Zookeeper
ANZSCO 361114
1,500
37%
64%
31 yrs
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
Salary and some workforce figures are suppressed for this occupation because Jobs and Skills Australia / the ABS do not publish estimates for small populations (typically fewer than 50 employed people) or because the figures have been perturbed for privacy. They are shown as unavailable rather than zero.
About this career
Zookeepers feed, provide water for and monitor the health of animals in zoos, aquaria and wildlife parks, clean, fix and maintain animal cages, and inform visitors about animals.
What they typically do
- Prepares, cleans, disinfects and maintains comfortable cages and enclosures.
- Transports food, fills water troughs and feeds animals according to their individual needs.
- Maintains animal health records, treats minor injuries and reports serious conditions to veterinarians.
- Exercises and plays with animals, answers visitor questions and transfers animals between enclosures by leading or carrying them.
- Dusts and sprays insecticides on animals and immerses them in insecticide baths to control insect pests.
States and territories
Share of workers by location
Qualification pathways
These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Zookeeper.
- View qualification
Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care
ACM30321 · AQF 3 · 8 providers
- View qualification
Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management
ACM40222 · AQF 4 · 3 providers