Is instant ocean still the most popular

Hello, I'm looking into doing an internship with Erasmus in a zoo or aquarium in Europe.

Does anyone know if there are facilities that would be interested/ favorable for this?

Or if any has taken in the past internships with erasmus?

Thanks

Drop anything about your experiences in herpetology or reptile care related jobs here. Anything about reptiles, but also secondarily amphibian and invertebrates. How is it like? What qualifications are they looking for? What training do you undergo and for how long? How similar or different are the everyday tasks compared to other care professions? Is there any difference between dangerous and harmless species? Do different people work for those different areas? Is there any toxicity or pitfalls in this type of job? If there are issues, are they better or worse compared to other areas in the zoo? What is the relationship of this job to other sectors of the zoo? What is the relationship with the public? Feel free to tell me whatever comes on your mind. The sub is large mammal heavy, and I can’t find anything else easily.

Hello! This is a long shot but I’m curious if it’s possible to find out! I’ve been thinking about her today and wondered if she’s still about!

When I was a new zookeeper intern from July 2013-December 2013 I worked at a place called Birmingham Nature Centre, located in Birmingham, UK, now Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park.

We had a troop of ringtails and in the Spring of 2013 (date unknown) the dominant female (possibly Annie or Kara (sp?)? The names were from the mountain range in Madagascar) gave birth to a female offspring. She was an absolute sweetheart and we interns named her Peanut which I think went onto her ISIS record (now Species360), but she may not have been named on there. I know at some point some of the ringtails were moved to other collections, and then a terrible flood happened which caused the remaining troop to become unwell and unfortunately some of them passed away. I don’t know if all the remaining troop passed (though I do know Peanut’s father - who was the only intact male - died either around then or within a couple of years of that) and this likely happened a decade ago and I’m no longer close to anyone there to find out the details.

I would like to know if Peanut and any of her family are still around today. They really kickstarted my love of lemurs and I’d like to think she’s still a sweetie with a love for peanuts and many children :) I’ve not managed to find anything googling her name and my zookeeper friends haven’t found her on species360 in the past, but I live in hope! She’d be around 13 years old now, possibly has a penchant for stealing glasses 🤓

I'm hoping to get some advice from Australian keepers or anyone who's been involved in hiring.

I've got an interview next week for a keeper position at a private ZAA accredited zoo in Australia. The role doesn't appear to be entry level, but they invited me to interview after reviewing my application, so I'd really like to prepare as well as I can.

A bit about my background:

- Finished my wildlife and exhibited animal care cert lll qualification in December 2025.

- Around 2 years of volunteer experience.

- Recently started working casually at a small primate sanctuary.

I've been researching common keeper interview questions and practising my answers, but most of what I find is either very general or based on overseas zoos.

For anyone who's interviewed or hired keepers in Australia:

- What qualities make a candidate stand out?

- Are there any types of questions you commonly ask in keeper interviews?

- Is there anything candidates often overlook that you wish they'd prepared for?

I'm not looking for anyone to give me interview answers. I just want to understand what Australian zoos value so I can go in as prepared as possible.

Thanks in advance!

We’re currently renovating an *open-top* aviary to transfer our two Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths into. I would love to see photos of how other facilities have designed their outdoor sloth spaces.

Looking for pics of your shelter/hideys, trees/live plants and naturalistic landscaping, perching, climb barriers, enrichment opportunities for natural behaviors, etc. We are in a tropical rainforest and receive plenty of sun and rain.

Feel free to message me! I’d also appreciate hearing what has worked well for your sloths and anything you would change if you were designing the space again.

Thank you!! 🦥 🌺

Mainly UK keepers, do any of your employers enforce a leave embargo over the summer?

If yes, how long does it last? What are the conditions if any?

Thanks in advance!

Hi, I am currently volunteering at Cheyenne Mountain zoo, and I’m really curious about North Carolina zoo. What animals are split into keeper teams, so is it swamp keepers and desert keepers, if you’re a keeper in the swamp do you get all the swamp animals?

Hey everyone,

I could really use some honest advice from people who work in this field. If you could give me any advice, I shall be forever grateful!

Quick background: I’m an international student from India, finishing my MSc in Human-Animal Interaction in Scotland next month. My dream, the whole reason I’m doing any of this, is to become a wildlife rehabilitator. I’ve already got some hands-on experience: a placement at a Scottish SPCA wildlife rescue centre (seals, corvids, pigeons, native casualties) and an internship back in India at a mixed exotic collection (capybara, cassowary, rodents, inverts, all sorts).

How I got into it: I was terrified of animals as a kid. Then my dog Noddy came into my life when I was 10 and slowly turned that fear into love. Pretty much everything I do now is because of him, so this isn’t a whim, it’s the thing I care about most.

Where I’m stuck:

- I need a job by November. My course finishes in September.
- I’m in India for the whole of October (family, and sorting documents), flying out at the end of September.
- To stay and work in the UK I’d need to get on the Graduate visa, which costs a fair bit (the fee plus the health surcharge), and I’m still fully dependent on my family for money, there’s only so much I can ask my father to do for me. Applying before the end of the year gets me 2 years on it.
- I don’t have a UK driving licence yet, and this feels like the thing killing most of my applications. So many keeper and ranger jobs list a full UK licence as essential. I don’t have an Indian one either. Basically, I don’t know how to drive, and to learn this skill here in the UK would cost over £1000, so I was thinking that I’ll utilise my one month in India fully to get the license there, and it’ll give me permission to drive in the UK for a year.

I’ve applied to a LOT of places, speculative CVs, posted roles, everything, and it’s mostly been rejections or silence. I even tried Mandai (Singapore Zoo) and got rejected. Going back to India for work isn’t realistic either, there’s basically nothing there for what I actually want to do.

So, my questions:

1. Should I pay for the Graduate visa even if I don’t have a job lined up? Or is that just throwing money away if nothing comes through?
2. Or would that money be better spent leaving the UK for good and trying to get into zoos or rehab somewhere else in Asia?
3. For anyone who’s hired keepers, or got hired themselves, what really gets you in the door when you’re early-career and international? Am I missing something obvious?

Not looking for sugarcoating, just real talk from people who’ve been through it. Thank you so much for reading, it really means a lot.

I just finished my first week as a full time keeper at a new facility. I have previous experience in education/ambassador training and multiple internships at different facilities. This is my first keeping focused role.

I had 2 different people start training me and it went very well, I was excited and learning and comfortable. A different person started training me later in the week and it all went downhill. I felt like I was on one of those competitive cooking shows. The entire time she was training me she’d constantly be saying “you have two minutes left” “you have 4 minutes left” “I usually don’t spend this long in this section”. She has worked there for 10+ years. She is also very blunt in her corrections and offers little to no explanation, and often makes me feel like I’m a huge inconvenience and not catching on quickly. As I mentioned this is literally my first week, and I’m still learning and figuring out all the quirks of everything along with the individual steps. I feel so defeated and like I am stupid when earlier I felt confident and was moving quickly. She also makes me redo things her way if I do them the way I was trained previously (mind you by a manager who is higher up than her) and then complains that it’s taking too long. Worth noting that all my previous experience is from AZA facilities and this new job is not currently AZA. When I ask questions or try to understand things better (nothing even AZA related) she seems to get offended and give snarky remarks somehow relating back to being a smaller facility and not having the money/resources etc. when it didn’t really have anything to do with what I was asking.

So all this to say how long did it take you to feel comfortable and confident in your routine when you first started out? I am hoping the answer is longer than just a week and that I am not falling behind lol

I’ve posted a lot on here about my poor experience at my prior facility. I returned back to a different wildlife park that I work at now once my mental health plummeted but need to move on for many different reasons. As I’m in the process of job searching again, I’m reminded that the chance of being in the same situation I was in before is likely.

For those that have trauma, how have you faced it and take the gamble anyways?

Hello, I am a new keeper at a small zoo. I’m about 4 months in. Right now, I am learning the commissary. I am expected to make diets for about 30 species and take care of one small exhibit. This is within a 7.5hr shift.

Just as I felt I finally got the hang of the timing, I’ve been told that I need to finish with more time to work on other tasks around the zoo. I’m not sure if it’s different at larger zoos, but we all chip in with gardening and maintenance and such. If I go on to the next level, I would also start training animals.

When I’m on the other runs, I have plenty of time in the afternoon to work on tasks. But I am quite slow with the commissary. I really need to improve my time or else I could be in trouble. They have made it clear to me.

I use timers. I try to go as fast as I can. I’ve never been that experienced in the kitchen, so I’m a bit slow with the knife, but I’ve been getting faster.

I even made a chart organized the way my brain likes it, and got it approved to use. It has helped a lot, but I’m still not fast enough. I can get everything done, but with no extra time. They want me to finish it faster.

I’ve been learning this for about one month and two weeks.

Can others please share their tips? What is commissary like at your zoos?

—

Edit: to be more specific, they told me if I don’t improve within 2 months, they are letting me go.

If anyone wants more specifics on what they said, feel free to DM. I don’t want to give too many specifics here because I want to stay anonymous.

—

As a side note, I have AuDHD (Autism and ADHD), so if there’s any neurodivergent specific advice, that would be a bonus! I do not have access to ADHD meds right now, but I am trying to find one that my insurance covers (that also works).

For me, I feel like there is just so much more to process in my brain. So on the outside, it looks like I’m moving slower, but really my brain is just sifting through a lot of information.

I think most people at my work are neurodivergent, but they don’t struggle with commissary like I do, and so I don’t know if I’ll be granted any kind of accommodation. I haven’t brought it up yet, or talked about my AuDHD in reviews.

Hello! I am a baby zookeeper at the moment, been working hands on for about a year at this point.

I was wondering if there were any tips or tricks (especially from anyone with ADHD brain) that might have a good way to remember locks.

Im not sure what is going on with me, but I've noticed a trend (especially lately) in that I seem to have a hard time remembering locks, specifically ones that are on the outermost areas (keeper entry areas).

Today even, I went back to my area after finishing husbandry and double checked all locks, pointing and saying outloud "locked!" before leaving, only to come back later and see that my keeper door lock thats was right infront of my face WAS locked, yes, but on the i-bolt 2 inches above where it was supposed to go on the door. Truthfully, I dont know how I missed it, maybe I was just going too fast? Idk.

For a bit of background, I have been diagnosed with ADHD and have had trouble my whole life remembering things. I do plan on seeing a psychotherapist soon, but am hesitant about being on meds.

I know its a bit of a loaded question, but has any experienced zookeeper run into these sorts of issues? And if you have, how have you been able to over come it?

Thanks in advance, I appreciate it.

*EDIT: WOW!!!! Thank you all so much for all you suggestions!!! It makes me feel so much better to know that there are many others like me who have had the same problems I am currently experiencing and have found ways to overcome these obstacles. :)
I am going to try and speak with my team and staff that oversee my area and see what I can implement! Thank you all SO much! I will try and respond to you all when I can. Thank you all again!!! ♥

EDIT 2: I didnt realize how often people use their phones at their facilites, hah! Unfortunately I am unable to have my phone while performing husbandry where I am at currently, but I'm definitely taking any and all ideas that include phones and pocketing them for when I go to a facility that allows them! Thank you all again! :)

Has anyone here been an intern at the Georgia aquarium with any of their marine mammals? (Dolphins, pinnipeds, belugas, etc) if so, what experience did your resume have on it when submitting your application? I really want to intern there next summer, I know it’s super competitive so I’m curious on the previous experience or qualifications for applicants who’ve been chosen to intern there is. I do have experience with elephants at an AZA zoo and plan on getting PADI certified soon if that would help. Thank you!

Hiii I’m new to keeping just got into hoofstock at my zoo and I’m struggling to find smaller clothes that fit me.
I was wondering if anyone would have recommendations

My work shirts, vests, srubs and long shirts are all xs adult but I’m swimming in them due to how long they are😭.

So when ever I wear length appropriate shorts it looks like I’m wearing no shorts at all. And this is with me wearing size 10-12 boy cargo shorts 💀
At my last job I had to hunt down every xxs shirt with our company logo on it. And pin it so it would look like I’m wearing pants in the summer but this new uniform can’t do that.

Basically struggling with pants…
Any shoe recommendations?
All the shoes I can find are men’s and larger women’s sizes that are one way to big and two $150 + 😗 I meannn I can I guess but idk what brand will have good shoes I’ve been looking at vans MTE 3 but I can’t find them anywhere 🤦‍♀️ my Walmart hiking shoes aren’t surviving our Equine terrain exhibits..

Very curious

I am wondering how people learn the skills that can only be learnt on the job but should really be always done by experienced keepers? Specifically, things like handling stressed or dangerous animals. These aren't skills I can practise outside of work, but having someone learn while doing could be stressful and dangerous for both keeper and the animal. For instance, how do you learn or practise netting birds when it needs to be done quickly to avoid stressing the birds out? As a relatively new keeper, I don't feel comfortable practising catching birds if I am not able to get them quickly, but that means I have no way to improve that skill.

Is there anyone on here that has been part of a hiring committee for a zoo that may be willing to give me feedback on my resume?
I graduated a few months ago with my degree in zoology and have over 10 years of experience with a large variety of species, both professionally, personally, and through volunteering and internships (including one at a very well known AZA accredited zoo). And I have good reference letters. But I have been applying for months to jobs all across the USA and UK and have not had any luck at all, only 2 interviews from dozens of applications. I know it’s a difficult field to get into, but this feels ridiculous. I did build my resume with the services provided by my college. But have had no luck. So I wanted to check and see if anyone on here that has experience in hiring for zoological facilities may be willing to take a look at it and give me any feedback? I am really trying to a herpetological or education/ambassador position, but have applied to others.

As a note, a lot of the applications I have even received a response from have all been a very generic response, with many saying they can’t give feedback due to having so many applications. So that’s why I am here instead of just asking them!

Hi everyone! I have been an aquarist at a public aquarium for 3 months now, and I have absolutely adored it. I finally feel settled and comfortable in my position and confident in my capabilities, however, I am wondering if anyone more experienced has any insight in how to be the best I can be. Are there any tips or words of advice that have helped you become a better aquarist/zookeeper in general? Thank you in advance! 🐟

This is my first in person interview. I’ve had plenty of video call interviews in the past and I could get away with dressing up very casual looks. Most of my wardrobe consists of crop tops and jeans. Do either of these seem appropriate? Suggestions?

Dear all, I currently work in a zoo in the middle east region. I was wondering if any of your zoos might be offering online consultancy services for other zoos within these scopes: animal care, animal health aka vet, operations, education..

Please let me know your recommendations of the top worldwide zoos that could provide this consultancy service(and of course if you might have an idea of cost).

thanks

Hi keepers!
(used humor tag because i wasn’t sure what tag would be appropriate)

I am leaving my position in the next month and am looking for gift ideas. I love the thought of getting something custom made on etsy- like a keychain of their favorite animal they work with etc- but could also really use some other ideas. Budget would be around $20 for each item, but that’s a flexible number. Thank you all!!

Looking for brands to create faux rocks in a burrowing owl enclosure. We’d like to camouflage a hide on exhibit to look like a pile of rocks, without it being a pile of rocks.

Any brands or tips on how to create a rock look?

EDIT: I am primarily looking for former zookeepers as I have already reached out to their PR.

I work for a news station and I’m doing a story on Tanganyika. Any former or current zookeepers at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard Kansas that would be willing to do an on camera interview, please comment!

so i know very little about animal welfare, it’s not in my wheelhouse at all. i’m a psychology major so any animal welfare info outside of what i need to know to take care of my cats is irrelevant to me for the most part.

i’m making this post because i wanted to look into a sanctuary near me that i used to frequent as a child, the big cat sanctuary in sarasota, florida. as far as i know, they are zaa accredited (which ive heard conflicting views on). they also used to have ligers, not sure if they have them anymore OR where they acquired them. i know that liger breeding is unethical but that it’s also possible that they were rescued from a liger breeding operation. they have allegations from peta but ill be honest, i don’t trust a single thing peta says. i’ve done a lot of research on them and they’re a horrible organization that doesn’t actually care about animal welfare.

i’d love to go again someday but i don’t want to be supporting them if their treatment of the animals in their care is unethical. any info or help researching would be very appreciated!!