 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Get started as an animal carer with the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care. This nationally recognised training course qualifies you for support roles at animal shelters, kennels, pet shops, and wildlife centres. The course covers: feeding and watering animals, cleaning pens and enclosures, assisting with animal health care, communicating with co-workers, keeping safe at work, assisting with animal enrichment and welfare, providing animal first aid, basic grooming, and much more. Enquire now for the f...
Career opportunities
Duration
10 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Find a provider
Estimated fee
From $24,819
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The Bachelor of Science (Zoology) focuses on the study of animals and their diverse habitats, from deserts to rainforests. This course offers a deep understanding of animal biology, including structure, function, and evolution. It also covers specialized topics like physiology, behavior, and genetics. This foundational knowledge is crucial for addressing issues in conservation, marine science, and ecosystem management, among other areas.
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $24,819
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
Find a provider
View all
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Zoo Keeper.
Common questions
How do I become a Zoo Keeper?
If you’re planning a career as a Zoo Keeper, consider enrolling in a course such as a Certificate III in Captive Animals. This qualification explores topics like caring for animals, rehabilitating native wildlife and providing educational information to the public.
How much does a Zoo Keeper earn?
In Australia, a full time Zoo Keeper generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Zoo Keeper?
This industry has seen an increase in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 1,200 people employed as a Zoo Keeper in Australia compared to 1,000 five years ago. Zoo Keepers may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly in larger towns and cities where zoos and animal sanctuaries are found.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Choose a field of study
Browse here online for the latest courses in horse care, animal grooming, equestrian sports, veterinary nursing, animal behaviour, and pet shop management.
All courses
Gain practical skills to work in kennels or catteries, providing love, grooming, and safety to animals. Check your funding eligibility and apply today.
Career opportunities
View all
These courses don’t just teach you how to catch and euthanise stray animals, you will learn underpinning state legislation and local government regulations, safety management approaches, and incident response.
Career opportunities
View all
These nationally recognised qualifications will teach you the finer points of animal behaviour and refine your skills in behaviour correction.
Career opportunities
View all
All courses
More information
A Zoo Keeper cares for animals in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, nature parks and aquariums. You might work with a particular kind of animal or you might use your skills across all areas of the animal facility. Zoo Keepers may be involved with feeding and watering animals, cleaning their enclosures and transporting animals when required. You might also get to exercise and train animals and create enrichment activities for them. A Zoo Keeper will also conduct educational presentations for the public.
Zoo Keepers should be passionate about animals and conservation issues. You’ll need to be comfortable with a range of animal species and should be ready for some manual labour tasks. Zoo Keepers should be able to communicate well with the public and with other team members.
Courses by location